Meet Nathalie, a social media strategist based in New York. She tried the Korean multi-step skincare routine for the very first time and this is what happened.
We spent some time with Nathalie, 29, a social media strategist who had a comprehensive skin care routine before, but has never tried the Korean skin care routine. Nathalie describes her skin type as oily with “some dry patches.” She also struggles with dull skin and hyper-pigmentation from acne scarring. Nathalie accepted the challenge of following the Korean skincare routine for two full weeks as part of Soko Glam’s new campaign, Only Good (Skin) Days Ahead. Read on to see her testimonial and learn her new beauty secrets!
The Klog: How was your skin care routine before starting the Korean skincare routine?
Nathalie: I used a water-based cleanser and astringent every night. A spot-fading serum, a moisturizer, and sunscreen (in my makeup) were also part of my skin care routine.
The Klog: What was your skin like?
Nathalie: I wasn’t sure what my skin type was exactly. I had oily skin with some dry patches around my face. I also used to have painful acne beneath the surface of my skin at the same time every month, usually before getting my period—which now I know is hormonal acne. I struggled with a dull complexion and was really hoping to bring back some brightness to my skin.
The Klog: What was something you learned while following the routine?
Nathalie: I learned I was handling my skin issues the wrong way. I treated my dry patches with thick moisturizers which led me to breakout. I learned that I was actually dehydrated, meaning I lacked water, not oil. Today I know that I should stick to lightweight hydrating products to treat my skin without clogging my pores.
The Klog: Was there a product that was hard to understand or a step you wanted to skip every now and then?
Nathalie: I usually go for makeup products that already have SPF in it, so having to apply one more layer of sunscreen felt like an extra and unnecessary step. Today I understand that the SPF protection in makeup products is not enough.
The Klog: What was your favorite part of the journey?
Nathalie: Getting to see amazing results in such a short period of time was definitely my favorite part! My skin looks so much brighter today than it was before. My favorite step is, without any doubt, the oil cleansing—I love how the oil cleanser removes all the makeup and so much dirt at once without irritating or being harsh on my skin. Double-cleansing makes me feel like I am really giving my skin the love and care it deserves.
The Klog: How is your skin care routine now that you finished this 2-week “challenge?”
Nathalie: I’ve pretty much stuck with the routine, except for the AHA exfoliator—it was a little bit too strong for me. I’d also want to add a charcoal mask to clarify and detoxify my skin once a week.
The Klog: What else has changed?
Nathalie: I started enjoying my skin care routine so much more now. I love how clean my skin is after double-cleansing! I also feel much more confident without makeup! My fiancé also pointed out how much brighter and smoother my skin is—plus, the fact that I don’t breakout as much as I was used to.
Now that you’ve heard all the details of Nathalie’s experience with the Korean skincare routine, read her mini reviews on all the products she used for the past two weeks.
Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil
Meet my new favorite skin care product. This oil cleanser does the job like no other cleanser—or even makeup remover—I’ve tried before. It removes all my makeup, even the most stubborn mascara and eyeliner, while cleansing my skin at the same time. Best part: it doesn’t irritate my eyes or leave any stickiness behind.
Benton Honest Cleansing Foam
The perfect pair with the cleansing oil. This cleansing foam leaves my skin feeling clean, refreshed, and somehow moisturized. Different than other cleansers I’ve tried, this one doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight or dry after use. Plus, a little goes a long way!
Neogen Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Lemon
This exfoliator is gentle enough for sensitive skin (especially its soft side) yet super effective. Bonus: It smells great, like sweet lemonade.
Missha Time Revolution Clear Toner
A hydrating toner that wipes off any remaining impurities trapped into the skin.
Neogen Vita Energizing Fiber Mask
This sheet mask soothes the skin and leaves your face feeling refreshed and pampered. Plus, it smells very nice!
ENature Birch Juice Hydro Essence Skin
Love the fact that this is a paraben-free product. It has a delicate, natural scent that is very pleasant. In only two weeks, I noticed how this product helped to brighten my skin. I am excited to see even more results in the long term!
Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Serum
Even though I’ve tried other vitamin C products before, I have never seen anything like the Klairs Vitamin C Serum! Instead of having to wait months to notice the difference in my skin, this product delivered the bright, clear skin it promises in a matter of days! Love it!
COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid
This is a great product to be used as a spot treatment to fight acne and large pores. When used on the entire face it may feel too tingly and made my skin a bit sensitive, so if you try this, remember to go slow.
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion
This moisturizing lotion smells like lollipops and feels amazing on the skin! Its has a silky texture that is quickly absorbed into the skin leaving zero greasy residues behind.
Neogen Day-Light Protection Sun Screen
You can feel that this fluid-like sunscreen does more for your skin than just protecting against UV rays—it moisturizes, too. A little goes a long way, so just apply a thin layer on the skin!
NOTE: Participants were not paid by Soko Glam and their opinions of the products are their own. Products were provided by the company and selected based on skin type and skin concerns.
+ Watch Nathalie’s journey with the Korean skincare routine on YouTube.
+ Read and watch Kelly’s transformation, too.
