Article link has been copied
Get 15% Off On Your First Purchase
Rituals

Your first skincare routine, in 7 easy steps

By
Anusha Kala
3
min read
Skin
Your first skincare routine, in 7 easy steps
Rituals
Skin

Your first skincare routine, in 7 easy steps

By
Anusha Kala
By
Anusha Kala
Rituals
Skin
3
Min read
If you're a newbie, this simple AM routine won't overwhelm you
Your first skincare routine, in 7 easy steps

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.

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil (200ml)
1133701
SKIN1004
Know More
Innisfree Volcanic BHA Pore Cleansing Foam (250g)
1123629
Innisfree
Know More
Caudalie Grape Water Toner (200ml)
1020361
Caudalie
Know More
L'Oreal Paris Glycolic Bright Instant Glowing Serum 8% Glycolic Acid (30 ml)
1086904
L'Oreal Paris
Know More
Plum 2% Niacinamide & Rice Water Daily Brightening Gel Face Moisturizer, Non-Sticky Hydration (50 g)
1129263
Plum
Know More
ClayCo Sunglaze Sunscreen SPF 50 PA ++++ with Probiotic & Ceramides (50 ml)
1164689
ClayCo.
Know More
Akind Drop a Hint Hydrating Skin Tint SPF 30 PA +++ - 150 Honey (30 ml)
1146846
Akind
Know More

1133701
SKIN1004
.

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil (200ml)

No items found.
Add to Cart
1123629
Innisfree
.

Innisfree Volcanic BHA Pore Cleansing Foam (250g)

No items found.
Add to Cart
1020361
Caudalie
.

Caudalie Grape Water Toner (200ml)

No items found.
Add to Cart
1086904
L'Oreal Paris
.

L'Oreal Paris Glycolic Bright Instant Glowing Serum 8% Glycolic Acid (30 ml)

No items found.
Add to Cart
1129263
Plum
.

Plum 2% Niacinamide & Rice Water Daily Brightening Gel Face Moisturizer, Non-Sticky Hydration (50 g)

No items found.
Add to Cart
1164689
ClayCo.
.

ClayCo Sunglaze Sunscreen SPF 50 PA ++++ with Probiotic & Ceramides (50 ml)

No items found.
Add to Cart
1146846
Akind
.

Akind Drop a Hint Hydrating Skin Tint SPF 30 PA +++ - 150 Honey (30 ml)

No items found.
Add to Cart

Step 1: Pick an oil cleanser

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.

Step 2: Double-cleanse with a foam cleanser

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.

Step 3: Swipe on a toner

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.

Step 4: Pat in a serum

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.

Step 5: Lock it in with a moisturiser

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.

Step 6: Don't skip SPF

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.

Step 7: Top it all up with a skin tint

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.

No items found.

Step 1: Pick an oil cleanser

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.

Step 2: Double-cleanse with a foam cleanser

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.

Step 3: Swipe on a toner

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.

Step 4: Pat in a serum

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.

Step 5: Lock it in with a moisturiser

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.

Step 6: Don't skip SPF

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.

Step 7: Top it all up with a skin tint

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.

No items found.

No items found.
About

Step 1: Pick an oil cleanser

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.

Step 2: Double-cleanse with a foam cleanser

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.

Step 3: Swipe on a toner

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.

Step 4: Pat in a serum

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.

Step 5: Lock it in with a moisturiser

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.

Step 6: Don't skip SPF

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.

Step 7: Top it all up with a skin tint

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.

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil (200ml)
SKIN1004
1133701
Know More
Innisfree Volcanic BHA Pore Cleansing Foam (250g)
Innisfree
1123629
Know More
Caudalie Grape Water Toner (200ml)
Caudalie
1020361
Know More
L'Oreal Paris Glycolic Bright Instant Glowing Serum 8% Glycolic Acid (30 ml)
L'Oreal Paris
1086904
Know More
Plum 2% Niacinamide & Rice Water Daily Brightening Gel Face Moisturizer, Non-Sticky Hydration (50 g)
Plum
1129263
Know More
ClayCo Sunglaze Sunscreen SPF 50 PA ++++ with Probiotic & Ceramides (50 ml)
ClayCo.
1164689
Know More
Akind Drop a Hint Hydrating Skin Tint SPF 30 PA +++ - 150 Honey (30 ml)
Akind
1146846
Know More

Step 1: Pick an oil cleanser

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.

Step 2: Double-cleanse with a foam cleanser

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.

Step 3: Swipe on a toner

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.

Step 4: Pat in a serum

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.

Step 5: Lock it in with a moisturiser

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.

Step 6: Don't skip SPF

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.

Step 7: Top it all up with a skin tint

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.