Finding the perfect skincare routine can feel like mission impossible, so we’ve designed this guide to help you find a routine that suits you and your skin. Remember your skin will change over time, and you will need to update your regime on a regular basis in order to keep your complexion in tip-top condition.

What’s your skin type?

Very dry/dry
Your skin can often feel quite tight, and flakey skin is not uncommon. You feel as though you can’t moisturise enough, and your skin sometimes feels uncomfortable after cleansing. You may also suffer from sensitivity, and you find that perfumed products can leave your skin looking angry.

Top products: Crème de la Mer Moisturizing cream, £95, Clinique Moisture Surge extended thirst relief, £30, Clarins Gentle foaming cleanser, £17.

Normal/combination
Your skin is either very well behaved or a total nightmare. You find yourself with clear skin for days but then will have a sudden breakout across your t-zone. You're also prone to dry patches of skin as well, although more frequently you’re trying to fight off blemishes which seem to always appear across your forehead and nose. You’re never 100% sure which products to use.

Top products: NARS Balancing moisture lotion, £41, Kiehl’s Pineapple papaya facial scrub, £24, La Prairie Cellular Purifying Blemish Control, £56.

Oily/blemished
You may have always had oily skin, or you may have found yourself suffering from adult acne in the last few years. You struggle to keep your makeup in place all day, and you often find that your foundation has slipped off. You always feel like your skin is shiny, and you don’t feel like you can use any moisturiser in case it makes you more oily.

Top products: Clinique Anti-blemish solutions clarifying lotion, £16.50, Korres Pomegranate and Olive stone scrub, £16, Clinique Dramatically different moisturizer £28.50.

What to use when

Cleansers
Use a cleanser twice per day, in the morning to clean and freshen the skin, and in the evenings to remove all traces of makeup. Use a cleanser designed for your skin type, and if you have very dry skin opt for a cream based cleanser. See all Cleansers

Toners
Toners are used after cleansing and before moisturising, you use these to keep the skin feeling fresh and to remove any remaining traces of makeup. We recommend using a toner once per day. See all Toners

Masks
Face masks are a leave-on formula which you can use for a more intensive skincare routine. We recommend using a mask once per week, and opting for one designed for your skin. Masks are great for helping you solve common skin complaints such as overly dry skin or blemishes. Just follow the instructions and sit back and enjoy an at-home pamper session. See all Masks

Exfoliators
These buff away dead skin cells, to leave the skin looking smooth and blemish free. Very gentle exfoliators can be used daily, whilst rougher formulas should only be used once or twice per week. Combination skins will benefit most from daily exfoliating. See all exfoliators

Moisturisers
It’s a myth that oily skin types shouldn’t use moisturiser. Every skin type needs to be hydrated, but you need to pick a moisturiser which is right for your skin. If you do have oily or combination skin, opt for an oil-free formula, and gels are also a better option than creams. For dry skin you can pick a richer, creamier formula. Only apply moisturiser where you need it, so if you have a troublesome t-zone, apply the lotion to your drier areas such as cheeks, and lightly to the forehead and chin. You only need a pea-size amount of moisturiser, too much will overload the skin and can result in breakouts. See all moisturisers

Serums
If you have very dry skin you can use a serum before a moisturiser, although other skin types may choose to use a serum instead of a moisturiser too. Serums are a more targeted part of the skincare routine, they are absorbed better into the skin, and are usually created for specialist needs such as added hydration, acne or ageing. You only need to apply a pea-sized amount of serum. See all serums

Night creams
Night creams are perfect for dry to very dry skin, they are packed full of nutrients to rehydrate the skin overnight. Apply after cleansing and before bed. Combination skins can also benefit from night creams on any dry or tight areas, oily skin types may find the night cream formulas too rich, and we would suggest using your morning moisturiser at night for added hydration. See all night creams

Eye creams
The skin around the eye is much thinner and therefore more delicate. The eyes also show signs of fatigue, with dark circles, puffiness and wrinkles being common issues. To try and combat this, it is advisable to use an eye cream or serum twice per day. Eye creams are much richer formulas which help soothe the eye area and hydrate the skin. Oily and combination skins are able to use eye creams as frequently as dry and very dry skin types. A top tip when applying eye cream, is to gently pat the cream under the eye, rather than rub as this can make the eyes feel sore. See all eye creams

Men’s skincare
It’s not just women who benefit from a good skincare routine, men can also banish spots, signs of ageing, and dry, tight skin. The products you shouldn’t be without are; an exfoliator, a face wash, a moisturiser and a post-shave cream or gel. You may also want to invest in an eye cream if you find you suffer from fatigued eyes or soreness. Use these products daily or as advised, and you’ll be amazed at how great your skin looks and feels. See all men's skincare