For almost anyone, this would seem like a daunting task, but for a guy who has no history in beauty, this was mind boggling. Getting up an hour earlier in the morning to take on 10 beauty steps, of which none are natural to myself, nor do I have any knowledge of the products I’m trying, but I love a challenge and this certainly seems like one.

Warning Of Other Routines

I researched a large number of lists, highlighting slight subtle differences, but the majority followed a logical order. The one mistake I thought many were making was including an exfoliator. This is a routine that takes place each day, however an exfoliator shouldn’t be done more than 2-3 times per week, as it will cause irritation. I therefore used a facial exfoliator before the process started and then left it for the week.

The Steps:

1. Oil Based Cleanser: This can help to remove make-up from the skin, as well as any pollutants that can build-up. I enjoyed the Alpha-H Liquid Laser Cleansing Oil.
2. Foam Based Cleanser: Because one cleanse apparently doesn’t remove everything. I used the highly reputable Dermalogica foaming cleanser.
3. Toner: The jury is still out on the true value of toner’s for many, but the argument is it helps to balance pH levels, preventing the skin going dry. I LOVED the Pixi Glow Tonic.
4. Essence: Now we’re moving more towards hydration, in a lightweight formula. Look for one with hyaluronic acid. If you have the money, you might want to go for the one by Jurlique, but on a budget I went for a BodyShop option.
5. Emulsion: This will create a bit of a sheen on the skin, that magical glow, with botanical ingredients. Be aware that if you have oily skin then this may be a step too far.
6. Serum: These are great for dark spots and wrinkles, while I wanted one with Vitamin C, so I chose the Vonza Serum.
7. Sheet Mask: These pack a strong punch of serum, while potentially containing antioxidants. I’ve recently written about the sheet masks I’ve tried.
8. Eye Cream: Another dubious item (some argue they are glorified moisturisers), these are used as the skin below the eyes are thinner and more delicate. I used the Shiseido eye cream.
9. Moisturiser: No words needed here, you can opt for your usual, but following some advice from an MUA, I went for the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Skin Cream.
10. SPF: This should only be done if you are doing the process in the morning, as you shouldn’t layer on sun tan lotion in the evening. It’s important to use something that protects against UVA and UVB.

The Process:

• First rub the oil cleanser into the face.
• Wash the face and dab dry softly with a towel
• Apply the foam based cleanser, the wash off and dab dry with a towel again
• Apply the toner to a cotton wool pad and dab softly to the face
• Add the essence to your hand, then softly touch onto the face
• Add the emulsion to your face
• The serum you place on your fingers and rub into the face
• Next is the longest part of the whole process, as you apply a sheet mask for 15-20 minutes
• After you take off the sheet mask, you apply a thin layer of eye cream below the eyes. Be careful when applying as the area of skin is sensitive
• Apply the moisturiser like normal.
• Your final step is to get SPF on your skin, so how you apply depends on what form of sun protection you have bought. I opted for a spray which I aimed at the face, as it was thinner, considering how much was already being applied.

The Results

After one week of doing the 10 step Korean skincare routine, I was relatively happy, but I struggled to find the true value in each step. The people I worked with highlighted that my face had a natural glow and it was noticeably different. Personally I felt it made me look a bit too shiny.

I gained a couple of blemishes on my forehead on the second day, but they were gone by day 4 and a completely clean face for the rest of the time.

It took about 50 minutes on the first go, but once I got into the swing of it, it took 35 mins to get it done. The longest part of the process was certainly the sheet mask, but I quite enjoyed spending that time in the morning relaxing.

Would I recommend it? Possibly not, however there are certain aspects which I enjoyed and would happily recommend to others. I think the serum has an appeal with an anti-ageing focus, while I’m a lot more aware of the damage sun rays can cause even when it’s cloudy. I reckon it’s worth everyone giving it a try at some point, but then taking away the parts that brought the best results.