Step 2: The Cleanser

Every morning, and every night. Wash away dead skin buildup for good, and give your skin added moisture, with a trustworthy cleanser.

We like Eve Lom’s Cleanser option for an everyday glow, and Jan Marini’s Bioglycolic Facial Cleanser for acne-prone skin.

Step 3: The Toner

Toners help replenish the skin with what a cleanser might have taken away.  Traditionally, the toner’s job was to act as an astringent to purify the skin and close any pores, thus preventing dirt and impurities that enter post-cleanse – this is true of toners that are applied with a cotton round, such as SkinMedica’s Rejuvenative Toner.

There are also toning mists, like Jurlique’s  Rosewater Balancing Mist or SUNDARI’s Rose and Lemon Tonic Water, which you’ll find particularly refreshing on skin that feels tight after cleansing.

Step 4: The Essence

Once the stuff of K-beauty routines, essences have made their way into Western skincare rituals too. Essentially what the essence does is keep your skin healthy at a cellular level. By adding in extra hydration, vitamins and antioxidants, facial essences give your skin the energy boost it needs to stay glowing.

Step 5: The Ampoule

Ampoules are highly concentrated versions of facial essences, sealing in the benefits of step 4 while also adding an extra boost of vitamins to the skin.

Step 6: The Serum

Serums are little antioxidant powerhouses that wage war on free radicals and keep your skin protected against everything from air pollution to air con. If you shop smart for serums, you’ll find they can also deliver targeted care. Vitamin C for example, is a superstar ingredient to help skin elasticity and lackluster complexions.

Step 7: The Moisturizer

Every skincare routine needs a moisturizer to lock down moisture, keeping your skin supple and your subsequent makeup flawless. Choose something light if you have oily skin, like the SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture , or something rich for dry skin, like the Hyaluronic Moisture Cushion by Dr Dennis Gross.

Step 8: The Sunscreen

If there’s one thing dermatologists can agree on – it’s sunscreen. Your moisturizer and/or foundation may contain SPF already, likely 15 or 30. Double up on your sun protection with a sunscreen and give your skin its best chance against aging. If you’re worried about all these layers of skincare, don’t worry, there’s PCA Skin’s Weightless Protection SPF45 or if you woke up late, choose Skin Medica’s SPF line to set your makeup and offer protection.

Step 9: The Primer

Ensure your makeup lasts from AM to PM with a primer that controls skin concerns and forces your foundation to stay put. We love Illamasqua’s veils – one for every skin type.