You don't need ten steps and twenty products to have great skin. What you do need is a consistent routine with the right ingredients for your skin type. This guide breaks down exactly what to use, in what order, morning and evening — and points you to the products that will actually make a difference.
The Core Principles
Before choosing products, keep these rules in mind:
- Consistency beats intensity. A simple routine done every day outperforms an elaborate one done occasionally.
- Order matters. Apply products thinnest to thickest — serums before moisturisers, moisturisers before SPF.
- Introduce one new product at a time. This way, if something irritates your skin, you know exactly what caused it.
- Morning and evening routines have different goals. Morning is about protection; evening is about repair.
Step 1: Cleanser
Start every routine, morning and evening, with a gentle cleanser suited to your skin type. In the morning, you're removing overnight sebum and product residue. In the evening, you're removing SPF, makeup, and the day's pollution.
Tip: If you wear foundation or SPF, consider double cleansing in the evening: an oil-based cleanser first, followed by a water-based one. This ensures nothing is left behind to clog pores overnight.
Step 2: Serum (Active Ingredients Go Here)
Serums are where targeted skin concerns are addressed. They're concentrated formulas that penetrate deeper than a moisturiser. Choose your serum based on your primary concern:
For Hydration: Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin and works for all skin types, including oily. It's a great morning serum and can also be used at night. The Elizabeth Arden Hyaluronic Acid Ceramide Hydra-Plumping Serum combines hyaluronic acid with ceramides to restore the skin barrier as well as hydrate — great for all ages and skin types.
For Anti-Ageing & Texture: Retinol
Use retinol in the evening only, 1–2 nights per week to begin with. It addresses fine lines, pigmentation, and skin texture over time. The CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is a brilliant entry-level option, with ceramides to support the skin barrier alongside the retinol. For a more luxurious, encapsulated formula, the Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Night Serum Capsules deliver a precise dose per use.
→ For a full guide on using retinol safely, read our Retinol Serum Benefits & How to Use It article.
For Brightening: Vitamin C
Vitamin C is best used in the morning — it boosts SPF protection and targets dullness and dark spots. Look for a stable formula (L-ascorbic acid, ascorbyl glucoside, or similar) at 10–15%.
Step 3: Moisturiser
Moisturiser seals in the serum and provides a protective barrier for your skin. Even oily skin needs moisturiser — skipping it triggers your skin to overproduce oil to compensate. Choose a:
- Lightweight gel or lotion if you have oily or combination skin
- Rich cream if you have dry or mature skin
- Balanced, non-comedogenic cream if you have normal or sensitive skin
Step 4: SPF (Morning Only — Non-Negotiable)
SPF is the single most important anti-ageing product you can use. UV exposure causes the majority of visible skin ageing — dark spots, fine lines, and loss of elasticity. Use at least SPF 30 every single morning, even in winter or on cloudy UK days. Apply it as the final step, after moisturiser.
Your Complete Simple Routine
| Step | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gentle cleanser | Oil cleanser (if wearing SPF/makeup) + gentle cleanser |
| 2 | Vitamin C serum | Retinol serum (on retinol nights) OR hyaluronic acid serum |
| 3 | Hyaluronic acid serum | Moisturiser |
| 4 | Moisturiser | — |
| 5 | SPF 30+ | — |
Finishing Your Look
Once your morning skincare is complete and your SPF has sunk in for a few minutes, you're perfectly prepped for makeup. A well-moisturised base makes foundation sit more smoothly and last longer. Check out our guide on How to Find Your Perfect Foundation Shade to get your base right.
Shop Skincare at BeautyNmakeup
Browse our full skincare range at BeautyNmakeup.co.uk — including hyaluronic acid serums, retinol treatments, and brightening formulas from Elizabeth Arden, CeraVe, and Clarins. Fast UK delivery on every order.