K-Beauty Skincare Routine: The Case Full of Seoul

K-Beauty has taken the skincare industry by storm and has quickly become mainstream in North America. There are countless products to choose from and a never-ending stream of tutorials and reviews.

While vacationing in Asia I saw huge shopping centers dedicated to achieving beautiful skin but many people (myself included) have no idea where to start or what actually works. Thankfully Umma Beauty has meticulously curated a selection of the best Korean creams, serums, toners and masks to take your skincare routine to the next level.

As many of you know, K-Beauty is all about using a multi-step layering approach and this beautiful hibiscus case contains 8 core products that target common skincare concerns.

There are also 4 specific beauty plans to get you through the week including: Morning Glory, The Sleeping Beauty (nightly ritual), Get Ready With Me and Spa Sunday which I used yesterday after the Thanksgiving long-weekend.

Step 1 is always the 9 Wishes Rice Foaming Cleanser with micro-ground rice powder that gently exfoliates dead skin and rinses away impurities. The nutritious ingredients leave skin bright, refreshed and smooth with no residue or tightness – perfect for dry winter days.

Step 2 is also the same for each routine. It includes the travel-size May Coop Raw Sauce Toner composed of 93% maple tree sap, natural moisturizers, organic grain extract, herbs, vitamins and humectants. I’ve never used a toner quite like it. The consistency is similar to a nourishing serum yet it abolishes dirt, absorbs excess oil, eliminates bacteria, prevents blemishes and protects against free-radical damage without causing dryness.

Step 3 in each beauty plan is always the Urang True Rose Repair Essence Serum with essential oils, vitamins C and A, jojoba and organic floral water. This is an intense hydrating glow complex that plumps and rejuvenates dull, dehydrated skin so it appears youthful and radiant. The formula absorbs quickly and penetrates deeply with anti-inflammatory properties that soothe and protect. Due to its natural composition free of fragrances, synthetics, chemicals and preservatives, it must be used within 6 months.

After applying the serum Step 4 is usually the May Coop Raw Moisturizer containing 70% maple tree sap, baobab extract, cactus and a long list of fruits, cloves and botanical ingredients that deeply moisturize and replenish for 24 hours. The velvety formula is rich, lightweight and non-greasy with healing components that seem to minimize scars and discoloration. My skin looks supple, fortified and completely renewed so I use it morning and night to maintain a dewy glow.

If you’re enjoying a spa day at home, Step 4 would be the I Woke Up Like This All-In-One Sheet Mask instead of the moisturizer (the mask provides enough hydration on its own). After a busy week or long flight, this concentrated treatment revitalizes the complexion with a combination of pearl powder, vitamin C and niacinamide to brighten, tighten, soften, hydrate and restore elasticity.

When you’re getting ready for bed, apply the Tov Camellia Wrinkle Free Eye Solution before moisturizer. Infused with shea butter, niacin, guava, star fruit, lime, elderberry and macadamia oil, the balm hydrates, plumps, blurs fine lines and reduces puffiness. It also helps lighten dark circles while protecting against UV damage so you look well rested. The syringe applicator makes it easy to target problem areas and the cream stays where you put it.

If you’re heading out for the day, apply the Touch In Sol No Pore Blem Primer prior to toner, serum moisturizer and makeup. This might be one of the best primers I’ve ever used! The gel is light, supple and silky with no slick silicones or shine. It shrinks pores, evens skin texture, fills lines and creates a protective anti-pollution barrier. My makeup looks flawless and the vegan friendly, cruelty-free formula contains no parabens, sulfates or phthalates so it is definitely a keeper!

Last but not least in the night and spa regimes is the luscious Urang Vitamin Oil Serum packed with antioxidants, essential fatty acids, jojoba, lavender, myrrh, frankincense and rosehip oil. This lush elixir regenerates, strengthens, softens and hydrates so you awake to a dewy, youthful glow. It also works wonders on other parts of the body like dry heels, elbows, hands and cuticles.

The Case is valued at $345.00 but retails for $159.00 at Costco.