Layering: the famous Korean beauty ritual
for flawless skin!
K-beauty rose to fame largely on the back of the Hallyu wave. But another phenomenon has truly stood out: Korean layering, the 10-step beauty routine that transforms your skin.
The K-Beauty philosophy
What is Korean layering?
Layering is a beauty ritual that comes straight from South Korea. Far from being a mere trend, it is a skincare philosophy rooted in Korean culture for generations. The principle is simple: apply products one on top of the other, from the lightest to the richest, so that each layer prepares your skin to absorb the next.
The goal is clear: balanced, deeply hydrated, healthy skin — what Korean women call glass skin, that luminous, translucent complexion the whole world dreams of.
“Layering is the belief that skin deserves time, patience and the right care — layer after layer.”
The K-beauty philosophyFlexibility & adaptability
A ritual suited to every skin type
One of the great strengths of Korean layering is its flexibility. Whether you have dry skin, oily skin, sensitive skin or acne-prone skin, you can tailor each step to your specific needs.
You don't need to follow all 10 steps from day one. Start with 3 to 4 essential products, then build up your routine gradually according to your skin's needs.
The complete method
Korean layering in 10 steps
Each step prepares your skin to receive the benefits of the next. The golden rule: always apply from the most liquid to the richest product.
The Korean routine always begins with a double cleanse. Remove makeup, SPF and surface impurities with an oil-based product.
After removing your makeup, a gentle cleanser with a suitable pH (~5.5) clears away residue without drying out or tightening the skin.
BHAs penetrate the pores, AHAs work on the surface. Use 2 to 3 times a week only.
Toner rebalances the pH after cleansing. Essence, which is more concentrated, boosts cellular hydration and speeds up skin renewal — the most distinctively Korean step.
A serum targets one specific concern: dark spots, acne, dehydration, dullness... Its ultra-fine molecules penetrate deep into the skin.
The icon of K-beauty. Soaked in concentrated serum, a sheet mask creates an occlusive effect that drives the active ingredients deep into the skin in 20 minutes.
Shop our Korean masksThe skin around the eyes is the thinnest on the face. A dedicated treatment applied with your ring finger helps prevent wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness.
Shop our eye careMoisturiser seals in all the previous layers and keeps your skin supple all day long. A light gel for oily skin, a rich cream for dry skin.
UV rays are the leading cause of premature ageing and dark spots. On Reunion Island, SPF 50+ PA++++ is essential all year round — even on cloudy days.
- Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser COSRX — pH 5.5 cleanser
- Peach 77% Niacin Essence Toner ANUA — hydrating toner + essence
- Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum ANUA — targeted serum
- Air Fit UV Defense Sun Cream BENTON SPF50+ — lightweight sun protection
- The complete beginner's guide to Korean layering 2026 →
- Korean layering goes from the most liquid product to the richest — always in that order.
- Start with 3 to 4 steps and build up gradually according to your skin's needs.
- Exfoliation and sheet masks aren't daily steps: 2 to 3 times a week is enough.
- On Reunion Island, SPF50+ is essential all year round — the most important step in your routine.
Find every product for each step of your routine in our selection of Korean facial skincare. Annyeong! 안녕!
