The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Building a Skincare Routine
New to skincare? Here's exactly what you need — and what you can skip — to build an effective routine from scratch.
Skincare doesn't need to be a 12-step marathon. When you're starting out, three well-chosen products will do more than a cabinet full of trendy serums. Here's how to build a routine that actually works.
The three non-negotiables
Every effective routine starts with a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer, and a daily sunscreen. Cleanser removes the day, moisturizer supports your skin barrier, and SPF prevents the vast majority of visible aging. Master these before adding anything else.
The correct order to apply products
Shop My Picks
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Glow Tonic Exfoliating Toner
Review in progressThe toner step in my routine. My full review with results and how I use it is coming soon.
Cleanser pick — coming soon
Review in progressI haven't added my personal cleanser recommendation yet. Check back soon for the one I actually use.
Moisturizer pick — coming soon
Review in progressMy moisturizer recommendation is still in progress. I'll add my real pick and review shortly.
Sunscreen pick — coming soon
Review in progressSPF recommendation coming soon — I'll share the daily sunscreen I personally reach for.
Prices and availability are accurate as of publication. As an affiliate I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Apply from thinnest to thickest: cleanser, then toner or essence, then serums, then moisturizer, and finally sunscreen in the morning. At night, swap sunscreen for a slightly richer moisturizer or treatment.
When to add actives
Once your basic routine feels comfortable, introduce one active at a time — like vitamin C in the morning or retinol at night. Add slowly, patch test, and give each product a few weeks before judging results.
Written by Coco
Beauty enthusiast, honest reviewer, and devoted cat mom sharing the products I genuinely love.
