Morning Skincare Routine: 5 Essentials to Start Your Day with Glowing Skin

Whether you have a lot of time in the morning (or it’s a juggle), your morning skincare routine doesn’t need to be product heavy to be effective. What constitutes an effective morning skincare routine? Well, for most people you really only need a few products. A gentle cleanser, moisturiser and an SPF. However, if you’re ready to up the ante on your skincare, adding a few of the products below will improve your skincare routine in the morning.

Gentle Cleanser

Now not everybody needs to cleanse in the morning, so if your skin is happy sans a morning cleanse then leave it. However, if you do like to cleanse in the morning there’s no need to go in with anything too harsh. Try a cream cleanser or a gentle foam or gel cleanser. Your skin will thank you. 

Try:

Skin Virtue Super Nourish Cleanser - $60.00

This is a bougie cream cleanser, but one that’s pretty addictive. Great for sensitive/dry skin as well as any skin types that have impaired barriers, it gently cleans the skin with vitamin E, sweet almond oil and antioxidants and will leave it feeling nourished and ready for any makeup. 

Cerave Hydrating Cream to Foam Cleanser - $15.99

A great budget cleanser that will suit most skin types. It starts as a cream and lathers into a gentle foam that never strips the skin. Bonus: it’s great at removing makeup at the end of the day too. 

Vitamin B

Vitamin B (niacinamide or vitamin B3) is A great all-rounder ingredient most skin types can benefit from. It hydrates, regulates oil production, is anti-inflammatory and can be used either AM or PM.

Try:

Medik8 Clarity Peptides - $89.00

This is a great vitamin B serum for all skin types. It contains 10% niacinamide which is a nourishing ingredient for optimal skin health. Niacinamide is also a great anti-inflammatory serum for acne-prone skin. 

Vitamin C

An antioxidant serum is a great addition to any morning skincare routine. It will help fight free radical damage and in turn, prevent the early signs of ageing. Vitamin C and its derivatives are probably the most popular antioxidants though, and below are two firm favourites. 

Try:

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic - $228.00

The GOAT of vitamin C serums if your budget allows. Contains 10% L-Ascorbic acid and is loved by dermatologists and beauty aficionados the world over. Personally, I’ve found it to be extremely brightening and wears well under makeup. A staple in my routine.

Biossance Squalane and Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum - $55.00

A gentle morning serum that contains vitamin C derivatives and is probably a better vitamin C option for sensitive/acne prone skin types. The squalane provides additional hydration your skin will soak up. 

SPF 

Get the SPF step right, before the rest of your skincare and you’re already one step ahead of the crowd.

Try:

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF - $31.95

A dream budget SPF that will make you change your mind about wearing SPF.  It glides on beautifully, sinks into the skin nicely, doesn’t leave a white cast and wears well under makeup. *Add to cart*. 

Moisturiser

Every skincare routine needs a basic moisturiser. The two below are easy to incorporate to any routine and suit most skin types.

Try:

Ultraceuticals Ultra Hydrating Lotion - $90.00

A really great, basic moisturiser for every day. It works well under makeup, can be used both AM and PM and sinks right in/never feels oily. Probably a little more on the pricier side but a little goes a long way. 

The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA - $9.80

A very basic moisturiser, but great for the price point. Best for normal/combo skin types. If you are a dry/dehydrated skin type, this moisturiser probably won’t be enough for you. 

Inspired to get your own morning skincare routine in order and looking for more inspo? Head straight to our Beauty pillar for all the skincare tips and advice you need.