Last spring my sister introduced me to Korean skin care. It basically involves ten (or more) steps including cleaning, toning, different serums for morning and night, targeting problem areas, and moisturizing. As a super busy woman who doesn’t always remember to wash her face before passing out in bed, the idea of ten steps was daunting, to say the least. Over the past six or so months I’ve been slowly incorporating more steps, as well as making it a point to wash my face every night before bed. I’m proud to say that I am up to seven steps! (LOL)

As the routine has become more comfortable, and my travel has increased, it’s made sense to translate it into a travel-friendly version. It’s impossible to bring the full seven steps, with different moisturizers and serums for morning and night, but there are certainly ways to make it work for business trips.

Toward the beginning of my K-beauty journey I posted some of my favorite skincare necessities, and I still use those consistently. The following dry skin necessities are needed more in the winter, when the weather wreaks havoc with your skin. No matter the season, I start with Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (kept in a contact lens case for travel), then move on from there.

Dry Skin Necessities

1. Garnier Micellar Wipes. Instead of toner, I use micellar water on a cotton round and it feels so good. For trips, the wipes are 100% the way to go. Seven steps can feel like a *lot* at midnight after seven hours of flying, so if I can just get my face clean with a wipe and slap some moisturizer on while I’m laying in bed, well, that’s not too bad and sets me up for better skin in the morning. These are also simple to use on international flights and help your skin so, so much.
2. Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment. At a facial a few months ago I was told that during the winter I need a serum that uses “moisturizing” acid (which apparently is a thing). This is the one she recommended, and I LOVE IT. I actually got the travel size, which is pretty reasonably priced ($25), and I’ve used it almost every day for three months and I’m not out yet. I keep a small amount in a contact lens case for travel.
3. Trader Joe’s Rose Facial Oil. Unfortunately this is not available online, but if you have a Trader Joe’s near you GO GET IT NOW. It cost $4 (!!), smells amazing, and is basically the only thing standing between my face feeling like skin and feeling like…..sandpaper. Okay fine, the other products help too, but when I skip this step I really notice a difference in my skin texture the next morning. You don’t need much, so I keep this in a contact lens case for travel.
4. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Creme. I discovered this hydrating super-star a few years ago and it’s had a home in my beauty regimen ever since. During the winter this is my overnight moisturizer, but I also put it on right before flying to protect my skin from harsh airplane air.
5. Garnier SkinActive Anti-Puff Roller. This is a recent addition but has had a big impact for not a lot of money. I’m always on the hunt for new things to help deflate the delightfully puffy bags under my eyes (sarcasm). For the last year or so I’ve been using the Petitfee Gold and Snail Eye Patches, which have helped a ton. But since you can only use them three times a week, I need something on those other days! Enter the Garnier Anti-Puff Roller. It’s very small so I just have a separate one for my travel kit. The little roller ball feels nice and cool, the bags get magically deflated, and everyone is happier.

I’ll be honest. While initially it felt like a lot of extra time and work, my skin looks and feels SO MUCH better than it did a year ago. Plus the more I do it the faster it gets. Stay hydrated, everyone!

Readers, have you tried the K-beauty regimen? Do you have any dry skin necessities you use during winter business travel?

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