Many professionals, especially dermatologists, believe a moisturiser, no matter how prettily packaged, is still merely a moisturiser and its function is to deliver moisture to the most superficial layers of the skin.

If you have no skin problems, or if you are using a good serum or treatment cream, a basic pharmacy moisturiser will do the trick. If, however, your skin is exceptionally dry or dehydrated, be on the lookout for a moisturiser containing Hyaluronic acid, or ask for products that contain humectants — ingredients that are specifically designed to attract and transport moisture to where it is needed.

Get protection

Another boring-sounding but vitally important step in your skincare regime is sun protection. A sunscreen with a SPF of 20 to 30 is ideal for everyday use. Come rain or shine, your sunscreen protects your skin against various forms of UV radiation, and can greatly slow down the ageing process and maintain an even complexion. A sunscreen can be used over a moisturiser, or you can use a moisturiser that contains an SPF of 20 or higher.

Not an iron mask

Masks have always been the last products I would recommend as it may be a nice extra to have, but not an essential at all. If you need or want something extra, you will benefit much more from a serum, since it can penetrate more effectively, and is not rinsed off the skin.

Putting on your face

The rule is stick to a good foundation (mineral foundations have added skin care benefits) that is non-comedogenic (does not block pores and cause blackheads), non-acnegenic, and oil-free.

Unfortunately, the more smudge-proof/long lasting/waterproof/magical it claims to be, the more chemicals have to be added to it. This is something you have to weigh up as the confidence you might gain from "flawless skin" makes up for this in most cases.

And the rest

Looking at the other stuff in your cosmetic bag, I like having decent mascara, eyeliner and bronzer, and for the rest I shop during the seasonal sales in the cosmetic departments. For example, you're probably not going to use an eye shadow in a high fashion colour very often, so a cheapie will do just fine. And I have honestly bought some R30 lipglosses that are way better than a R300 version I have owned.