I know it's a cliche but hear us out, often the best things are life are the simplest. Think of a freshly baked loaf of bread with lots of butter, the comforting smell of a Christmas tree or binge-watching Gossip Girl (seasons one and two, of course) for the 17th time… this year. 

Do you see what we’re saying? Simple is best. However, the one thing in our lives that we don’t apply this theory to is our skincare. With a new skincare product spawning at every turn, we tend to flock to the latest trends, products and ingredients like hungry moths to an exposed flame. Our social media feeds are constantly filled with hacks and ‘must haves’ and as a result, our skincare and self-care routines may have become a bit bloated over the past couple of years. While we absolutely recommend that you experiment with different ingredients and products to find out which ones have the greatest impact on your skin, we think 2025 might be the year for stripping back to what you really need and going for products with the greatest impact. 

This is especially true for those of us who have been blessed with skin issues such as acne or rosacea, as loading up your face with a cocktail of ingredients day and night probably isn’t the best approach. 

So where do we begin on our quest to pare things back on the compiling shelves of tubes and bottles we currently have in our bathroom cabinet? Here are our top tips to simplifying your skincare routine, without sacrificing any of the results. 

1. Identify your skin type

If you want to make the most out of your cabinet space, money and skincare then you’ll want to identify your skin type pronto. Most people fall into one of these primary categories: dry, oily, combination, sensitive, or acne-prone. Since each skin type has unique characteristics, the products and ingredients that work best for them will differ. For instance, if you've been using strong acne treatments thinking you have oily skin, only to end up with skin feeling as dry as the Sahara Desert, it might be time to re-look. 

If you’re not sure what skin type you have, here are some tips that may point you in the right direction… 

What are the most common skin types?

Dry skin

If you notice dry patches or flakiness, you likely fall into the dry skin category. People with dry skin often find it worsens during colder months, becoming more manageable in summer. Dry skin is a common concern, and the best approach to treating it includes rich, hydrating skincare products and nourishing in-clinic facials and treatments.

Oily skin

Oily skin is characterised by excess oil production, often resulting in shininess, particularly in the T-zone. If this sounds familiar, a range of specialised products is available to help minimise oiliness and keep your skin balanced.

Combination skin

As the name suggests, combination skin features both dry and oily areas, which may appear in different parts of the face. Many with combination skin report having an oily T-zone alongside dry cheeks or nose, but this varies from person to person. 

Sensitive skin

Sensitive skin often shows up as dryness and requires gentle, targeted products that avoid harsh or drying ingredients. Without the right care, sensitive skin can sometimes lead to issues like eczema, so it's essential to choose your skincare carefully.

Acne-prone skin

Acne-prone or blemish-prone skin typically involves frequent breakouts. This is often linked to hormonal changes and is especially common during the teenage years. Thankfully, there are plenty of effective ingredients and treatments designed to manage and reduce breakouts.

Once you know your skin type, you’ll know which products you need and which you can probably do without. 

2. Stick to the basics 

As we’ve alluded to, once you know your skin type, it's time to stick to the basics. A consistent routine with a few hard-hitting products will always beat a 12-step regimen (although no hate to our 12-step girlies either). No matter what skin type you have, a solid skincare routine is made up of three non-negotiables: cleanse, treat and moisturise. While the specific products and ingredients that make up these steps will vary depending on skin type, those are the building blocks, so strat there. 

Cleanser

Start with a cleanser that works for your skin type. So if your skin is a bit dull, opt for something with Vitamin C in it to reinject some of the glow, the Essential-C Cleanser is your best friend. If you have acne-prone skin, you’re going to want to reach for something with salicylic acid in it. The Clarifying Cleanser has all the ingredients you could need to ward off any breakouts that may be lurking under the surface. Combination skin? You can’t go past the Renewing Cleansing Cream which works for just about all skin types and concerns. 

Treatments

Next, choose a targeted treatment based on your skin concerns. This could be a serum with Vitamin C to brighten dull skin, like Murad’s Vita-C Glycolic Serum, or a retinol product to address fine lines and uneven texture, such as Murad’s Retinol Youth Renewal Serum. 

Moisturise 

Finally, lock in hydration with a moisturiser that suits your needs. For daytime, make sure you’re using one with SPF, like Murad’s Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30. For the evenings, opt for one that fits your specific skincare goals; retinol for anti-ageing, vitamin C for dullness and rich formulations like Intense Recovery Cream for dry skin is a great start. 

3. Invest in multi-tasking products

Probably the best way to clear some shelf space without wreaking havoc on your skin is to invest in products that do more than one thing. Not only do these products save time but, they also reduce the amount of clutter and may mean you can ever get that suitcase under 20 kgs for your next Jetstar flight. 

The Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is a prime example of such sorcery. Potent vitamins enrich this sunscreen for supercharged preventative ageing protection. Not only does it nourish and protect against the early signs of ageing, it also incorporates a powerful blend of antioxidant vitamins that combat free radical damage and add a healthy glow to dull skin. Talk about a win-win! 

4. Stay consistent 

Why it may seem like stating the obvious, the only real secret when it comes to skincare (apart from wearing SPF every day) is that consistency is the only way you’ll see any real and tangible results. That’s right, the not-so-glamorous secret when it comes to skincare is that while trendy serums and miracle creams may draw you in, consistency is the key to unlocking glowing, healthy skin. 

Skincare is a long game. It takes time for products to show their true results, so give them a fair chance before deciding whether they’re working. Keep your routine simple to make it easier to stay consistent, and try to perform your skincare steps at the same time every day, like after brushing your teeth in the morning and before bed at night. Skincare also becomes easier when you use products that you actually enjoy using, so whether it is the scent of a vitamin C serum that draws you in or the texture of a rich moisturiser, try opting for products that you know you’re going to love putting on because this makes staying consistent much, much easier. 

5. Declutter the bathroom cabinet

Finally, it’s time to tackle that mountain of half-used products in your bathroom. We’ve all been guilty of holding on to items we barely use, thinking, “I’ll get to it eventually.” But realistically, if it hasn’t found its way into your routine by now, it probably never will. Start by sorting your products into three categories: keep, donate (if unopened), and toss. Keep only the items you actually use regularly or that you know work well for your skin. If you’re unsure about a product, check its expiration date, expired skincare can do more harm than good.

Keep all the products that are actually a mainstay feature in your routine within easy reach, and set up a designated area to do your skincare. If you prefer to sit down, make sure you have a small table with a mirror so you can take your time. 

Decluttering your self-care space (no matter where that is) will make you feel cleaner and more organised. It will also ensure you don’t miss any of your important products in the throws of the madness! 

Get that 2025 glow 

Much like us as humans, our skin thrives on routine. Just like with sleep or exercise, when we use the same product consistently your skin will become familiar with it. This will reduce the risks of irritation or breakouts. Sudden product changes can throw your skin out of balance, which can lead to flare-ups, especially if you have sensitive skin. So get your 2025 skincare routine sorted, stick to it, and make 2025 your glowiest year on record.