If you dream of glowing and deeply hydrated skin, you’re going to want to check out Korean skincare—if you haven’t already. During this week’s 59 Seconds of Beauty, we’re discovering content creator/skincare enthusiast Marc Jenric Capulong‘s K-beauty-inspired routine, as well as the Korean skincare products he uses to boost his skin health. Capulong has been a fan of skincare for almost a decade, building an expertise, and he now swears by Korean skincare because of the results he’s personally seen.

@ellecanada Is this the perfect Korean skincare routine for flawless, radiant skin? If you dream of glowing and deeply hydrated skin, you’re going to want to check out Korean skincare #ELLE59sec #koreanskincare #skincareroutine #kbeauty #kbeautyskincare #koreanskincareroutine ♬ original sound – ELLE CANADA

But what sets Korean skincare apart from other more traditional skincare routines? In North America, typical skincare routines tend to focus on solving issues as they arise, like breakouts or wrinkles. Korean skincare (and skincare routines from other parts of Asia), on the other hand, is all about prevention. Its philosophy is to maintain healthy, glowing skin by treating it with care before problems occur. This proactive approach is why many K-Beauty products are designed to nourish, hydrate and protect the skin from everyday stressors like pollution and UV rays.

Multi-Step Routine

A hallmark of Korean skincare is the iconic multi-step routine, which can range from five to 10 steps. While this might seem overwhelming at first, each step has a specific purpose—from cleansing and exfoliating to toning, treating and moisturizing. It’s all about layering products for maximum hydration and targeting different concerns, rather than relying on a single product to do it all.

Step 1: Double Cleansing

The first step of the routine is to remove impurities, excess oil and makeup through double cleansing. Start with an oil-based cleanser that effectively dissolves makeup and pollution residue. Then, use a gel cleanser to remove any remaining residue while deeply cleansing your skin. The result? Fresh skin that’s ready to absorb the next products you apply.

Manyo Cleansing Oil

Manyo Factory Pure Cleansing Oil ($19.50)

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Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil ($23.77)

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Pyunkang Yul Cleansing Oil

Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil ($25.19)

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SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam ($17.99)

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Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser

Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser ($23.99)

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Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel

Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Soft Cleansing Gel ($16.96)

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Step 2: Toner

Toner is essential for restoring your skin after cleansing. It can hydrate, rebalance and prepare the skin to better absorb the next steps in your routine. Tip: Choose a gentle, hydrating toner to bring a healthy glow to your complexion.

MEDIHEAL Vitamide Toner Pads

MEDIHEAL Vitamide Brightening Toner Pads ($29.50)

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Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner

Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner ($33.50)

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[I'm From] Rice Toner

I'm From Rice Toner ($30)

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Step 3: Serum

Serums are your ally for addressing specific skin concerns, whether that be dark spots, dehydration or wrinkles. Whatever your concern, there’s a serum for you. Apply it after the essence so that the active ingredients can penetrate deep into the skin and work effectively.

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule ($28.19)

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Beauty of Joseon Calming Serum Green Tea Panthenol Soothing

Beauty of Joseon Calming Serum Green Tea Panthenol Soothing ($24.98)

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Pyunkang Yul Calming Moisture Serum

Pyunkang Yul Calming Moisture Serum ($13.49)

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Step 4: Moisturizer

To lock in all the hydration from the previous steps, apply a moisturizer suited to your skin type. It acts as a protective barrier while keeping the skin soft and supple.

anua heartleaf 70 intense calming cream

Anua Heartleaf 70 Intense Calming Cream ($36.92)

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Pyunkang Yul Calming Moisture Barrier Cream

Pyunkang Yul Calming Moisture Barrier Cream ($19.99)

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[I'm From] Rice Cream

I'm From Rice Cream ($22.90)

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Step 5: Sunscreen

Never leave the house without sun protection! Daily application of sunscreen (SPF) as part of your morning skincare routine is the best way to prevent premature aging and damage caused by UV rays on the skin. Choose a minimum SPF 30 to protect your skin—and don’t forget to reapply when you can.

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream SPF50+ ($23.69)

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Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Pure Mineral Relief Daily Sunscreen, SPF50+

Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Pure Mineral Relief Daily Sunscreen SPF50+ ($19.99)

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SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Air-fit Suncream Light

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Air-fit Suncream Light SPF30+ ($29.99)

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Adopting this routine may seem lengthy, but every step plays a crucial role in ensuring healthy, radiant and vibrant skin. Remember, patience is key to achieving long-lasting results. Time to get that K-beauty-inspired glow!