Fuss-free Guide To Complexion Perfection

By now, we all know that we need to cleanse, moisturise and protect our skin each day. But with the enormous range of products launched every year, it can be confusing to decide what you should use, not to mention in which order to use them. Here, we talk to leading experts about the array of options available, and how you can build a customised skincare routine for your skin type.

Before You Begin

Look at what you already have in your bathroom: if your cabinet is overflowing with cosmetics, it's time for a serious clean-out. "With the naked eye, it's not always easy to see if a cream's contaminated with bacteria," warns skincare expert Emma Hobson, education manager at The International Dermal Institute. Using a contaminated product, or one that's past its use-by date, can cause sensitivity or lead to a bacterial infection, she says. Throw away anything that may have changed colour or odour, and if you're still not sure if you should keep it, follow this simple advice.

If it's unopened: Cosmetics generally last between two to three years, but it may be less depending on the formulation. "Many of the organic skincare products, which use little or no preservatives, may go off within months, so it's important to check the manufacturer's recommendations," explains Hobson.

If it's opened: Have a look at the back of the packaging. Most products have a symbol of an open jar indicating how long you can use it after opening. "With a permanent marker pen, write on the product when you opened it and then discard when the timeframe has expired," suggests Hobson. After one year, sunscreen will not be as effective, so replace old bottles at the beginning of every summer.

Step 1: Purify

"Cleansing is a critical step in your skincare routine, especially if you wear a lot of make-up," says Dr Doris Day, a New York-based dermatologist and member of the Olay Professional Alliance. Face washes have come a long way in recent years; not only are there more options available, but they have added hydrating ingredients and use less drying and irritating surfactants (the inclusion that give cleansers their lather).

Your options

Foam
Best for: Oily and combination complexions, as they're designed to deeply purify your pores. If you're particularly oily, look for one containing salicylic acid.
Try: Garnier Pure Gentle Deep Clean Foaming Wash, $10.45.

Cream
Best for: Dry and sensitive skin – it gently cleanses and moisturises.
Try: Dior Cleansing Milk for Face & Eyes, $59.

Fluid
Best for: A fuss-free option when you need to remove your make-up quickly.
Try: Biotherm Biosource 3 in 1 Cleansing Micellar Water, $50.

Oil
Best for: Dry and sensitive skin. Removes impurities and make-up in one easy step.
Try: Shu Uemura Skin Purifier High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil Enriched, $52.

Wipes
Best for: Quick cleansing after a big night out or a session at the gym. They're not recommended for frequent use as they can be very drying.
Try: Nivea Visage Refreshing Facial Cleansing Wipes, $7.50 for 25.

Step 2: Smooth

"The external layer of dead skin cells serves a critical purpose in protecting your complexion from the sun, preventing excess water loss and helping heal the layers behind it," says Dr Day. "But if it doesn't turn over properly, your skin can look dull and uneven." She suggests exfoliating once a week, or more frequently around the time of your period and if you tend to be oily. "When you have an intact, healthy skin barrier your complexion is behaving properly, so you may not need to exfoliate as often," she says.

Your options

Scrubs
Best for: Normal, combination and dry skin. Opt for one with synthetic beads, as nut particles may create tiny breaks in your skin and weaken your complexion.
Try: Pevonia Botanica Ligne Spéciale Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, $63.95.

Granular-free
Best for: Sensitive skin, as the active enzymes selectively degrade dead cells, leaving your complexion barrier intact.
Try: Clarins Gentle Facial Peeling, $56.

Lotion
Best for: Oily or combination skin. Gentle daily exfoliation can prevent breakouts and blackheads.
Try: SK-II Limited-Edition Facial Treatment Essence, $245.

Step 3: Treat

Add a repair product to your regimen to counter complexion concerns. "It's a good idea to use a serum that addresses specific needs," says Tom Mammone, Clinique's executive director of research and development. "Applying concentrated ingredients tailored to a targeted issue can boost your regular skincare."

Your options

Brightener
Best for: Uneven or lacklustre complexions. Opt for lotions that exfoliate and break down age spots.
Try: Elemis Visible Brilliance, $115.

Corrector
Best for: Achieving an even skin tone or repairing sun damage.
Try: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex, $105.

Time-fighter
Best for: Complexions showing the signs of premature ageing.
Try: Dermalogica Age Smart Multi-vitamin Power Concentrate, $83.50 for 45 capsules.

Eye cream
Best for: Combating any fine lines and crows' feet in this delicate area.
Try: Lancôme Genefique Eye Cream, $135.

Hydrator
Best for: Thirsty skins, or if your face is often exposed to the elements.
Try: Avon Anew Clinical Derma-Full X3 Facial Filling Serum, $79.99.

Eye treatment
Best for: More mature complexions.
Try: Chanel Précision Ultra Correction Lift Total Eye Lift, $128.

Step 4: Hydrate

Moisturisers not only temporarily plump and add radiance to your complexion, but also perform a vital role in creating a barrier between your face and the environment. So, whatever your skin type, moisturising twice a day is essential.

Your options

Cream
Best for: Normal to dehydrated skin that requires an intense moisture boost. They are also ideal in cooler climates, or if you spend a lot of time in air-conditioning.
Try: Nivea Visage Anti-Wrinkle Q10 Plus Day Cream SPF 15, $18.98.

Gel
Best for: Oily or combination complexions. Water-based, oil-free lotions or gels offer moisture without any added grease.
Try: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, $73.

Fluid
Best for: Normal to combination types, or complexions that can't tolerate heavier formulas in the warmer weather.
Try: Olay Total Effects Advanced Daily Moisturizer, $32.49.

Step 5: Shield

"Daily sun protection is the single most important thing that anybody can do for their skin," enthuses Dr Day. "Even if you're just going to walk across the street to catch a bus or train, that incidental sun exposure is accumulative and does damage your complexion." Apply sunscreen to your face, neck and chest 20 minutes before heading outdoors and reapply every few hours (or as directed), and after strenuous activity.

Your options

Chemical
Best for: Lightweight, everyday coverage that suits most skin types. However, ensure you look for formulas that offer broad-spectrum protection.
Try: L'Oréal Paris UV Perfect SPF 30+, $24.95.

Physical barrier
Best for: Sensitive and acne-prone skin. Zinc, one of the major ingredients in this type of sunscreen, will help to soothe irritation.
Try: Invisible Zinc Environmental Skin Protector SPF 30+, $35.

Mask Matters

Give your complexion an indulgent boost with a weekly at-home facial.

CLAY
Best for: Drawing out impurities and assisting with shine.
Try: Kiehl's are Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque, $42.

CLOTH
Best for: An instant radiance boost. Also perfect for travelling.
Try: Dr. LeWinn's Line Smoothing Complex High Potency Treatment Mask, $79.95.

CREAM
Best for: Infusing a parched complexion with moisture.
Try: Cosmedicine Mega Moisture Mask, $54,95.