Step 1: Cleansing

Always remove all of your makeup before washing your face — I like to use drugstore face wipes or a micellar water. A gentle cleanser with as few ingredients as possible is suitable for all skin types. I recommend these simple cleansers even for acne-prone skin. Too harsh of a wash only serves to dry out your skin and force it to produce more oil. Cleansers don't stay on the face for long, so there isn't much they can do for that short period of time.

• Yes to Blueberries Brightening Facial Towelettes, $7.99, Drugstore.com

• Vichy Purete Thermale Intensive Cleansing Milk, $17.50, Drugstore.com

• Philosophy Purity Made Simple, $20, drugstore.com

• Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser, $7.49, Drugstore.com