Skincare can feel overwhelming—so many steps, so many products, so many opinions about what you must be doing. If you’ve ever stood in the beauty aisle wondering where to even begin, this post is for you. Think of it as a no-fuss, beginner-friendly guide to creating a morning routine that’s both effective and doable.
For today, I’m sticking to the basics. No masks, no at-home peels, no complicated extras—just a simple step-by-step routine that forms the foundation of great skincare.
Step 1: Start with a Gentle Cleanse
There’s some debate about whether you really need to cleanse in the morning. Some experts say it’s unnecessary, but I personally can’t skip it—I just don’t feel fresh unless I wash my face.
The key here is to keep it light. I avoid heavy cleansers in the morning and stick with something gentle, like a gel or a milky formula. At the moment, I rotate between Elemis and Indie Lee, both of which feel refreshing without stripping my skin. Balm or oil cleansers, which I adore at night, are a bit too much for mornings, so I save those for my evening routine.
Step 2: Tone and Prep
After cleansing, I always use a toner. This step doesn’t get as much attention as serums or moisturizers, but it makes a big difference. Toning helps balance the skin and preps it to absorb whatever you layer on next.
Right now, I’m using Indie Lee’s toner, and I love how gentle and refreshing it feels first thing in the morning.
Step 3: Protect with Vitamin C
If there’s one product worth investing in, it’s Vitamin C. Think of it as your daily defense shield—it protects against pollution, UV rays, and other environmental stressors. It also helps brighten the skin over time.
Most dermatologists agree: if you’re going to choose just two powerhouse ingredients for anti-aging, they should be Vitamin C (in the morning) and retinol (at night).
I apply Vitamin C after toner, let it sink in while I do a few other things, and then continue with the rest of my routine.
Favorites include:
- Skinceuticals (the gold standard, though pricey)
- Ole Henriksen and Tatcha (fantastic mid-range options)
- Obagi (on my list to try next, after hearing rave reviews)
Step 4: Eye Cream
Eye cream is one of those steps that feels small but makes a big impact—especially if you’re like me and wear a touch of concealer even on makeup-free days.
In the morning, I look for something light and hydrating that creates a smooth canvas under concealer, without feeling heavy or greasy. I’m currently testing a few and haven’t crowned a favorite yet, but the right one really does make concealer glide on more naturally.
Step 5: Add a Drink of Water for Your Skin (Hyaluronic Acid)
This step is technically optional, but I can’t bring myself to skip it. Hyaluronic acid is like a tall glass of water for your skin—hydrating, plumping, and giving your complexion that “bouncy” look.
When I don’t use it, I notice the difference. Especially in colder months, it makes my skin feel more comfortable and look more refreshed. I apply it after Vitamin C and give it a few minutes to settle before moving on.
Favorites include:
- Skinceuticals
- PCA
- Jordan Samuel Skin (a more budget-friendly option)
Step 6: Moisturize (if your skin needs it)
Here’s where I say: listen to your skin. Some mornings, I go straight from serum to SPF and skip moisturizer entirely. On warmer days, or if my skin is feeling balanced, my tinted SPF does the job.
But if my skin is dry—or if I’m wearing more makeup that day—I’ll layer a moisturizer underneath. Ultra Repair Cream and Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped are my go-to’s when I need that extra hydration.
Step 7: SPF, Always
This step is non-negotiable. Every single day, whether it’s sunny, cloudy, or somewhere in between, I apply SPF. Skipping sunscreen is like undoing all the effort of the steps before it.
Personally, I prefer a tinted SPF because it doubles as a light base and gives my skin a little glow. Since I don’t wear foundation most days, this works perfectly. If you do wear foundation, you can layer it right on top.
One tip: don’t stop at your face. If your chest is exposed, bring the SPF down your neck, onto your chest, and even the backs of your hands. Future you will be very grateful.
My favorites are PCA Sheer Tint and Elta MD Tinted—both reliable, lightweight, and comfortable for daily wear.
Final Thoughts
Building a skincare routine doesn’t need to feel like a 12-step ritual or a science project. At its core, it’s about cleansing, protecting, and keeping your skin hydrated. Once you’ve nailed these basics, you can always layer in extras—like masks, exfoliating treatments, or retinol—when you’re ready.
But if you’re just starting out, the routine above is all you need: a gentle cleanse, a bit of Vitamin C, hydration where it counts, and daily SPF. Keep it simple, listen to your skin, and over time, you’ll find the products that feel like magic for you.
