I’ve noticed a shift in skincare lately: people are craving a simpler skincare routine. Gone are the 10 step regimens and bathroom selfies overflowing with half-used products. Instead, we all seem to be streamlining our collections, and I for one am ready for the change.
The first step in getting back-to-basics is focusing on a few strong-but-mighty mainstays. Just like building a capsule wardrobe, creating a basic skincare routine is about investing in high-quality, multi-tasking products that work hard and play well together. Think of this as a minimalist approach to skincare—simple, effective, and entirely tailored to your skin’s essential needs.
Featured image by Michelle Nash
Your Basic Skincare Routine Starter Kit
Crafting your skincare routine starts with understanding what your skin needs. Everyone’s skin is different (and we recommend asking a derm before making any drastic decisions), so even the products in a basic skincare routine should be simple and tailored to you. A capsule skincare routine is about intentionality. By carefully selecting a few powerhouse products, you’re not just simplifying your routine; you’re giving your skin exactly what it needs without overwhelming it with unnecessary steps. Plus, you’ll save money, give your skin a break, and stop seeing your skincare ritual as a chore.
Your basic skincare routine starts here:
- Cleanser
- A targeted serum
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen (AM)
- Retinol (PM)
How to Choose Your Capsule Skincare Products
Building your basic skincare routine isn’t about having the trendiest products—or the most expensive ones. It’s about having the right products. Start with those top five essentials, and remember that consistency beats complexity. Your skin doesn’t need a million steps; it needs good stuff, every day. Simple but personal is always better.
Your skincare, like your wardrobe, should make you feel confident and excited. Stop dreading your routine and actually see results. Don’t be afraid to switch out products when you realize one isn’t working for you. By simplifying, you block out the noise and can tell which products in your routine could be working harder. Introduce new products one at a time and pay attention to how your skin responds. Also, don’t be afraid to adjust your routine seasonally. In time, you’ll have honed the perfect routine for you. What’s more chic than knowing exactly what you like?
Here’s how to tailor this capsule skincare starter kit to your routine.
Step 1: Cleanser
Starting with a clean slate is key for preventing breakouts, addressing texture concerns, and maintaining your glow. I love the squeaky clean feeling of a cleansed face. And while you don’t have to agonize over the “right” cleanser, the wrong one can wreak havoc on your skin. For example, if you have dry skin and you use a stripping cleanser, you’re sabotaging your routine. And if you wear makeup but your cleanser isn’t equipped to handle it? You’ll essentially be sleeping in your makeup every night.
Look for a gentle, non-stripping formula that removes makeup and impurities without leaving your skin feeling tight or dry. Cream or gel-based cleansers work for dry and sensitive skin types, while foaming cleansers are great for oily skin. Bonus points for ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid that maintain your skin’s natural barrier.
Pro Tip: Choose a cleanser that does double duty. Makeup-removing capabilities mean one less product in your routine.
For Oily Skin
For Blemish-prone skin
For Sensitive Skin
For Dry Skin
Step 2: Targeted Serum
Your capsule wardrobe still has to have a statement piece — to add some personality to your looks and to make you feel like you. Your serum is the statement piece of your skincare routine. This is where you address specific skin concerns like hydration, brightening, or addressing fine lines. Choose a multitasking serum to address and prevent all your skincare concerns in one product.
My go-to ingredients for real results include:
- Tranexamic acid: Brightening, fading dark marks, and addressing melasma
- Mandelic acid: Preventing breakouts, brightening, fading dark marks
- Hyaluronic acid: Hydration hero, instant plumpness
- Niacinamide: Texture, overall complexion smoothing, fading dark marks
- Peptides: Skin strengthening, skin smoothing, skin elasticity
- Ceramides: Moisturizing, barrier building
- Glycerin: Intense hydration, barrier building
- Antioxidants (Vitamins, Coenzyme Q10, Glutathione, etc): Environmental protection, barrier boosting
For oily skin
For Blemish-prone skin
For sensitive skin
For Dry Skin
Step 3: Moisturizer
Hydration is a non-negotiable. A good moisturizer is essential for literally every skin concern: smoothing your complexion, minimizing fine lines, preventing dark spots, and keeping your skin hydrated, plump, and glowy. Look for formulas that match your skin type: lightweight gel textures for oily skin, rich creams for dry skin, and non-comedogenic formulas for blemish-prone skin.
For oily skin
For Blemish-prone skin
For dry skin
For sensitive skin
Step 4: Sunscreen (AM)
Consider sunscreen your most important skincare investment. I’m a firm believer that if you don’t wear sunscreen, your routine is wasted. It’s a must to prevent future skin damage, maintain even skin tone, and protect against premature aging. Opt for broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, and choose formulas that feel good on your skin so you’ll actually want to wear them daily. Luckily, there are all sorts of sunscreens for every skin type, concern, and complexion.
For oily skin
For blemish-prone skin
For dry skin
For Sensitive Skin
Step 5: Retinol
Retinol will change your life if you let it. This anti-aging powerhouse speeds up cell turnover and collagen production. The result? Brand new skin. Just make sure to start with a low-concentration, over-the-counter retinol and gradually incorporate it into your nighttime routine. It helps with everything from fine lines to uneven texture, making it a true multi-tasker.
For oily skin
For blemish-prone skin
For Dry Skin
For sensitive skin
