How I Got My Morning Skincare Routine Down to 10 Minutes…

In Korea, I worked later in the day and always took time for a long morning routine. Now, I leave my house at 6.40am and do NOT have the ability to get up at 5.45am simply to fit in a multi-step routine. So, I was faced with the challenge of getting my routine down to around 10 minutes. And somehow, I’ve done it! Please bear in mind, I don’t have children or other things in my life to be concerned with in the morning, and I appreciate a lot of you guys may not have it this simple. Here’s what I do.

(A lot of these products were gifted to me by companies at various times- they are included here simply because I use them frequently. Gifted products are highlighted by an asterisk)

Cleansing

I keep my morning cleanse quick and gentle. I’m currently using any of these three cleansers with lukewarm water:

Cosrx Low pH First Cleansing Milk Gel*

Erborian Cleansing Creme* (review here)

Oxygenceuticals Cleansing Milk* – this is a super moisturizing option, and one I imagine those with particularly dry skin would appreciate.

If I get up a few minutes later than intended, I grab my Hygee All-in-One Care Cleansing Water* and give my face a quick swipe with a cotton pad instead, but I do prefer to wash with water.

Toner

Mists have become a HUGE part of my routine, because they’re fast, hydrate my skin, and the fine liquid quickly absorbs. They also prep skin well for additional steps:

Cosrx Cooling Aqua Facial Mist*

Cosrx Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner*

Sooae Revitalizing Rose Mist*

Pyunkang Yul Mist Toner*

107 Rose Vinegar Water*- this is slightly more moisturizing than those above.

Essence

This is a step I either don’t take at all, or instead of moisturizer, as these are both moisturizing options:

Atoclassic Real Tonic Soothing Origin Essence* (review here)

Dr Jart Ceramidin Liquid Moisturizing Toner (full review here)

Moisturizer

This is a step I found particularly difficult for the morning, because it simply has to absorb super fast so I can apply my sunscreen. It took some trial and error but now I’ve got some solid choices:

Nuxe Nuxellence Eclat*

Eleven Huesday Extra Clear Cream* – see this post for more info on this cream, as well the Iunik & Tiam mentioned below.

Iunik Centella Calming Gel Cream*

Tiam Face Guard Cream*

Venn Age-Reversing All-in-One Concentrate* – this is wildly expensive but such a great daily product.

Dr Jart Ceramidin Serum (full review here)

Sunscreen

Previously I didn’t mind waiting for a sunscreen to absorb, but now it has to be a very quick dry down time so I can get on with my makeup. These are my go-to options for the early mornings:

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+ PA++++ – be aware of how high the alcohol content is in this.

Kose Suncut UV Protect Gel SPF50+ PA++++- I think this is the full name but it’s all in Japanese and I no longer have the original packaging. It’s the Jasmine special edition version. Apologies!

Sampar Mineral Soft’n’Protect Sun Cream* – sadly this is an Asia exclusive, but it’s amazing and the only mineral sunscreen I rely on.

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I’ve also found it comes down to the structure of getting ready. Here’s how I do it:

1. Wake up. Immediately cleanse face.

2. Apply mist, essence and moisturizer, with roughly a minute between each while sorting out my work bag.

3. While moisturizer is absorbing, go brush my teeth.

4. Back to bedroom, apply sunscreen.

5. Get dressed and sort everything else while sunscreen is drying down. Up until this point, this has all taken about 13 minutes in total.

6. Apply makeup (got a 10 minute makeup routine now too).

7. Put on coat and leave the house! 

I think organisation and having a structured routine has really helped!

What does your morning routine look like?