How to Build a Skin Care Kit for Beginners

Like with most things in life, trying something new  can be intimidating 一 which is especially true when there’s no one size fits all blueprint. If you’re a newbie to creating a skin care routine and you’re not sure where to begin, you’re not alone. You've done the groundwork by visiting your derm, you found out your skin type, you’ve gotten your skin care ingredient recommendations to target your skin concerns and now, it’s time to start shopping. 

It all sounds good until you realize there’s one big problem: With so many product categories and thousands of options on the market, figuring out what you need in your arsenal can be really overwhelming. So we’re here to offer some guidance and share how to build your skin care kit so that you can create a manageable skin care routine to keep your complexion looking and feeling great.  

1. Choose A Cleanser That’s Right For Your Skin Type 

While cleansers are a skin care basic, people often make the mistake of thinking that they’re all the same. But like the rest of your skin care routine, choosing a formula that works well for your skin type is key. Some are too stripping for dry skin, while others aren’t quite heavy duty enough to properly cleanse oily skin. 

If you have dry skin, look for a creamy formula like the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Nourishing Cream Cleanser which contains nourishing oils and is gentle on the skin. If you have oily skin, a formula like the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 3.5% Glycolic Acid Cleanser may be better for you. It’s made with glycolic acid which gently exfoliates the skin and cuts through excess oil. 

2. Opt For A Gentle Makeup Remover 

Removing your makeup before bed is extremely important if you want to maintain clear, healthy skin. Be sure to choose a formula that’s gentle and safe for the eye area like the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof - All Skin Types. It works to remove all traces of makeup and oil while not stripping the skin or leaving any residue behind. Despite how gentle it is, it still works to remove even waterproof makeup.

3. Include A Daytime Moisturizer With SPF 

It’s important to moisturize your skin both day and night, but the products you use to do so can differ. During the daytime, you’ll need something with SPF, and you’ll likely want a moisturizer that’s lightweight on the skin and layers well under makeup, like the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Collagen Expert Day Moisturizer with SPF 30. It’s intensely nourishing without feeling heavy, and it contains SPF which is essential during the day to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun. 

We also love the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Day Lotion SPF 30. In addition to hydrating the skin and providing sun protection, it also contains Pro-Retinol, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to address fine lines and wrinkles and brighten the skin. 

4. And A Nighttime Moisturizer 

At night, when you don’t need SPF you can opt for a richer moisturizer like the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Collagen Expert Night Moisturizer for Face which contains collagen peptides and niacinamide to aid in firming and tightening the skin. If you're looking for a moisturizer that evens the skin tone and addresses wrinkles, try the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Pressed night moisturizer with Retinol, Niacinamide. It’s also a great option if you’re new to retinoids as it contains soothing ingredients to counteract the potentially drying effects of retinol. 

5. Don’t Forget Eye Cream

The eye area is prone to dryness, and it’s often the first area on the face to show signs of aging 一 so don’t neglect this area. Formulated with antioxidants and vitamin E, the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Anti-Aging Eye Cream Treatment is great if you want to address the physical signs of aging such as dark circles, bags, puffiness, lines and crepey skin while you get your beauty rest. 

To give your eye area a boost of hydration while addressing puffiness, try the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives with 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid, 1% Caffeine Eye Serum. It’s packed with hyaluronic acid, and it contains a triple roller application that massages the under eye area to reduce puffiness. 

6. Include Additional Steps If Necessary Or Desired 

When you’re just getting started in establishing a skin care regimen, cleanser, makeup remover, moisturizer and SPF are the necessary products. Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you can think about adding in extra steps and products like face serums or toners with active ingredients. 

For example, if you’re hoping to address signs of aging, you might want to incorporate a retinol serum, like the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Night Serum, 0.3% Pure Retinol, into your routine. If you’re looking for an extra boost of hydration, a hyaluronic acid serum, like the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum, could be great for you. If you’re looking for gentle exfoliation, the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Intensives 5% Glycolic Acid Peeling Toner is a great option. 

In addition to consulting with your dermatologist, virtual tools like L’Oréal Paris Skin Genius can also help with finding the right products. It analyzes your skin based on five attributes — lines and wrinkles, pores, skin tone, firmness and radiance — to help you understand your skin’s needs and give you recommendations for products that can help address them. 

Next: A Beginner's Guide To Retinol

Written by: Alyssa Kaplan, Photography: Chaunte Vaughn, Associate Creative Director: Melissa San Vicente-Landestoy, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Associate Creative Producer: Becca Solovay, Associate Content Director: Shalwah Evans, Makeup Artist: Jonet Williamson, Hair Stylist: Akihisa Yamaguchi, Wardrobe Stylist: Alexis Badiyi, Digital Tech: Erik Dalzen, Photo Assistant: Sam Kang, Model: London Knight