Simple Skincare Routine Guide
Korean skincare doesn't need 10 steps. A good routine is built on a few basics — cleanse, tone, hydrate, moisturise and protect — used in the right order. Here's what each step does, how to put them together for morning and night, and where to start.
The one rule: thinnest to thickest
Apply your products from the lightest, most watery texture to the richest. In the morning, sunscreen always goes on last. At night, finish with your moisturiser and lip care.
The steps
1. Cleanse — start with a clean base
A cleanser removes sunscreen, sweat and daily build-up so the next products sit on clean skin. Choose one that leaves your skin comfortable, not tight. Massage onto damp skin, rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.
Our pick: ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleanser — a low-irritation foaming cleanser.
2. Tone — refresh and prep
Toner pads are an easy way to refresh skin after cleansing and prepare it for the next steps. Swipe one pad gently over your face, avoiding the eye area.
Our pick: Anua Heartleaf 77 Clear Pad — 70 gentle pads with 77% heartleaf water.
3. Ampoule — calm and hydrate
An ampoule is a lightweight, concentrated layer of hydration. Press a few drops into your skin with your palms.
Our pick: SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule — a watery, calming ampoule with Centella Asiatica.
4. Moisturise — lock it in
A moisturiser helps your skin hold on to hydration. In the UAE, air conditioning and sun can leave skin feeling dry, so a richer cream at night works well.
Our pick: LANEIGE Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Intensive Cream — a rich cream with hyaluronic acid for dry-feeling skin.
5. Protect — the step you never skip
Daily sunscreen is the most important step for healthy-looking skin, especially under the UAE sun. Apply it generously as the last step every morning, about 15 minutes before going out, and reapply every 2 hours when you're in the sun.
Our picks: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun for the morning, and the COSRX Airy-Light Invisible Sun Stick to top up during the day — it fits in your bag.
Extra: lip care
Lips need care too. Use a lip treatment during the day and a lip mask before bed.
Our picks: LANEIGE Bouncy & Firm Lip Treatment for the day and LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask overnight.
Your routine, morning to night
☀️ Morning
- Cleanser
- Toner pad
- Ampoule
- Sunscreen (last step)
🌤️ Afternoon
- Top up your sunscreen with a sun stick, especially if you're outdoors.
🌙 Night
- Cleanser
- Toner pad
- Ampoule
- Moisturiser
- Lip mask
Where to start
New to K-beauty? The Mini Glow Pack covers the basics with 4 products: toner pads, ampoule, daily sunscreen and an overnight lip mask.
Want the full routine? The Glow 24h Pack includes all 7 products for morning, afternoon and night, shipped together in one box.
Both packs cost less than buying each product separately. Prefer to choose your own? Shop every product.
Good habits
- Start small. Introduce one new product at a time so you can see how your skin responds.
- Patch test. Try a small amount on your inner arm or jawline for a day or two before using it on your whole face.
- Read the ingredients. Every Orelle product page lists the full ingredients.
- Be patient. Give a product a few weeks before deciding whether it suits you.
- Ask when unsure. If you have very sensitive skin, a skin condition, or you're pregnant or breastfeeding, check with a dermatologist or pharmacist first.
Questions about your routine? Write to us — a real person will help you choose.