So, the basic k-beauty korean skincare routine usually goes like this: toner – emulsion – essence – cream.
And today’s spotlight is on… emulsion! Honestly, out of all four steps, emulsion feels like the one with the least presence. It’s like… not super essential, but if you skip it, something feels missing, right?
In Korea, we usually call emulsions lotion. It’s lighter than a cream or essence, and I’d say the texture feels like a 50:50 blend of water and oil—super balanced.
Skincare brands often say emulsions are essential for maintaining that “oil-water balance” in the skin. Sometimes I wonder, “Is that just a marketing line?” honestly. But when your toner is super watery and your cream is really rich and oily, skipping the emulsion can make the cream feel like it’s just sitting on top of your skin instead of sinking in. That’s when I do reach for an emulsion—and it really helps everything layer better. My skin feels more sealed in and smooth.
You know what’s funny? There’s not really a famous emulsion in Korea.
Maybe it’s because emulsions aren’t seen as a must-have step, and people usually buy them as part of a toner-lotion set. So they kinda get overlooked.
That said, the most well-known emulsion at Olive Young right now is probably Aestura’s Ato Lotion. Though, compared to Aestura’s AtoBarrier Cream, it doesn’t get as much love. Emulsions, in general, don’t feel rich or lasting enough to be used on their own. Especially if you have dehydrated-oily skin like me—you need that extra oil barrier to lock things in.
Interestingly, it’s the luxury global brands that seem to shine in the emulsion game. Think Sisley Lotion, La Mer Lotion, and other high-end department store staples.
Sisley’s lotion, in particular, is the bestseller of Sisely. It’s literally the product that keeps Sisley Cosmetics alive (lol). There are people who’ve never used it, but no one who’s used it only once. It’s known for being lightweight and non-sticky, yet super long-lasting in hydration.
I’ve used it myself, and yep—it gives you that inner glow kind of moisture. The price is kind of insane, but after trying it, I totally get why it’s a steady seller. I checked the ingredients list, and of course—glycerin is the second ingredient. I just love glycerin-rich products.
Feels like I wanna create a lotion packed with glycerin—something that keeps your skin feeling hydrated and comfy even if it’s the only thing you put on. Someday~~🙏🙏