a guide for a beginner in skincare

Bailey Downey
Feb 26, 2019
4 min read

Updated: Jan 2, 2020

Let's compare some different products so you can see what might work best for you!

It is so important within the skincare world to know the different products/brands you can invest in when starting with a skincare routine - as it can get complicated! In the two videos below, I have provided links to a high-end skincare routine that I would recommend, but also a drugstore skincare routine (something that is noticeably cheaper).

Check these out!

High-end Skincare routine

Drugstore Skincare routine

There are several and important steps in a skincare routine and why they're important:

makeup removal / cleansing

This step is the most important part of any skincare routine. Cleansing rids the skin of makeup, and unwanted bacteria on the skin. Moreover, double-cleansing is something necessary for beautiful glowy skin! In the first video, the YouTuber (iluvsarahii) uses the 'Tatcha facial oil', first to breakdown and remove her makeup. Secondly, she uses the 'Kiehls Ultra Facial Cleanser' as a second cleanser. The second cleanser itself is going to cleanse the skin without the makeup on it, removing excess dirt/oil. Many people also notice a difference in their skin if you struggle with acne, when you double cleanse.

A cheaper alternative to the 'Tatcha facial oil', would be the Burts Bees Facial Cleansing Oil. This does a beautiful job of removing makeup, but beware there is a fragrance to it!

toner

The next step in your skincare routine should be a toner - this will remove excess dirt and sometimes treat the skin. This step in a skincare routine was not listed in the videos above, but this is something I have found to be important in my personal routine. A toner will balance out the skin's PH, which is essential especially when it comes to our skin being dehydrated or oily. If the PH of the skin is balanced, this means that it is sitting at a happy medium and the skin can also absorb the preceding products. A toner can also have a specific treatment, and this is specific to each individual.

A toner I would recommend would be the 'Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel Facial Toner.' This toner is great for treating and giving the skin a glow, as it contains witch hazel that reduces inflammation, and cleans pores, and rose water that assists in moisture!

treatment / serum

A treatment or serum is also so important , as this is the specific issue a person wants to target. In the above videos, the YouTubers used a vitamin c serum and brightening products. Both of these serums are good, for brightening.

You don't have normal / combo skin?

If there is a specific issue that you want to target, such as if you have oily or acne-prone skin, the brand 'Ordinary' is great for this! The 'Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Serum.' targets and treats the acne as they come to the surface, and it's cheap! This is a fantastic serum for someone who is a beginner and wants to start on a budget - I also just recently recommended this to my roommate and she is loving it!

eye cream

I know what your thinking, "eye creams are only for older women with wrinkles" - not true. If you have looked into skincare before it is important to note that you can never start too early with anti-aging products. Not only this but many people use an eye cream simply because the under eyes can get dry. A good one recommended in the high-end skincare video would be the 'Ole Henriksen Banana Bright eye cream.' It is a popular product and universal for anyone!

moisturizer

Moisturizer would be the second most important step in a skincare routine. Moisturizer will seal the products in that you have worked hard on to put into your skin. The moisturizer you use can also make or break your skin, based on its ingredients and your skin type. For anyone, I would recommend a moisturizer with a high concentration of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is something our bodies naturally produce to give the skin moisture. For something cheaper, the 'Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream.' This is a great moisturizer for someone who has oily skin but still wants to give their skin the moisture it needs (as listed in the low-end skincare routine). For a more luxurious alternative, I would recommend the 'Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Moisturizer.'

I personally have found that the Fresh Moisturizer is one of the ONLY moisturizers that I notice a difference in the look of my skin. Check out my Evening Skincare Routine & Tips to see what it's done for my skin!

facial oil

Facial oils are something that can be an extra step in your skincare routine! A facial oil can provide benefits to your skin, no matter what kind of skin you have. If your skin is dry a facial oil is helpful - ESPECIALLY in those winter months where everything feels crusty. However, if you struggle with oily skin, the uncommon opinion is that your skin does not want that extra oil - not true. An oil can actually help balance your skins already producing oils if used in the right way!

Just because your skin is already oily doesn't mean that you shouldn't be adding moisturizing products back into it. If your skin is being dehydrated by too many "oil-free" products, or no products at all, it causes the skin to actually overproduce on its natural oils. This then makes the skin become irritated even more causing acne, enlarged pores, or other issues. An oil I would recommend is the 'Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil',found at your local Sephora.

find your fit!

Overall, a skincare routine has to be altered to each person and their skincare needs/wants. No matter what your skin type is, these products are great for anyone starting off in the skincare world.