1 year of complete Korean skincare routine with ANUA — My honest review

 

Exactly one year ago, I embarked on a cosmetic challenge I set for myself: to test a complete K-beauty routine with a single brand, over twelve months (and without cheating). After my experience with Beauty of Joseon, which truly convinced me of the potential of Korean skincare, I wanted to go further. This time, I chose ANUA, and I must say I didn't expect this level of results.

 

Why ANUA?

 

ANUA is a Korean brand and, above all, a great K-beauty reference with a philosophy as simple as it is effective: minimalist formulas, highly concentrated natural ingredients, all designed to respect even the most reactive skin.

What attracted me from the start was their focus on a few signature active ingredients: Houttuynia Cordata (the famous Heartleaf, a Korean plant with powerful anti-inflammatory properties), restorative Centella Asiatica, niacinamide for radiance and pores, and hyaluronic acid in all its forms for hydration. No marketing cocktail of 30 ingredients whose usefulness no one understands. Here, every active ingredient has a reason to be.

ANUA also stands out for its frankly honest price-quality ratio for a brand so serious in its formulations. This is also one of the reasons why you can go through Coree Beauty to get them in Switzerland and Europe: the products are authentic, delivery times are very reasonable, and you avoid unpleasant surprises from dubious resellers.

My complete routine, product by product

 

Double cleansing

1. ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil or the first step of double cleansing.

 

ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil is a light oil, enriched with jojoba, olive, and grape seed oils, that gently dissolves makeup, SPF, and excess sebum without irritating the skin.

I apply it to dry skin, emulsify with a little water, then rinse.

Result: my skin is clean, but not tight.

2. ANUA Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam: the second pass for truly clean skin

This foam with Heartleaf and quercetinol (a powerful antioxidant) removes residual impurities and regulates excess sebum thanks to a dose of BHA. It is also enriched with triple hyaluronic acid, which is rare in a cleanser and makes all the difference to avoid ending up with tight skin.

 

ANUA Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner

Here, I must say it's my unexpected favorite. This Anua toner, milky and based on rice water (71% I think), niacinamide, and ceramides, has a deceptive texture at first glance: you might think it would be heavy, but it absorbs super quickly, without a sticky film. I apply it by patting with my hands. It perfectly prepares the skin for subsequent treatments and gives it a very "glass skin" natural glow.

 

ANUA Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Dark Spot Corrector Serum

 

This is the most potent product in my routine. The combination of 10% niacinamide with 4% tranexamic acid (TXA) directly targets spots, post-acne scars, and uneven skin tone. The formula is fragrance-free, light, non-greasy, and I apply it morning and evening after the toner. Essential if you have hyperpigmentation issues. Available here on the Coreebeauty shop.

 

ANUA Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad exfoliating pads

These pads with 77% Heartleaf extract + PHA (gluconolactone acid) offer gentle but real exfoliation. PHA, unlike AHA, does not damage the deep layers of the skin and is suitable even for sensitive skin. I use them three to four times a week, in the evening, instead of toner. After a few weeks, skin texture is visibly more even, and pores are refined.

 

ANUA Retinol 0.1% + Caffeine Revitalizing Eye Cream

 

The eye contour area, often neglected in basic Korean routines, is taken very seriously here. This low-concentration retinol (0.1%) stimulates cell renewal without irritation, and caffeine depuffs and restores tone. I apply a dab by gently patting morning and evening.

 

Bonus soothing pads ANUA Azelaic 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Pad

 

 

I incorporated these later, around month 4, on days when my skin was more reactive. Formulated with 10% azelaic acid and a 7-Cica complex, they soothe redness, hydrate, and even out skin tone. Alcohol-free, fragrance-free, perfect for calming sensitivity flare-ups or as a boosting treatment for a few weeks.

 

 

My Anua skincare routine: The results — month by month

Weeks 1-2: First impressions

My skin accepted the products well from the start — no reaction, no irritation. The double cleansing seemed almost too gentle, but I trusted the process.

 The foam was a revelation: it truly makes a difference to have a cleanser that hydrates while cleansing.

Month 1: The first positive signs

My skin's texture started to change. Less shine midday, pores seemed slightly less dilated. The Rice Glow toner gave a natural radiance that I initially attributed to chance — then I realized it was consistent. I started to believe in the project.

Month 2-3: Skin transformation

This is when the Niacinamide + TXA serum really started to work. Two small dark spots (remnants of an acne breakout) visibly faded. My complexion was more even. The exfoliating pads, used regularly, refined the texture, and I felt my products penetrated better.

Month 4-6: Mid-way, the real transformations

The most significant period. My skin texture clearly changed: smoother, more even, visibly tightened pores. I added the azelaic pads during a stressful period when my skin easily reddened; result in 10 days: redness disappeared. My eye contour, meanwhile, showed a firmer texture.

Month 7-12: The assessment

Today, my skin is in the best condition it has ever been. My complexion is even, spots have almost disappeared, pores are refined, and my skin reacts less to seasonal changes or stress. What strikes me most is the consistency of the results. No quick fix, no relapse, just progressive and lasting improvement.

 

 

Find your custom skincare routine on Coree Beauty.

 

The good and the not-so-good

Pros:

• Exceptionally well-tolerated formulas, even for my sensitive skin
• Concentrated and superb quality active ingredients
• Anua offers a range where each product complements the others
• Results already visible in the medium term (and for me, no mask effect that fades).
• Easily available at Coree Beauty with top-notch service

Points of attention:

• Consistency is not a bonus; two weeks of abandonment and the skin feels it
• The TXA serum is powerful: I recommend starting with one application only in the evening and monitoring tolerance
• Very dry skin will need to supplement with a richer moisturizer (ANUA also offers some)
• Have a little patience, real results appear after 6 to 8 weeks

 

Tips for starting your K-beauty Anua routine right

By skin type: Combination to oily skin should ideally start with the double cleansing duo + Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad + Niacinamide serum. Sensitive skin should prioritize the Azelaic Soothing Pads before introducing the active serum.

Recommended application order: Cleansing oil → Cleansing foam → Pads (optional, 3-4x/week) → Toner → Serum → Eye cream → Cream

Mistakes to avoid: Do not layer TXA serum with other acids initially. Do not skip SPF in the morning (all these active ingredients sensitize skin to the sun). Do not change all products at once if your skin reacts.

According to seasons: In winter, I add a richer cream on top of the serum. In summer, the Rice Glow toner alone is often enough to supplement hydration before SPF.

 

ANUA Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam

 

FAQ

Is ANUA suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes — this is even one of the brand's strengths. The formulas are alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and many products are dermatologically tested.

Where to buy ANUA in Switzerland and Europe?

Directly on Coree Beauty, which offers a reliable selection with delivery to Switzerland and Europe.

How long before seeing results?

Allow 3 to 4 weeks for the first texture changes, and 6 to 8 weeks for visible results on spots and complexion.

Can ANUA be mixed with other brands?

Absolutely. ANUA integrates seamlessly into an existing routine. However, testing a complete range over time, as I did, yields better results.

Which product to try first?

The Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner if you have reactive skin, or the Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum if your priority is radiance and dark spots.

Conclusion

After a year with ANUA, the results are very good: it's a brand that keeps its promises, provided you give it time to do its work. The minimalist philosophy, serious active ingredients, and gentle formulas make it a safe bet in K-beauty, accessible to almost all skin types.

If you're still hesitant, I'll give you one last piece of advice: start with one or two products, observe how your skin responds, and build your routine gradually.

Discover the entire ANUA range available on Coree Beauty, and if you've already tried ANUA, share your experience in the comments, I'd love to read your feedback!