Growing up, I never had any issues with my skin. Fortunately, it was resilient. I credit my Dominican genes for that blessing (thank you Mami & Papi!). For years, my routine was straightforward: a makeup wipe, cleanser with toner, a serum ( hyaluronic acid or vitamin C), and moisturizer. I rotated through various luxury and drug store brands I trusted and enjoyed.
In the last couple of years, I began to notice more dryness and texture (patchiness in spots). Deeper lines started appearing around my forehead. The products that had always worked for me weren’t delivering the desired results. When I exfoliated with scrubs, my skin would look light red and experience some slight sensitivity afterward. No one product could take care of my dryness long term.
It became obvious my skin care routine needed a change. My goal was to use quality products to help me age beautifully. I desired my skin to look plump and healthy. I wanted “glass skin”.
What is Glass Skin exactly?
I’m sure you’ve heard the term “glass skin,” which has become quite the trend in skincare. But for those of us in our 40s, the word “glass” can feel a little intimidating and a bit unrealistic.
According to Charlotte Cho, the founder of Soko Glam and a leading authority on Korean beauty, glass skin isn’t about having a flawless or filtered face like an Instagram photo. Instead she says, “There’s no such thing as poreless and flawless skin… as long as your skin is happy and healthy and hydrated, you’re going to be happy.”
Glass skin is a complexion that is so deeply hydrated and balanced that it takes on a light-reflecting glow, similar to the surface of glass. For women in perimenopause, it is more about moving away from the “strip and scrub” mentality and moving toward a “nourish and layer” approach. It’s less about hiding our age and more about achieving a “lit-from-within” luminosity that makes our skin look plump, calm, and incredibly healthy.
Korean skincare brands have made a strong presence in the US market the last few years. As a professional makeup artist, anything connected to antiaging and skin quality gets my attention. Adding my own personal issues, it was time to educate myself. What made Korean skincare different from what I was already using? Was it worth the hype?
Yes. Absolutely yes.
What Makes Korean Skincare Different
Korean skincare is not something magical. But there is a reason it has earned its reputation. The philosophy behind it is fundamentally different from what we are used to in Western beauty culture. Instead of relying on one heavy product to solve everything, Korean skincare focuses on gently layering lightweight products, each with a specific purpose and intention. Each step works in sync with the next, and the payoff is real.
Another important factor is how their products are regulated. South Korea regulates skincare under their Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS). Their requirements for ingredient safety and functionality go beyond what we typically see in the U.S. market. The focus is on higher quality, clean, active ingredients like ginseng and snail mucin, and many products are vegan, cruelty free, and made without harsh chemicals. They also back this up with plenty of ongoing research and data. It is skincare that prioritizes calming the skin and deeply hydrating it, rather than stripping or over treating.
A typical Korean skincare routine is around 10 steps which include the following: a cleansing oil, a foaming cleanser, a watery toner, a light essence, a fast absorbing serum, a hydrating moisturizer, and sunscreen.
The Best Korean Skincare Set for Beginners: My Anua Experience
I don’t know about you but I love a good skincare system packaged in a set. I appreciate when a brand produces a targeted routine where each product is designed to work together. No matter your level of experience with skincare, these sets simplify the process and takes the guesswork out.
Last year, my goal was to find a skincare set full of quality products and from a budget friendly, reputable brand. We all know it can expensive REAL quick. However, I was open to a reasonable and sustainable investment. After searching the aisles of Sephora and Ulta and online, I discovered a Korean skincare brand from several professional makeup artists I respect & trust on social media. These women were not trying to sell me something just for the sake of it. The brand heavily promoted was Anua, specifically their “Glass Skin” set.
Anua 5 step Korean skincare set (plus SPF) is around $100 for five to six FULL size products (less with seasonal promos). That made it budget friendly. In my opinion, Anua’s Glass Skin Set is the best Korean skincare set for beginners!
The Products That Changed My Skin
Here are the items you receive with Anua 5 step Korean skincare set (plus SPF) and what I noticed about each product:
Heartleaf Pore Cleansing Oil. Don’t let the word oil fool you. This cleansing oil does not clog your pores. It gently removes makeup, and when you rinse your face it turns into a milky texture that lifts everything away.
Heartleaf Quercentinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam. The cleanser foams beautifully and has a gentle exfoliating effect without being abrasive. It ensures every trace of makeup is removed without irritating your skin.
Heartleaf 77 Soothing Toner. This is a very watery toner that restores pH balance to your skin. It feels light and refreshing, not heavy or sticky.
Niacinamide 10 TXA 4 Serum. A brightening serum that absorbs quickly and leaves your skin looking healthy and luminous.
Heartleaf 70 Daily Lotion. Lightweight and hydrating moisturizer. It seals everything in without that heavy feeling I was used to with previous moisturizers.
Zero Cast Moisturizing Finish Sunscreen SPF 50. This is for your morning routine. It offers zero white cast and feels amazing on the skin. It is also water resistant for up to 80 minutes. If you have ever avoided sunscreen because of the texture, this will change your mind.
Overall, the products truly are lightweight, non abrasive, and deliver such an incredible glow. Immediately, skin texture was smoother. My complexion looked plump and healthy. Other people could see the difference even when I wasn’t wearing makeup.
When consistent with my routine, I had no dryness or patchy areas. It was clear I was using very clean, high quality products. And there was barely any fragrance. If you are someone who has been sensitive to fragrance, you will appreciate how subtle Korean skincare products are.
My Current Korean Skincare Routine
Since falling in love with the Anua skincare, I have expanded into some of their antiaging products. To no surprise, I started exploring other Korean skincare brands like Dr. Melaxin, Mixsoon, and Cosrx. I’m learning as I go and enjoying it. I’m a firm believer!
My current routine has evolved. Here’s a glimpse of my current routine:
Morning: I keep things simple and hydrating. I either rinse my face or use a gentle cleanser if needed. I apply toner to prep my skin, then my hyaluronic serum while my skin is still slightly damp. From there, I moisturize depending on how my skin feels that day. If I need more support, I use my barrier cream. If not, I go with something lighter. Sunscreen is a must every day. If I want a little extra glow, I finish with a light mist of D’Alba First Spray Serum (another product I LOVE personally and professionally) or tap a little Dr Melaxin Calcium Enriched Multi Balm into the areas that need it.
Night: At night, I focus on repairing and nourishing my skin. If I wore makeup or SPF, I double cleanse. Then I tone and either focus on hydration or treatment depending on the night. Most nights I layer my hyaluronic serum and follow with barrier cream to seal everything in. A couple nights a week, I use retinol. On those nights, I keep everything else simple: toner, retinol, and barrier cream. On other nights, I use niacinamide for smoothing and brightening, followed by moisturizer. I have also started incorporating a Mixsoon Bean Essence after toner on hydration nights to help with glow and texture.
Overall, I’m learning to be attentive to my skin more. Some nights I do less and just focus on keeping my skin barrier strong. I am not trying to do everything at once. I am building consistency and taking care of my skin in a way that feels sustainable.
For You, Sis
As you know, our skin changes as our hormones change. What worked in our 30s may not work in our 40s, and that is okay. It means your skin is asking for a different kind of care.
If the idea of a multi step routine feels overwhelming, start simple. A gentle cleanser, a hydrating toner, a good serum, and sunscreen. That’s it. You can build from there at your own pace.
After using Korean skincare for nearly a year, I believe it is ideal midlife. Just remember, Korean skincare is not about doing the most. It is about being intentional with what you put on your skin.
You deserve products that treat your skin gently, hydrate deeply, and help you glow from the inside out. I found that in Korean skincare. And I think you might too.
This post is part of Living La Vida Bella, a space for women navigating midlife with beauty, wellness, and a whole lot of grace. Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use and love.
Have you tried Korean skincare? I would love to hear about your experience. What products are you currently using for your skin, and has your routine changed in your 40s? Leave a comment below or reach out through my Contact page. Let’s glow together.
