With beauty retailers launching their spring sales, now is the perfect time to stock up on your favorite skincare essentials — while they’re still discounted. And for those heading back to the U.S., the impact of tariffs from the Trump administration has driven up the prices of beloved imported products, especially Korean skincare. So, if you’ve been meaning to grab that holy grail sunscreen or skin essence, now’s the time before a 25% duties fee is enacted, and you won’t be able to get your hands on these products.
In recent years, the U.S. skincare scene has seen a major boom, especially with the rising popularity of Korean and French imports. Thanks to platforms like TikTok, skincare routines and product recommendations have become more viral and increasingly more accessible than ever before. However, due to unfortunate tariffs this Korean skincare fixation won’t be lasting much longer for many as the luxury of affordable K-Beauty products will soon be gone, and we will have to settle for our American sunscreens instead.
To help you navigate the overwhelming amount of options, we’ve put together a go-to morning and nighttime skincare routine at a variety of price points for different skin concerns. Whether you’re investing in your holy grails before price hikes or trying new viral TikTok favorites, these picks will have your skin glowing well into exam season and the summer.
Morning:
Especially during the stress of exams, there’s no better time to focus on self care, and that can easily start with a good skincare routine. While in the morning you might be exhausted and want to neglect your morning skincare, the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is the perfect gentle cleanser to start your morning off right and help you feel revived. Designed to match your skin’s natural pH, this gel-based cleanser removes dirt and oil without being too stripping of the skin. It works great with sensitive or acne-prone skin types. You can find it on Amazon, Boots, or even Hickey’s Pharmacy on the corner of Grafton and Duke Street.
Then I Met You Birch Milk Refining Tone is ideal for those of you who want to commit to a milky toner, but are maybe looking for something that offers some gentle exfoliation too. This AHA and PHA toner has a lightweight, milky texture that feels luxurious yet hydrating, and it works beautifully for all skin types. Its soothing ingredients help replenish moisture, making it a standout choice for anyone looking to boost hydration and prep the skin for the rest of their routine. You can find this at any Space NK.
A long-time favorite in the Korean skincare community is the Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum. This water like serum that works great with other serums truly lives up to the hype for good reason. It’s packed with niacinamide, peptides, and hyaluronic acid to help you achieve that coveted “glass skin” look. If you’re new to serums, especially ones with active ingredients like vitamin C, you might also want to try Peach & Lily’s Transparen-C Pro Spot Treatment. It’s a beginner-friendly product ideal for acne-prone skin or anyone looking to brighten dark spots without overwhelming the skin.
The Goodal Green Tangerine Vitamin C Serum is another vitamin C superstar that will most definitely brighten up your skin. This serum is filled with antioxidants and 70% green tangerine extract. It delivers a noticeable glow almost immediately and works gently over time to brighten skin tone and reduce pigmentation. Best of all, it’s formulated to be non-irritating, making it ideal for those with sensitive or breakout-prone skin who still want the benefits of vitamin C without any worry.
You’ve probably seen Medicube’s viral peel-off mask all over TikTok, with influencers peeling away that snake-like skin layer as a part of their 7-step morning “de-shed”. But don’t overlook their Collagen Jelly Cream —it’s arguably even better than the mask, minus all the hassle of going to bed with a facemask. This light, gel-based cream that you can buy at Boots gives your skin an intense glow and a plumped-up appearance without any greasiness. It’s especially great for warmer months when heavy creams can feel too thick. The texture melts into your skin, leaving it soft, bouncy, and visibly hydrated. And, if you still want the luxury of a mask, try out their peel off overnight gel mask, which doesn’t feel like you have anything on your face.
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotic SPF50+ PA++++
We all know we should be wearing sunscreen daily — yes, even when it’s cloudy in Dublin every day the sun rays are still in fact out. This €14 ultra-lightweight sunscreen from the beloved Korean brand Beauty of Joseon is the one to beat. Infused with 30% rice extract and probiotics, it soothes the skin while protecting it from harmful UV rays and a great choice for those of you picky about sunscreen. It applies like a dream, leaving no white cast, and feels like nothing on the skin. They also sell a stick version of the sunscreen which is an amazing alternative for on the go or in your purse if you are looking to reapply it throughout the day. You can find it at Boots or Superdrug, and it’s an affordable option that rivals even the priciest sunscreens on the market at Sephora.
Evening:
While you think you can get away with skipping your evening skincare routine if you aren’t wearing makeup after a long day on campus, think again. You aren’t doing your skin any favours if you decide it doesn’t need a good cleanse every single night. We’re not saying you need an extravagant 30-minute routine, or to become a drunk elephant-obsessed tween, but some double cleaning and a moisturiser never hurt anyone.
Let’s walk through a simple night routine that your skin will thank you for in a couple of years. First, you need to double cleanse, and no that doesn’t mean washing your face twice. The first cleanse involves a cleaning oil or balm, something that’s going to melt away your SPF, makeup, dirt and debris without over-stripping your skin. We recommend the Byoma Milk Oil Cleanser which retails for €17 at SpaceNK and Boots. This dermatologist-tested cleanser smooths your skin, washes away skin impurities and can melt away even the most stubborn mascaras. Based on personal experience, this cleanser can last up to 5 months, so it’s definitely a good investment for your money. For your second cleanser that is going to remove all the residue leftover from your first cleanse, we highly recommend a classic: La Roche Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel for oily skin and the La Roche-Posay Toleraine Dermo Cleanser for dry skin, retailing for €22-€27.
Your skin should now look and feel clean, with no dryness or an uncomfortable tight feeling. You’re now ready to rehydrate, and our favourite way to do that is with a toner. While this step is completely optional, it’s one step closer to achieving plump and glowy skin – especially in the cold Dublin weather. Many rave about Rhode’s Glazing Milk toner – which retails for €42 – however, nothing can beat Korean toners with their top tier formulation for half Rhode’s price. A favourite of ours – along with many K-pop stars – is the Haruharu wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner which you can find for €18 at Boots. However, if you are looking for an exfoliating toner instead of a hydrating one, Paula’s choice BHA toner is a cult favourite. An insider tip: purchase the travel-size version for €11 from SpackeNK. Since this is a stronger toner that shouldn’t be used more than twice a week, the bottle should last you for months. One thing both toners have in common is the result they leave on your skin: fresh, glowy and ready for the next step.
If you’ve prepped your skin with toner, your skin should be left slightly damp which is the perfect time to apply your serum. There are many serums on the market but nothing beats the SKIN1004 serum collection, with different active ingredients targeting different skin concerns. Their most popular serum is their Madagascar Centella Ampoule which calms, hydrates and brightens the skin for only €18. Their bottles last closer to a year, so their serums are definitely a bargain in this market.
Now, you want to seal all your hard work with a moisturiser, even if you have oily skin. In fact, if there are any steps you shouldn’t skip, cleansing and moisturizing are the ones to keep. There are many affordable moisturizers on the market so there’s no need for something fancy. However, if you want your skin to glow, the Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream is what you’re looking for. Although the formula is light, this €30 moisturiser will leave your friends wondering how your skin stays radiant all day long. To pair with the moisturiser, if you want to maintain this glow for the week, be sure to use the Biodance Collagen Masks on your Sunday rest days.
While exam season is on the horizon, it’s important to take some time to practice some selfcare, whether that’s a quick walk or a ten-minute skincare routine. Practicing self-care is not just about the physical act, but it’s about taking the time out of your day to reconnect with yourself after a loud and busy day. We hope we gave you some inspiration to slay your skincare game, until next time!
