Think about when you first started a skincare routine. If you’re anything like us, you may have started off with a moisturiser then slowly built up products as you got older, and likely haven’t veered off since. While some have tried-and-tested routines, more of us are guilty of using skincare products without really knowing what they do, the order we should be applying them in, or which products to use for when. Read on for our essential step-by-step guide to skincare basics, i.e. what you really need, plus additional products to target specific skin issues.
Day
Step 1: Cleanser
Cleansing is always the first step to any skincare ritual and in the morning, you need to cleanse your skin to prepare it for the day ahead. But not all cleansers are the same and it’s best to use a gel or foam one to clean your face in the morning.
Step 2: Exfoliant
A quick survey of beauty editors resulted in different opinions on how often one should exfoliate. Exfoliating gets rid of dry, dull skin and doing so daily is fine as long as you choose a gentle exfoliant that won’t be too abrasive on your face.
Step 3: Moisturiser
Once your face is clean, apply a moisturiser with SPF to keep it looking plump and also to protect it from harmful pollutants that can cause premature aging and dryness.
Try: Ultraceuticals Ultra UV Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF30+
Plus
Apply spot treatment where required. We like the Sisley Phyto Blanc Le Concentré, a powerful clarifying serum that helps to reduce the appearance of dark spots and imperfections.
For extra hydration boost and protection against pollution, apply the Grown Alchemist Anti-Pollution Mist.
Soften, smooth and plump lips with luxurious ease thanks to the La Mer The Lip Volumizer. It’s perfect to use alone or as a primer before applying lip colour.
Night
Step 1: Cleanser
By the end of the day, your face is in desperate need of a good clean. If you haven’t discovered face oils yet, try out an oil cleanser which removes makeup and impurities from your skin without stripping away natural oils, leaving your skin soft and hydrated.
Step 2: Toner
Toners used to have a bad rep for having high alcohol content but thankfully, most are now water-based so they won’t dry out your skin. Instead, toners help soothe and clarify the skin while getting deep down into the skin to remove impurities. Use after cleansing.
Step 3: Serum
If the first two steps were about removing dirt and cleansing your face, the next two are about adding in moisture and repairing your skin. Apply a serum before moisturising to deliver powerful ingredients directly to the skin, like antioxidants and hyaluronic acid. Serums also help absorb moisturisers and other treatments better, penetrating the skin to deliver a high concentration of active ingredients.
Try: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery
Step 4: Moisturiser
Night-time is when your skin actually works the hardest; it’s when your skin repairs any damage caused during the day and generates new cells. Before bedtime, use a thicker, more concentrated moisturiser to properly nourish the skin while you’re sleeping.
Plus
The most effective ingredient for anti-aging, apply a retinol treatment to accelerate skin renewal while you’re sleeping. Try Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair.
For an overnight mask to repair and regenerate dry skin and leave it ultra-soothed upon awakening, look no further than Sisley Velvet Sleeping Mask With Saffron Flowers.
If you tend to wake up with puffy eyes or dark circles, use an eye cream like La Prairie Skin Caviar Eye Lift at night to wake up looking bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.
For the ultimate night’s sleep, wear a luxurious Slip Silk™ Face Mask.