Rituals
How to start your mornings a little slower in 2026
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As a hyper-independent eldest daughter, being a Type A planner comes naturally to me. And it’s no surprise that the trait has trickled into my beauty routine as well. I have a multi-step, carefully curated skincare regimen and a fixed lineup of classics I always swear by. As the universe would have it, my bestie is the complete opposite. She’s instinct-led, goes with the flow and experiments a lot more than I would.
So when our editorial desk decided someone had to take one for the team and try a fun switch, it felt inevitable for me to sign up with her. For a whole week, my Type B bestie tried my meticulously planned nighttime skincare routine, while I handed over control and experimented with her intuitive approach. Here’s how it went.
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In K-beauty, an essence is often considered a secret weapon—and Beauty of Joseon’s Ginseng Essence Water is one that’s earned cult status. Designed to slip in between your toner and serum, it delivers an extra hit of hydration while boosting overall skin health. The formula features ginseng root water, a traditional Korean ingredient that replenishes moisture and supports the skin barrier, alongside 2% niacinamide to balance oil, smooth texture and refine pores. The result is skin that feels silky, looks dewy and has that lit-from-within glow that K-beauty is all about.
Niacinamide—you’ve probably heard the name more times than you’ve checked your DMs. But does this serum live up to the buzz? For us, it absolutely did. This lightweight, fast-absorbing serum is a multitasker’s dream. Niacinamide targets issues like excess oil, large pores and uneven skin tone, while zinc swoops in to calm inflammation. From the first week of use, we noticed a striking difference in texture and shine control (goodbye, mid-day T-zone grease). Perfect for combination-to-oily skin types, this serum could be your go-to if blackheads and redness have overstayed their welcome. Pro tip? Use it sparingly if you’re layering it with other actives, like vitamin C, to avoid irritation.
Morning and/or night, after cleansing and before your heavier serums or moisturisers
This formula targets breakouts, oil and uneven tone with a simple but effective mix of niacinamide and zinc. It helps calm your skin over time and keeps things balanced. Straightforward, reliable and worth the hype.
My routine came with timestamps, multiple steps and very clear instructions. First things first: I asked her to go in with micellar water or a makeup remover after a long day. I use the Bioderma Sensibio H2O Daily Soothing Cleanser. Then I cleanse my face with an oil cleanser for a full minute—my recommendation was the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil—followed by a foaming cleanser like The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser. Then I move on to my trusty toner, serum and moisturiser.
Knowing her skin type, I recommended the Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water toner, The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum and Embryolisse’s Lait-Crème Concentré Moisturizer.
On days when I have a little extra time, I use the Tira Rose Quartz Gua Sha to prep my skin, The Porefessional Deep Retreat Clay Mask from Benefit to cleanse my pores and end the routine with the Protouch 3-in-1 LED Face Mask.
And despite the clear instructions, there were multiple panicky calls filled with doubts about application, quantities and constant double-checks on whether my bestie was “doing it right”. She literally asked me, “How do you have the energy to do this every night?” But it was honestly normal routine for me at this point; and I was hoping it would become the same for her sooner rather than later.
By mid-week, she got comfortable with the routine and admitted that it made her feel more prepped for the next day. Plus, of course, her skin was loving the extra hydration and nourishment. Makeup sat better, skin looked more dewy and her barrier felt happier (in her words).
By the end of the week, the best result wasn’t just healthier skin, but the consistency and discipline that she started loving. What she thought would feel restrictive, actually helped with decision fatigue. Turns out, structure can be comforting.
When the tables turned, I thought trying her routine would feel like cheating. She gave me no long instructions, no order of application and no skincare rules taped into her muscle memory. “Just listen to your skin,” she said. This made me so sceptical about the whole switch. I was cheating.
On some nights, I used just the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. Other nights, I layered on the Clay Co. Rice and Ceramide Moisturiser like she suggested I do, and called it a win. Her other go-to products were Biodance’s Bio-Collagen Deep Mask to relax, d’you’s Eye & Shine Reusable Eye Patches to de-puff and her trusty Laneige Lip Glowy Balm that she always had in her tote. I tried them all.
But in her routine, toner was optional and serum was applied if she remembered. Her routine wasn’t built to check any boxes—it was built to fit into real life.
For me, the hardest part was skipping these steps, because it almost felt irresponsible. I kept reaching for more, wondering if I should add a serum or double cleanse “just in case”. But she reminded me that rest counts too, and that your skin doesn’t always need to be hyper-managed.
A few days in, I realised my skin felt calm, balanced and rested. It didn’t look dramatically different, but it felt lighter. Would this routine become my go-to? Probably not. But I was now more open than ever to tapping into the less-is-more mindset once in a while—and not be so hard on myself when I skip a step after a long day of work.
.jpeg)
My routine came with timestamps, multiple steps and very clear instructions. First things first: I asked her to go in with micellar water or a makeup remover after a long day. I use the Bioderma Sensibio H2O Daily Soothing Cleanser. Then I cleanse my face with an oil cleanser for a full minute—my recommendation was the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil—followed by a foaming cleanser like The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser. Then I move on to my trusty toner, serum and moisturiser.
Knowing her skin type, I recommended the Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water toner, The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum and Embryolisse’s Lait-Crème Concentré Moisturizer.
On days when I have a little extra time, I use the Tira Rose Quartz Gua Sha to prep my skin, The Porefessional Deep Retreat Clay Mask from Benefit to cleanse my pores and end the routine with the Protouch 3-in-1 LED Face Mask.
And despite the clear instructions, there were multiple panicky calls filled with doubts about application, quantities and constant double-checks on whether my bestie was “doing it right”. She literally asked me, “How do you have the energy to do this every night?” But it was honestly normal routine for me at this point; and I was hoping it would become the same for her sooner rather than later.
By mid-week, she got comfortable with the routine and admitted that it made her feel more prepped for the next day. Plus, of course, her skin was loving the extra hydration and nourishment. Makeup sat better, skin looked more dewy and her barrier felt happier (in her words).
By the end of the week, the best result wasn’t just healthier skin, but the consistency and discipline that she started loving. What she thought would feel restrictive, actually helped with decision fatigue. Turns out, structure can be comforting.
When the tables turned, I thought trying her routine would feel like cheating. She gave me no long instructions, no order of application and no skincare rules taped into her muscle memory. “Just listen to your skin,” she said. This made me so sceptical about the whole switch. I was cheating.
On some nights, I used just the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. Other nights, I layered on the Clay Co. Rice and Ceramide Moisturiser like she suggested I do, and called it a win. Her other go-to products were Biodance’s Bio-Collagen Deep Mask to relax, d’you’s Eye & Shine Reusable Eye Patches to de-puff and her trusty Laneige Lip Glowy Balm that she always had in her tote. I tried them all.
But in her routine, toner was optional and serum was applied if she remembered. Her routine wasn’t built to check any boxes—it was built to fit into real life.
For me, the hardest part was skipping these steps, because it almost felt irresponsible. I kept reaching for more, wondering if I should add a serum or double cleanse “just in case”. But she reminded me that rest counts too, and that your skin doesn’t always need to be hyper-managed.
A few days in, I realised my skin felt calm, balanced and rested. It didn’t look dramatically different, but it felt lighter. Would this routine become my go-to? Probably not. But I was now more open than ever to tapping into the less-is-more mindset once in a while—and not be so hard on myself when I skip a step after a long day of work.
My routine came with timestamps, multiple steps and very clear instructions. First things first: I asked her to go in with micellar water or a makeup remover after a long day. I use the Bioderma Sensibio H2O Daily Soothing Cleanser. Then I cleanse my face with an oil cleanser for a full minute—my recommendation was the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil—followed by a foaming cleanser like The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser. Then I move on to my trusty toner, serum and moisturiser.
Knowing her skin type, I recommended the Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water toner, The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum and Embryolisse’s Lait-Crème Concentré Moisturizer.
On days when I have a little extra time, I use the Tira Rose Quartz Gua Sha to prep my skin, The Porefessional Deep Retreat Clay Mask from Benefit to cleanse my pores and end the routine with the Protouch 3-in-1 LED Face Mask.
And despite the clear instructions, there were multiple panicky calls filled with doubts about application, quantities and constant double-checks on whether my bestie was “doing it right”. She literally asked me, “How do you have the energy to do this every night?” But it was honestly normal routine for me at this point; and I was hoping it would become the same for her sooner rather than later.
By mid-week, she got comfortable with the routine and admitted that it made her feel more prepped for the next day. Plus, of course, her skin was loving the extra hydration and nourishment. Makeup sat better, skin looked more dewy and her barrier felt happier (in her words).
By the end of the week, the best result wasn’t just healthier skin, but the consistency and discipline that she started loving. What she thought would feel restrictive, actually helped with decision fatigue. Turns out, structure can be comforting.
When the tables turned, I thought trying her routine would feel like cheating. She gave me no long instructions, no order of application and no skincare rules taped into her muscle memory. “Just listen to your skin,” she said. This made me so sceptical about the whole switch. I was cheating.
On some nights, I used just the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. Other nights, I layered on the Clay Co. Rice and Ceramide Moisturiser like she suggested I do, and called it a win. Her other go-to products were Biodance’s Bio-Collagen Deep Mask to relax, d’you’s Eye & Shine Reusable Eye Patches to de-puff and her trusty Laneige Lip Glowy Balm that she always had in her tote. I tried them all.
But in her routine, toner was optional and serum was applied if she remembered. Her routine wasn’t built to check any boxes—it was built to fit into real life.
For me, the hardest part was skipping these steps, because it almost felt irresponsible. I kept reaching for more, wondering if I should add a serum or double cleanse “just in case”. But she reminded me that rest counts too, and that your skin doesn’t always need to be hyper-managed.
A few days in, I realised my skin felt calm, balanced and rested. It didn’t look dramatically different, but it felt lighter. Would this routine become my go-to? Probably not. But I was now more open than ever to tapping into the less-is-more mindset once in a while—and not be so hard on myself when I skip a step after a long day of work.
My routine came with timestamps, multiple steps and very clear instructions. First things first: I asked her to go in with micellar water or a makeup remover after a long day. I use the Bioderma Sensibio H2O Daily Soothing Cleanser. Then I cleanse my face with an oil cleanser for a full minute—my recommendation was the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil—followed by a foaming cleanser like The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser. Then I move on to my trusty toner, serum and moisturiser.
Knowing her skin type, I recommended the Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water toner, The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum and Embryolisse’s Lait-Crème Concentré Moisturizer.
On days when I have a little extra time, I use the Tira Rose Quartz Gua Sha to prep my skin, The Porefessional Deep Retreat Clay Mask from Benefit to cleanse my pores and end the routine with the Protouch 3-in-1 LED Face Mask.
And despite the clear instructions, there were multiple panicky calls filled with doubts about application, quantities and constant double-checks on whether my bestie was “doing it right”. She literally asked me, “How do you have the energy to do this every night?” But it was honestly normal routine for me at this point; and I was hoping it would become the same for her sooner rather than later.
By mid-week, she got comfortable with the routine and admitted that it made her feel more prepped for the next day. Plus, of course, her skin was loving the extra hydration and nourishment. Makeup sat better, skin looked more dewy and her barrier felt happier (in her words).
By the end of the week, the best result wasn’t just healthier skin, but the consistency and discipline that she started loving. What she thought would feel restrictive, actually helped with decision fatigue. Turns out, structure can be comforting.
When the tables turned, I thought trying her routine would feel like cheating. She gave me no long instructions, no order of application and no skincare rules taped into her muscle memory. “Just listen to your skin,” she said. This made me so sceptical about the whole switch. I was cheating.
On some nights, I used just the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. Other nights, I layered on the Clay Co. Rice and Ceramide Moisturiser like she suggested I do, and called it a win. Her other go-to products were Biodance’s Bio-Collagen Deep Mask to relax, d’you’s Eye & Shine Reusable Eye Patches to de-puff and her trusty Laneige Lip Glowy Balm that she always had in her tote. I tried them all.
But in her routine, toner was optional and serum was applied if she remembered. Her routine wasn’t built to check any boxes—it was built to fit into real life.
For me, the hardest part was skipping these steps, because it almost felt irresponsible. I kept reaching for more, wondering if I should add a serum or double cleanse “just in case”. But she reminded me that rest counts too, and that your skin doesn’t always need to be hyper-managed.
A few days in, I realised my skin felt calm, balanced and rested. It didn’t look dramatically different, but it felt lighter. Would this routine become my go-to? Probably not. But I was now more open than ever to tapping into the less-is-more mindset once in a while—and not be so hard on myself when I skip a step after a long day of work.
