Step 1 - Cleanser
Whatever you do, start your day by cleansing your skin. This is get rid of any dirt that has built up overnight (particularly important after a hot, sticky summer night) before you do your make up. If nothing else, it'll leave you feeling refreshed and ready for the day. You can either use a traditional soap and water cleanser, or if you're pushed for time, a cleansing water.
Recommendations
Normal skin
Lush 9 to 5 – gently cleanses normal skin of dirt and impurities. | 
Oily Skin
Lush Coalface – the charcoal soaks up oil, leaving your skin squeaky clean (literally!). |
Acne Prone Skin
Lush Herbalism – this was my skin saviour during breakouts, it exfoliates whilst absorbing oil, and calming breakouts. | 
Dry Skin Lush
Ultrabland – a thick, creamy cleanser that does it's job without stripping away the natural oils on your skin. |
Combination Skin
Lush Angels on Bare Skin – a super gentle cleanser that's great for both oily and dry areas. | 
Cleansing Water -
All skin types BiodermaCrealine H2O - As far as cleansing waters go, I, and many other make up artists have this one in our kit. I use it on everyone, and have never encountered anyone who didn't get along with it. There's a reason this have a cult following. |
Step 2 - Toner
Toners have a bit of a bad rep at the moment. All to often they're accused of being harsh and drying out skin. The toner market has grown in recent years, and now, providing you get one which is right for your skin, it's definitely something you should consider adding into your routine. They can remove any excess oil and dead skin that your cleanser may have missed. Up until quite recently, I was in the 'no toner' camp. After finally losing my temper over my spot ridden skin, I revamped my skin care routine. I believe that adding a toner in was one of the most important steps I took. After doing my research, I found out that I live in an area with very hard water. This means that the water has a very high mineral content, which means that it's harder to wash off the soap you've been using. That can lead to dry, irritated skin, and, you've guessed it, spots. Since introducing a toner, my skin has drastically changed. Find one that your skin loves, and I'm sure you'll notice the difference.
Recommendations
Oily/Acne Prone Skin
Vichy Purete Thermale Hydra Profecting Toner – my miracle product. This gently removes any excess cleanser and oil without irritating skin. Vichy also sell an astringent toner for oily problem skin, but I found that to be too harsh. | 
Dry Skin
No.7 Soft & Soothed Gentle Toner – alcohol free, this toner will hydrate dry and sensitive skin. |
Normal/
Combination Skin Burts Bees Radiance Toner – alcohol free with orange oil to mildly hydrate, and witch hazel which is known for it's antibacterial properties. | 
Mature Skin L'occitaneImmortelle Essential Water – alcohol free with green tea extract to help moisturise and firm aging skin.
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Step 3 - Serum
The current 'big thing' in skincare at the moment. Serums deliver an intensive boost of whatever it is that your skin needs. Serums can be used morning and night.
Oily Skin Eucerin Dermo Purifyer Concentrate – after toner, this delivers a bit of moisture, whilst completely mattifying skin.
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Dry Skin Clarins Hydraquench Intensive Serum – delivers and intense boost of moisture to hydrate even the driest of skin.
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Mature Skin -There are dozens of anti-aging serums on the market at the moment, ranging from BootsBotanics Radiant Youth Super Serum (£9.99), to Gerlain's Orchidee Imperiale New Generation Serum (£308). My pick of choice, Lancome Genifique Youth Actifying Concentrate comes in at £90. It's a pretty pricey investment, but it feels incredible on the skin, and might just be that little bit of luxury that you think your skin deserves.
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Step 4 - Moisturiser
The second 'must-have' in my list of skin care, moisturisers are essential to healthy, happy skin. There are so many on the markets (at varying prices) that the choice can be overwhelming. I've tried to narrow it down to my favourites. Some have SPF protection, others don't. Wearing at least SPF 15 every day is vital to protect your skin from harmful UV rays (and will keep you looking younger for longer).
Oily Skin
Botanics Shine Away Mattifying Day Cream – this day cream has SPF 15, and leaves skin nice and matte, and ready for makeup. | 
Dry Skin Illamasqua Hydra Veil –
a deeply moisturising jelly/gel, which soothes even the driest of skins. The only thing missing from this is SPF, so make sure you use a sun screen or primer with SPF if you chose this*. |
Combination Skin
Natural High Radiance Balm – this both hydrates dry areas and absorbs oil, so it's great for combo skin. It's easily absorbed, making it a staple on shoots when I don't have much time (or get up and go mornings). Again, this doesn't have SPF, so make sure you compensate for that elsewhere in your routine*. | 
Mature Skin Boots No.7 range – as with serums, there are a lot of anti-ageing moisturisers out there. I've picked the Boots No.7 day cream range, as they do different creams dependent on age. Whilst I don't agree with their strictness when it comes to age (I was told that they didn't have a moisturiser for me because I was 24, and their Protect and Perfect range is for 25-35 year olds!), they are good moisturisers with anti-ageing benefits at a reasonable price. They all have SFP protection, which is a bonus.
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*SPF protection Clinique City Block –
this is a primer with high level SPF protection (SPF 40). You can also use this as it's own on top of your moisturiser. During the summer I'd recommend this product whether or not your moisturiser has UV protection. I have super pale skin, and recently tested this in 30degrees weather, so can vouch for the effectiveness of this one! |
Step 5 - Eye Cream
The skin around your eyes is more delicate than the skin on the rest of your face. Eye creams can cool and sooth, as well as moisturise, and de-puff, depending on what you need.
Recommendations
Normal Skin Boots Vitamin E Gentle Eye Cream – delivers a boost of moisture which soaks in quickly. Eyes look refreshed and awake instantly.
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Puffiness and Dark CirclesBenefit It's Potent Eye Cream – reduces the look of dark circles and puffiness with repeated usage.
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Mature Skin Olay Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum – Olay are well known for their anti-ageing products, and this serum provides non-greasy moisture, whilst firming skin under the eye to reduce fine lines.
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