If you're just starting out with skincare it can be hard to decipher what's necessary and what you can afford to skip. I'm hopefully going to whittle down some things that should be in your everyday routine, and look out for a post coming soon about steps you can fulfil once or twice a week. You know your skin better than anyone so make sure you're investing in products that meet your skins needs! And for reference I have normal/combination skin which can get dehydrated at times (it is possible to have more than one skin type!).

If you wear makeup, of course it's going to be more than essential to have a makeup remover laying around. I wouldn't recommend using face wipes, as gentle as some of them claim to be, instead opt for a balm or oil. Balms are really hydrating and are very gentle to the skin, these can also double up as a cleanser but I always go in with a separate cleansing product after to ensure I'm getting it all off! The Body Shop's Camomile Cleansing Butter (£12.00) is lovely, Clinique do a great one and of course the Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm (£36.00) is favourite of many bloggers. As for oils, I would recommend the Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Oil (£10.00). It's cheap and removes makeup like a dream without having to tug away at the eyes.

Next step would be cleansing. I use two separate ones, for morning and one for night, but if you just want one to deal with then opt for the Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel (£28.00). It's a gentle moisturising cleanser and I haven't met anyone who hasn't got on with this. I apply this to dry skin then rinse off with a muslin cloth or flannel. For the evening I like to use cream cleansers, I find them really hydrating and leave my skin feeling so soft. A couple of my favourites include the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish (£14.00) and the Elemental Herbology Bio-cellular Super Cleanse (£17.60). The latter smells like a spa and is a real relaxing treat at the end of the day.

A good serum/oil and moisturiser combo is essential, and don't think just because you have oily skin you should stay away from moisturisers, loads of decent brands make them for oily skin types. Serums and oils are amazing at treating the skin, whether it be in the moisture department or you want one to sooth and restore. My favourite ever serum is the Keihls Midnight Recovery Concentrate (£36.00), I love the way it makes my skin look when I wake up and it feels so much more hydrated. You can also find some great serums and oils from brands like Sarah Chapman, Estee Lauder and Clarins.
As for moisturisers I'm obsessed with ones Origins make! They have so many to choose from ranging across all different skin types. Keihls also do some lovely, simple and kind to the skin options. Pretty much every skincare brand do moisturisers so if you have a brand you love, take a peek into what they have to offer moisture wise and see if it's what you're looking for.