7 Super Great Starter Skincare Routines
Welcome back, beautiful!! I’ve hand selected 7 different skincare routines that are perfect for beginners, or really just anybody, but if you’re wanting to start a routine and you Google “skincare routine”, it can be seriously overwhelming. Some pricey stuff can really show up in those results too. So! Rude! There aren’t many simple all-in-one lines, or there are but they have a million options, so I pieced together some GREAT options below. Let’s dive in and getcha started.
By the way, if you’ve landed on this page and want to know the basics of a skincare routine, click here!
#1 – CeraVe
Affordable Skincare Routine for All Skin Types
CeraVe is a fantastic brand to use to build an entire skincare routine. The products are easy to find, pretty affordable and this brand was developed alongside dermatologists. Their claim to fame are the 3 essential ceramides they use in every single product to help restore your natural skin barrier.
This has GOT to be the most recommended face wash of all time. If you do a quick search for “face wash”, this one will come up in every single article or shop you look at.
CeraVe Hydrating Facial CleanserCeraVe doesn’t offer a toner so I added in the one I’m currently using on a daily basis!
#2 – Yes To (Cucumbers)
Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin
I really like this option for anyone who isn’t trying to cut their arm off to pay for a sensitive skincare line. This is an incredibly gentle line of products. Cucumbers are FULL of water, making them very gentle on the skin. This line of products includes cucumbers, aloe and witch hazel which helps calm even the most sensitive skin. This won’t make you red or itch or break out in some weird rash. Here are the two links that are the best to start out with!
This line doesn’t come with a serum but I picked this VERY affordable Hydrating Booster for sensitive skin out for you in case you want the full skincare routine experience from the start!
Though this Yes To Cucumbers sensitive skincare line doesn’t have a serum, it DOES offer a ton of really fun extras! It has a different type of facial cleanser, eye masks, a jelly mask, paper masks and now a lip balm! It’s such an affordable brand too, you can get it all and be well on your way to feeling great about your skin!
#3 – Ole Henriksen Balance It All
Skincare Routine for Oily Skin
This skincare set for oily skin is getting great reviews across the internet! People are using it and seeing reduced oil at the end of the day within a couple days! UNHEARD OF! gawdess226 said on Sephora‘s site, “helps oil control. I’ve noticed I’m not as oily at the end of the day! love the way the products feel on my face and the cleanser and toner have a peppermint kind of tingle. love it!”
This set fights that extra shine AND it fights the acne that pops up as a result of increased oil in all your pores by adding in salicylic acid. The ingredient list (which they are very transparent about) includes several natural plant extracts which always makes me feel good about something I’m applying to my skin. It includes a wash, a toner and a moisturizer. I personally have normal to oily skin and I have seen a huge reduction in my pore sizes after consistent toner use – very impressed to see that Ole Henriksen also considers it an important product for people like me!
The Ole Henriksen Balance It All skincare line doesn’t include all 6 steps I recommend, so again, I found some to add in to complete your experience.
#4 – Neutrogena Hydro Boost
Skincare Routine for Dry Skin
Dry skin, schpy skin. Not with this skincare line from Neutrogena! The key ingredient in this line is purified hyaluronic acid, an ingredient naturally found in our bodies to retain moisture. By applying this ingredient right to your face, you are helping your body obtain a very hydrated, smooth skin barrier. After using this line, you should feel like your skin has quenched the thirst it’s had for ages!
Hydro Boost doesn’t have a specific toner, so I selected the great toner from Neutrogena that is perfect for all skin types!
This collection has so many options! Start with this set and build from there! Much like the Yes to Cucumbers line above, it also has a bunch of really fun extras like an overnight mask, a hydrogel mask, cleansing wipes and even a hydrating setting spray! Get it going with this line, it has so much to offer!
#5 – Super Fun Mix & Match
Skincare Routine – Could Care Less About the Brand
OK – not everyone needs to be brand specific, so I put together a random mix & match routine for you to try. It features great products that are easy to find, that are getting some dope reviews! Let’s dive in.
1. Cleanser
I picked the Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser. It’s great for everybody. It’s hypoallergenic, it foams up but doesn’t over-dry the skin, and being so gentle, still gets all that yuck off.
2. Toner
I picked the Simple Skincare Soothing Facial Toner. I used to use the Simple brand a TON when I was younger, I only really stopped because I wanted to try something new. Thankfully, this toner has NO alochol, but it DOES have witch hazel, chamomile, Vitamin B5 and Allantoin.
3. Serum
I picked this serum because it’s a fun option. Infusion Drops from Aveeno, what could be more fun than this?! These get you that GLOW you’ve been looking for your whole life. They are incredibly moisturizing and can be used alone or with a moisturizer. I would personally prefer you still use a moisturizer so I added a lightweight option for step 5!
4. Eye Cream
Is anyone else really loving Burt’s Bees these days? I am definitely OBSESSED, I love everything they offer. I use so many of their products on my toddler and feel great about what I’m putting on his skin. With all that said, this Brightening Eye Treatment is what you need in your mix & match skincare routine. It helps with discoloration around the eyes, puffiness and can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles — all in one eye cream!
5 & 6. Moisturizer & SPF
I chose a moisturizer/spf combo product to give you 20 seconds of your life back! This La Roche-Posay lightweight formula is great after those thick Aveeno drops in step 3. It will make you feel covered in moisture and covered from the sun! It includes Niacinamide which will protect your skin literally, from life. Sun, pollution, toxins, YES, protected.
#6 – Acure Rejuvenating Kit
Skincare Routine – Vegan & Cruelty Free
Do you love your furbabies at home? Girl, I know you do! As a mom of 4 dogs and Josh, the cat, I love brands that are committed to keeping their products free from animal products and byproducts, and off of animals too for testing. I really vibe with some products that I know are doing things the right way.
I believe other brands on this list are vegan and cruelty free as well, but I really wanted to showcase a skincare routine for all skin types that animal lovers can feel good about.
In addition to being great for you furbaby-loving peeps, this kit is also great for anti-aging. It features a few products that seem really fun to me, like a facial scrub that’s packed with antioxidants that fight free radicals which can damage your skin, or a serum STICK that brightens, and a whipped night cream that uses plant peptides which helps build up collagen and elastin.
This kit doesn’t include a toner either but I just really recommend getting one. I picked a great vegan and cruelty free option here!
#7 – Sunday Riley Wake Up With Me Morning Routine Kit
Skincare Routine, An Investment
Ok, I tried to keep things pretty reasonable from a pricing perspective. You’re just starting a skincare routine and you’re thinking, do I really need to spend some cash to get some good-looking skin?? Welp, no, you totes don’t! There are some great options at great price points.
However, if you’re ready to splurge, here we go, bish. Introducing, a pricey starter kit with decent sized samples that have some splurge-y priced full sized products. I like this kit because it has SO much to offer. It’s 6 steps of great ingredients to exfoliate, help with any discoloration or dark circles, fight signs of aging and brighten your skin.
It has 6 steps and doesn’t even include any SPF so you know it’s a juicy find for your skin. But here’s a great SPF for your protection!
Let’s go get you carded, girl!
Have a great rest of the day!
XOXO <3 DINAH