New to K-beauty, or not sure how to put a routine together for deeper skin tones? This tutorial walks you through it start to finish: finding your products on Glasswell, the order to apply them, how much to use, and how to introduce everything over your first four weeks so your skin stays calm.
Step 1: Find your starting point (2 minutes)
You have two easy options:
- Take the quiz. Our 5-question skin quiz asks about your skin type, your main goal, and how easily your skin reacts, then builds a full routine for you.
- Shop by concern. Go to Shop by Concern and pick the one that matters most to you right now, like Bright & Even Tone, Acne-Prone Skin, Deep Hydration, or Calm & Soothe.
Tip for melanin-rich skin: if you're torn between goals, start with calm and even. Less irritation means fewer dark marks.
Step 2: Build a simple 5-step routine
You don't need ten steps. Start with these five, and add extras later:
- Cleanse: a gentle, low-pH cleanser. At night, start with a cleansing oil first to melt off sunscreen. (Cleansers)
- Tone: a hydrating toner to add the first layer of moisture. (Toners)
- Treat: one serum matched to your goal, like niacinamide or TXA for uneven tone, or hyaluronic acid for dryness. (Serums & Essences)
- Moisturize: a cream to seal everything in. (Moisturizers)
- Protect (mornings): a no-white-cast sunscreen, every day. (Sunscreen)
Shop the starter routine
Not sure which products to pick? This gentle five-step routine works for most skin types and is a great place to start:
- Cleanse: COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
- Tone: Torriden DIVE-IN Hyaluronic Acid Toner
- Treat: Anua Niacinamide 10 + TXA 4 Serum
- Moisturize: Anua 3-Ceramide Panthenol Barrier Cream
- Protect: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Niacinamide
Choosing 3 or more items? You'll get 10% off automatically at checkout, and orders of $45+ ship free.
Step 3: Apply in the right order
The rule is thinnest to thickest: watery products first, creams last, sunscreen on top in the morning.
| Step | How much | How |
|---|---|---|
| Cleansing oil (night) | 2–3 pumps | Massage onto dry skin for about a minute, add water, rinse |
| Gentle cleanser | Pea-sized | Lather, massage gently, rinse with lukewarm water, pat dry |
| Toner | A few drops | Pat in with your hands (no rubbing) |
| Serum | 2–3 drops | Press into slightly damp skin |
| Moisturizer | Pea-to-almond-sized | Smooth over face and neck |
| Sunscreen (morning) | About two finger-lengths | Apply in two thin layers; reapply when outdoors |
Step 4: Introduce products slowly (your first 4 weeks)
Starting everything on day one makes it hard to tell what's working, and more likely to irritate. Here's a calm way to begin:
- Week 1: cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen only. Let your skin settle.
- Week 2: add your toner.
- Week 3: add your treatment serum, every other night at first.
- Week 4: use your serum daily if your skin feels comfortable.
Adding a retinol or exfoliating pad later? Start just two nights a week, never on the same night as each other, and patch test first. (How to start retinol.)
Step 5: Give it time, and know what to expect
- Hydration and comfort: often within days.
- Smoother texture and glow: usually a few weeks.
- Dark marks looking lighter: gradual, often over a few months, and only with daily sunscreen.
If anything stings, burns, or makes you itchy, stop using it. That's your skin asking you to slow down.
While your order ships
Your products ship from Korea with tracking and usually arrive in 5–10 business days. That's a great time to read up so you're ready to start on day one:
- Skincare worries for melanin-rich skin, answered
- A K-beauty routine for melanin-rich skin
- How to double cleanse
Questions about your routine? Email us at support@glasswellbeauty.com. We reply within 1–2 business days.
Ready to build yours? Shop Even Tone Glow, or take our 5-question skin quiz for a routine matched to your skin.