'I'm new to skincare. There are 7 products I wish I'd known about sooner.'

Don't tell anyone but I've only just started washing my face. If you want to understand why you can read about it here.

Yes, it took me 27 years to actually get it together but better late than never right? Right?? If you're going to judge me I'd rather get it over and done with now [insert moment of judgement here].

Now that we've gotten that out of the way, I'm grateful we can both move on together — thank you. 

Watch: Flight skincare routine. Post continues below.

Since forcing myself to wash my face, I've quickly become addicted to my skincare routines. I get it now. Skincare is fun, it's constantly evolving and it's also just really good for you. Who knew? (Clearly everyone but me). 

The biggest obstacle I've run into since starting a skincare routine is navigating what my skin actually needs. It's so great that there is so much information out there but the issue is... there is so much information out there. I've heard horror stories of women ruining their skin barrier by using too much retinol or combining acids that shouldn't be combined or using vitamin C but forgetting to apply sunscreen.. the list goes on. 

This alone nearly turned me off learning about skincare altogether but then.. my skin got really bad. 

I've had my fair share of pimples and blackheads from the early days of puberty, but I only developed full-blown acne as an adult. I didn't have a choice with skincare, I just knew I had to act — fast. 

Now, I've nailed my holy grail morning and evening skincare routines, my only regret is that I wasn't using these products sooner. 

Here are the products that have transformed my skin as a skincare newbie...

Morning Skincare routine products: 

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water, $15.49

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I only use a micellar water in the mornings to wipe away my sleep. 

I'm not a big fan of scrubbing my face first thing in the morning so using micellar feels like a little hack around getting my skincare done in an enjoyable way. 

I don't usually do a big cleanse because I've washed my face the previous night and don't want to wash away all the good stuff. 

Go-To Much Plumper Skin hyaluronic acid, $48.00

Image: Supplied.

I am in love with hyaluronic acids. They make my skin feel so plump and juicy and help my makeup glide on. If I'm ever having a lazy morning, I make sure to slap on a hyaluronic as it's the one product that immediately makes me feel fresh and awake. This one is a keeper and I also recommend this CereVe one.

Fenty Skin Flash Nap Instant Revival Priming Eye Gel-Cream, $52.00.

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An eye cream for the morning — Halleluiah! This little guy has made the biggest difference to my poor eyes battling sleep deprivation in the mornings. I don't think anyone can tell when I don't put this on but I definitely can. 

Barni Skin Dew Not Disturb moisturiser, $54.00.

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As a perpetually oily gal, oil-free moisturisers in the morning are a must for me. This one from Barni has a gel-like consistency and is one of the few moisturisers I've come across that lasts the whole day. It keeps my skin so soft and hydrated. 

Night skincare routine:

CeraVe Foaming Cleanser, $21.99.

Image: Chemist Warehouse

To take my makeup off, I first use Micellar water again as an initial cleanse. I then double cleanse with this foaming cleanser and I immediately want to apologise to everyone to whom I've said "Double cleansing is a myth you freaks". So much more of my makeup that I couldn't see on my face comes off when I use this foaming cleanser. Add this one to your cart — your face will thank you. 

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, $9.50.

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This product has helped my full-blown adult acne turn into occasional-adult acne. It was the first serum I incorporated into my routine and was the most gentle on my skin in helping reduce the appearance of blemishes and even out my pigmentation.

CeraVe Moisturising Cream, $25.99.

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I am obsessed with large tubs of night creams. Mainly because I run out of my nighttime moisturisers so quickly. I use this as my final skincare step before I go to bed. I lather it on (my skin barrier shall not break) and I also apply it on my neck and chest, basically anywhere that has thinner skin. 

After that, I hop into bed and start the whole routine in the morning again... The circle of skincare life. 

I'm now experimenting with some different types of products like exfoliants and acids but as a newbie, I can easily say that the products listed above did wonders for my skin and were a great starting point. 

If you want more lifestyle opinions from Emily Vernem, you can follow her on Instagram @emilyvernem.

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