I have spent an embarrassing amount of money on skincare. Serums that promised everything and delivered nothing. Moisturisers that felt incredible for a week and then broke me out. SPFs that left a white cast so severe I looked like I was auditioning for a period drama.
This list is what survived. These are the products that made it through two years of daily use, moved with me twice, and still earn their space on a very small bathroom shelf. Everything is on Amazon. Everything is linked. The prices are what I actually paid.
Good skincare is not about having twelve steps. It's about having the right three.
Cleansers
The Oil Cleanser That Doesn't Strip
Oil cleansing changed everything for me. I was using a foaming cleanser that left my skin squeaky clean — which, as it turns out, is exactly the problem. Squeaky clean means stripped. This oil cleanser removes sunscreen, makeup, and pollution without touching your moisture barrier.
Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm
A cult Korean cleansing balm that melts into an oil on contact. Removes even waterproof SPF without tugging. Rinses clean with water. Fragrance-free version available. I've repurchased this four times.
| Skin Type | All Skin Types |
| Key Ingredient | Acerola Extract, Thermal Water |
| Texture | Balm-to-Oil |
Verdict: Use this as your first cleanse (the one that removes makeup and SPF), followed by a gentle water-based cleanser. The double cleanse sounds like extra work — it takes 90 seconds and it's worth it.
Serums
The Niacinamide That Fixed My Pores
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is the most evidence-backed ingredient in skincare after retinol and SPF. It minimises the appearance of pores, regulates sebum, fades hyperpigmentation, and strengthens the skin barrier. It's also one of the most affordable actives you can buy. This is the one I recommend to everyone starting out.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
The gold-standard niacinamide serum. 10% concentration with zinc to control sebum. Fragrance-free, suitable for all skin types. Apply after cleansing, before heavier serums. One of the best value skincare products ever made.
| Skin Type | All, Normal, Oily, Dry |
| Key Ingredient | Niacinamide, Zinc |
| Texture | Serum |
I'll publish the remaining 9 products across the next few weeks — including the retinol I swear by, the SPF I've finally stopped resenting, and the eye cream that actually does something.
In the meantime: start with these three. Cleanser. Vitamin C. Niacinamide. That's a complete routine that will do more than most 10-step systems.