If it's the first time you're getting into it, building a skincare routine can feel like a lot. And that's especially when every scroll serves up a new serum, a new active, a new trend or a complicated 12-step routine. But know that if it feels like a chore, you're doing something wrong. Whether you’re a complete beginner or just looking to pare down your current routine, all you really need are the basics.
Go for a cleanser (or two, for the right double-cleansing routine), follow it up with a toner and a serum, pat in some moisturiser and SPF and opt for a lightweight skin tint (for days you want to swap your full makeup routine for something less heavy-duty). Sounds like a lot? Ahead, we zoom in on each step.
Every great skincare routine begins with a proper cleanse. To melt away makeup or excess sebum, go for an oil cleanser first. For a beginner, we recommend the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil that gently lifts off all residue, while calming and hydrating your skin. With a lightweight texture and the soothing centella asiatica as its main ingredient, this will keep your pores clear without clogging them—perfect for a refreshing, skin-first reset.
Once your oil cleanser has done the heavy lifting, it’s time to go in with a foam- or water-based cleanser to wash away what’s left—think sweat, sunscreen and stubborn residue. The Innisfree Volcanic BHA Pore Cleansing Foam will make for a great choice. Formulated with Jeju volcanic clusters and BHA (short for beta hydroxy acids), it will gently exfoliate the skin, unclog your pores and balance any excess oil without leaving the skin feeling tight. If you're prone to breakouts, this could be an ideal cleanser for your AM routine.
After cleansing, your skin is most receptive to hydration—and that’s where a toner needs to step in. The Caudalie Grape Water known to be made from 100% organic grapes, is a cult-favourite pick that delivers a hit of moisture, soothes sensitivity and strengthens the skin barrier. Lightweight and fuss-free, it acts as both a toner and an on-the-go refresher. So use it before you step out and carry it in your bag to spritz during the day.
If you want smooth and bright skin, glycolic acid is a great place to start. For your first one, pick the Glycolic Bright Serum by L’Oréal Paris that keeps it simple. With 8% glycolic acid, it gently boosts radiance without weighing your skin down. The lightweight formula is known to sink in fast and work well across skin types, making it an easy addition to your first skincare routine.
A good moisturiser seals in all the work the previous steps just did. When zeroing in on the right one for yourself, consider the 2% Niacinamide & Rice Water Gel Cream by Plum. It's oil-free, absorbs quickly and delivers hydration in one lightweight layer. While the niacinamide refines texture, the rice water helps calm any redness or irritation—leaving your skin feeling fresh, soft and balanced.
We know you’ve heard this multiple times, but SPF is a no-skip. Before you head out in the morning, apply the SunGlaze Water-Gel sunscreen by ClayCo, which not only shields your skin from UV rays and blue light, but also hydrates and strengthens the skin barrier. Bonus: it will leave behind a radiant, non-greasy glow with zero white cast.
Lastly, on days when you want to skip makeup but still get a smooth second-skin finish, Akind's Drop a Hint Hydrating Skin Tint will be your best bet. The lightweight formula hydrates, nourishes and protects with SPF 30, while giving your skin a dewy glow. With hyaluronic acid and vitamins, it also brightens the skin without clogging your pores. Besides, it's available in six shades for you to choose from.
Every great skincare routine begins with a proper cleanse. To melt away makeup or excess sebum, go for an oil cleanser first. For a beginner, we recommend the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil that gently lifts off all residue, while calming and hydrating your skin. With a lightweight texture and the soothing centella asiatica as its main ingredient, this will keep your pores clear without clogging them—perfect for a refreshing, skin-first reset.
Once your oil cleanser has done the heavy lifting, it’s time to go in with a foam- or water-based cleanser to wash away what’s left—think sweat, sunscreen and stubborn residue. The Innisfree Volcanic BHA Pore Cleansing Foam will make for a great choice. Formulated with Jeju volcanic clusters and BHA (short for beta hydroxy acids), it will gently exfoliate the skin, unclog your pores and balance any excess oil without leaving the skin feeling tight. If you're prone to breakouts, this could be an ideal cleanser for your AM routine.
After cleansing, your skin is most receptive to hydration—and that’s where a toner needs to step in. The Caudalie Grape Water known to be made from 100% organic grapes, is a cult-favourite pick that delivers a hit of moisture, soothes sensitivity and strengthens the skin barrier. Lightweight and fuss-free, it acts as both a toner and an on-the-go refresher. So use it before you step out and carry it in your bag to spritz during the day.
If you want smooth and bright skin, glycolic acid is a great place to start. For your first one, pick the Glycolic Bright Serum by L’Oréal Paris that keeps it simple. With 8% glycolic acid, it gently boosts radiance without weighing your skin down. The lightweight formula is known to sink in fast and work well across skin types, making it an easy addition to your first skincare routine.
A good moisturiser seals in all the work the previous steps just did. When zeroing in on the right one for yourself, consider the 2% Niacinamide & Rice Water Gel Cream by Plum. It's oil-free, absorbs quickly and delivers hydration in one lightweight layer. While the niacinamide refines texture, the rice water helps calm any redness or irritation—leaving your skin feeling fresh, soft and balanced.
We know you’ve heard this multiple times, but SPF is a no-skip. Before you head out in the morning, apply the SunGlaze Water-Gel sunscreen by ClayCo, which not only shields your skin from UV rays and blue light, but also hydrates and strengthens the skin barrier. Bonus: it will leave behind a radiant, non-greasy glow with zero white cast.
Lastly, on days when you want to skip makeup but still get a smooth second-skin finish, Akind's Drop a Hint Hydrating Skin Tint will be your best bet. The lightweight formula hydrates, nourishes and protects with SPF 30, while giving your skin a dewy glow. With hyaluronic acid and vitamins, it also brightens the skin without clogging your pores. Besides, it's available in six shades for you to choose from.
Every great skincare routine begins with a proper cleanse. To melt away makeup or excess sebum, go for an oil cleanser first. For a beginner, we recommend the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil that gently lifts off all residue, while calming and hydrating your skin. With a lightweight texture and the soothing centella asiatica as its main ingredient, this will keep your pores clear without clogging them—perfect for a refreshing, skin-first reset.
Once your oil cleanser has done the heavy lifting, it’s time to go in with a foam- or water-based cleanser to wash away what’s left—think sweat, sunscreen and stubborn residue. The Innisfree Volcanic BHA Pore Cleansing Foam will make for a great choice. Formulated with Jeju volcanic clusters and BHA (short for beta hydroxy acids), it will gently exfoliate the skin, unclog your pores and balance any excess oil without leaving the skin feeling tight. If you're prone to breakouts, this could be an ideal cleanser for your AM routine.
After cleansing, your skin is most receptive to hydration—and that’s where a toner needs to step in. The Caudalie Grape Water known to be made from 100% organic grapes, is a cult-favourite pick that delivers a hit of moisture, soothes sensitivity and strengthens the skin barrier. Lightweight and fuss-free, it acts as both a toner and an on-the-go refresher. So use it before you step out and carry it in your bag to spritz during the day.
If you want smooth and bright skin, glycolic acid is a great place to start. For your first one, pick the Glycolic Bright Serum by L’Oréal Paris that keeps it simple. With 8% glycolic acid, it gently boosts radiance without weighing your skin down. The lightweight formula is known to sink in fast and work well across skin types, making it an easy addition to your first skincare routine.
A good moisturiser seals in all the work the previous steps just did. When zeroing in on the right one for yourself, consider the 2% Niacinamide & Rice Water Gel Cream by Plum. It's oil-free, absorbs quickly and delivers hydration in one lightweight layer. While the niacinamide refines texture, the rice water helps calm any redness or irritation—leaving your skin feeling fresh, soft and balanced.
We know you’ve heard this multiple times, but SPF is a no-skip. Before you head out in the morning, apply the SunGlaze Water-Gel sunscreen by ClayCo, which not only shields your skin from UV rays and blue light, but also hydrates and strengthens the skin barrier. Bonus: it will leave behind a radiant, non-greasy glow with zero white cast.
Lastly, on days when you want to skip makeup but still get a smooth second-skin finish, Akind's Drop a Hint Hydrating Skin Tint will be your best bet. The lightweight formula hydrates, nourishes and protects with SPF 30, while giving your skin a dewy glow. With hyaluronic acid and vitamins, it also brightens the skin without clogging your pores. Besides, it's available in six shades for you to choose from.