One question people often ask me is what products they actually need to have for their skin. We’re talking that non-negotiable, “absolutely must but make it basic because I prefer to do nothing” kind of products. Maybe it’s an overcorrection from the 10-step Korean skincare routines. Maybe it’s because everything costs so much these days that we have to decide between buying eggs for breakfast or a serum for our skin. Maybe it’s because we’re exhausted at the end of the day and need to have something easy so we don’t even consider going to bed with makeup on (do NOT do that). For whatever reason, I have been getting this question more often these days. 

While there are differences in what each person needs for their skin when it comes to formulas, this will give you the nonnegotiable basics. Now, my fellow skincare junkies might be thinking that there needs to be more stuff in this list (spoiler alert: there won’t be a serum). Sure, ideally there would be, don’t come for me saying this isn’t enough. Maybe it’s not, but some people just don’t live and breathe skincare like I/we do. Some people just want to have an easy routine so they aren’t neglecting it entirely. That is who this list is for. Whether it’s your daily routine, your “I don’t want to pack a lot for vacation” routine, or even a “I needed to be in bed 2 hours ago and just want to get it done with quickly” routine, this is what you need.

1. Makeup Remover. Your average cleanser cannot sufficiently remove makeup. Even a light no-makeup look with minimal products will need this step, not just a full face of heavier makeup. For this product, you can go with anything from a micellar water to a cleansing balm, or even a makeup wipe if that’s your preference. There are arguments about which product is more effective than the other, but the most effective is the one you’ll actually use.      
2. Cleanser. This has to happen. Some of you might be thinking, “But I used a wipe! It’s clean enough!” Nope, sorry. It doesn’t leave your face nice and clean. It’s like taking a wet paper towel and wiping your dinner plates. They look clean, but the plates still have oils and other residue left behind. A cleanser is necessary. You don’t need anything fancy, though. Of all the products you use, this is a good one to save money on since it spends very little time on your face. You just need something basic and gentle for daily cleansing.    
3. Moisturizer. Everyone needs moisturizer. Yes, I said EVERYONE. Even if you have oily skin, you do need a moisturizer. The type of moisturizer you choose will be based on your skin’s needs, but basically, you have 2 options. You can choose a separate moisturizer for day and one for night, or get a multipurpose moisturizer that works for both. The real difference is in the ingredients and the heaviness of the moisturizer. Things like added SPF make it something that won’t work well at night. A thicker cream might take too long to sink in for it to work well in the daytime when you want to put makeup on.  
4. SPF. This can either be a separate product or be in your daytime moisturizer. There are plenty of things that contribute to premature aging, but sun is one of the biggest culprits. Applying SPF is the easiest way to prevent many skin woes, especially developing those fine lines and wrinkles too early.

There you have it-the absolute nonnegotiables in skincare. The formula, textures, smells, and aesthetics will all vary based on your skin and personal preferences. What you choose will also depend on your budget. My last bonus tip is this: concentrate on the products that spend the most time on your skin. Cleanser will be applied and washed off within 1 minute. Spending more money to buy a cleanser with special ingredients is not going to serve you as well as spending on moisturizer, which spends more time on your skin and allows those ingredients to absorb. So, now you know what to concentrate on when you are low on money, low on energy for skincare before bed, or even low on caring very much about skincare. No matter what, now you’re covered and on your way to good skin without a lot of fuss.