Korean Skincare 101: The Fall Edit

Korean skincare isn’t new — but it keeps reinventing itself, season after season. This fall, K-Beauty is everywhere again, from Sephora shelves to TikTok #shelfies. But with 12-step routines, snail mucin serums, and “glass skin” promises… where do you even start?

The Hero Steps Worth Keeping

• Essence: That lightweight, hydrating layer that preps your skin like primer for makeup. Think of it as the warm-up before the workout.

• Sheet Masks: Not every day, but when you need a boost. Yes, they look creepy. No, we don’t care.

• Snail Mucin: It’s not gross, it’s glow. Science says it hydrates and may help with healing. Bruises? Maybe not — but we’re intrigued.

• SPF, Always: Not uniquely Korean, but universally required.

What You Can Skip
Not every trend is worth a bathroom shelf takeover. 17 toners? You don’t need them.

The Mildly Invasive POV
We love that K-beauty is playful but powerful. It’s skincare with receipts (aka science) and rituals that actually feel good. Just don’t stress about doing it “perfectly” — beauty should be fun, not homework. And if you’re recovering from a tweak or a peel, hydration is your best friend.

Bottom Line: This fall, K-Beauty is less about clutter, more about glow. Pick a few rituals that spark joy and leave the rest.