Innisfree and Etude House are the most popular korean brands and most used out there. While Etude is very pink and girly, Innisfree is an eco-friendly, low to mid end budget brand, who likes to incorporate natural ingredients, mostly from their well known Jeju Island. Their Green Tea Seed and Volcanic lines are very popular internationally as well. 

So, what is the proper way of doing your skincare routine? 

I've received that question a million times by now. :)) First, cleansing of course. Use a gentle, water-soluble cleanser that removes excess oil, debris and the remaining make-up. Applying a hydrating serum is the second step. Next is a lotion/essence - they're usually very light and not sticky. What are they doing exactly? They help reduce redness and dry patches. Then comes your eye cream and day/night cream. Some like to apply a face oil, usually at night for that extra kick of moisture, leaving your skin fresh and plump in the morning. But be careful, these oils have to be similar to human skin oil (sebum) like jojoba oil and very important, non-comedogenic. Or you'll end up clogging your pores, thus leading to the well known and most hated pimple-monsters. 

How do i apply this serum?

One pump of product on the back of my hand, then i start spreading it around my face. By the time i'm done, the product has been already absorbed into my skin, leaving it hydrated and not sticky at all. Then i pump another dose and gently pat it on my T zone, chin and forehead. It has a light scent, almost tea-like, but also fresh, that disappears in a minute or so.

I have combination skin during summer and very dry during winter time. That means my skincare routine changes also. I like to apply this serum right before my face and eye cream because it doesn't feel heavy at all, then i apply some make-up.

I did a test when it was warm outside and my combo skin was acting out: i applied only this serum, then i put some make-up on. After a couple of hours, my T zone was not shiny like a disco ball, so it was all good in the world and i was happy that it passed the test.

I did the same thing when it was really cold outside, only this serum, no face cream and no sunscreen. I was impressed that in 5-6 hours i did not have any problems. I didn't feel my skin tight, super dry, to the point of cracking, like i usually do. Please be aware that i only did these tests only to observe if this serum really works. A serum, from any brand out there, does not replace your day cream and sunscreen. 

The most important thing that everyone wants to know: is this serum worth buying?

Definitely! Because it does exactly what it says: absorbs quickly and keeps your skin hydrated from the inside, even without an extra kick of moisture from your face cream.

If you're looking for a serum for mature skin, anti-wrinkle and all that jazz, then i suggest you try something else, more suitable for your needs. If you need more moisture in your skin, without looking like you put a ton of products on your face, then this serum is does what it says.