'I’m an influencer. There are 5 skincare products I always recommend to get beginners hooked.'

As a 'skinfluencer' I get the opportunity to try out heaps of products; some work wonders for me, others not so much, and in doing so I’ve gained a better understanding as to what is beginner friendly and what is better suited for skincare veterans.

I also have a strong ethos for only recommending products I’ve tried and loved, with the goal to encourage more people to see skincare as self-care.

For those who are just stepping into the world of skincare, I can understand how overwhelming it can be. All the different brands, ingredients, steps, devices, miracle promises, and all at a range of different price tags. 

Watch: Here are 7 ways to improve your skin while sleeping. Story continues below.

So, when a beginner comes to me for advice on where to start, I always recommend the same products that I know are effective, easy to use with simple ingredients. Plus, they're all affordable. Meaning? If they love it, they won't hesitate to stock up, or if they hate it, it won't break the bank.

So if you’re a beginner, or you know someone who doesn’t know where to start - hello! You’re in the right place.

Keep scrolling down to see the list of products I believe are the bee's knees to kick start your routine. 

Heimish All Clean Balm (oil cleanser - nighttime only), $16.

Image: Ilia Beauty/Mamamia  

An oil cleanser? What’s an oil cleanser, you ask? Well, if you wear makeup or sunscreen (so that should be all of you!), then an oil cleanser is the first step in your nighttime routine. 

An oil cleanser is the first step to ensuring that the makeup or sunscreen is broken down and washed off the face properly. 

This one from Heimish is affordable, comes with a cute spatula for clean application, and doesn’t sting the eyes (an important criteria in my books). 

Use this one on dry skin with dry hands, emulsify with a bit of water, then wash off completely. 

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, $15.99 or SA Cleanser (cleanser - morning and night) $14.39.

Image: Adore Beauty/Mamamia  

Ahh, CeraVe. Where would I be without you? CeraVe is a super accessible and affordable brand that is also highly recommended by many dermatologists. 

I personally use their cleansers religiously and I would highly recommend their hydrating cleanser for normal to dry skin or their SA cleanser for oily skin. 

At night time, this would be considered your second cleanse.

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% (entry level chemical exfoliant - night time only, right after cleansing), $13.10.

Image: Adore Beauty/Mamamia  

If you have bumpy texture, closed comedones, or uneven skin tone, then Alpha Hydroxy Acids’s (AHA) will be your best friend. 

Lactic acid is a super gentle AHA derived from milk and it helps to lightly exfoliate the top layer of your skin, giving you gorgeous freshly exfoliated skin the next day. I know, it sounds a bit scary, but once you try it, you’ll be hooked.

The Ordinary’s Lactic Acid 5% is easily my favourite entry level exfoliant. It’s great for all skin types, yes even sensitive or dry skin! Just make sure to only use it 1 - 2 nights a week and avoid getting too close to your eyes. 

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (serum - morning and night) $10.60.

Image: Adore Beauty/Mamamia  

Another great serum from The Ordinary; this one is great for those looking to get into skincare, but not really knowing what serum or ingredients to start with. 

Niacinamide is a wonderful staple to have in your routine. It helps regulate sebum, manage acne, minimise the appearance of pores, and even out skin tone; all the good stuff.

CeraVe Daily Moisturising Lotion (moisturiser - morning and night) $15.99.

Image: Adore Beauty/Mamamia  

Again, another CeraVe goodie. This one is a moisturiser that I have been using for years and will probably keep using it forever and always. It’s so simple, but so good. 

In my opinion, unless you want to feel super fancy, moisturisers don’t need to be expensive. This one especially has the essentials for hydration, but leaves out the unnecessary extras such as fragrance or colours. 

And that's it! That’s my list of ride or die beginner skincare products. I hope this is helpful to all of you who have come here a bit puzzled as to where to start. And I hope this kicks off the beginning of what is about to be a wonderful self-care journey. 

Just don’t forget, skincare doesn’t need to be expensive and consistency is key!

Have you tried any of the above products before? What are your favourites? Share with us in the comment section below.

Feature image: Supplied/Nissie Bungbrakearti

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