'The exact skincare routine I swear by for my combination, blemish-prone skin.'

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I need to confess something — I get asked about my skincare routine a lot. Which makes me lol, because for the longest time, said routine was a makeup wipe and a prayer.

My skin type is what I like to call 'happily problematic'. We're talking oily, prone to breakouts, sensitive and generally just high-maintenance. After years of battling it (and losing, mostly), I've finally landed on a routine that doesn't make my face want to murder me.

It's a mix of bougie splurges that I once rolled my eyes at but later realised how necessary they were and cheapies I'd take a bullet for. So, because I love talking about myself, here's exactly what I'm putting on my face right now. Brace yourselves.

My morning skincare routine.

Honestly, my morning routine is aggressively boring and designed for maximum speed. I technically am a morning person, but I am in deep denial about it and I refuse to do a 10-step workout before I've had my coffee. I keep it as simple as possible and basically use products to protect my skin from the elements of the day.

Splash of water, $0.

Yep, that's it. I cleansed the night before, and our You Beauty experts told me not to strip my face in the morning. So I just... splash. Revolutionary.

BUBBLE Bounce Back Balancing Toner Mist, $20.

Image: Supplied.

One of the easiest toners to use — I just give myself a quick spritz while it's still a bit damp. It soaks in super fast and immediately makes me feel "awake." I sometimes keep it with me in my handbag if I need a midday skin pick-me-up.

CeraVe Daily Moisturising Lotion, $16.99.

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Look, you don't need a ridiculously expensive moisturiser.

This one is light, non-greasy, another one that simply does the job beautifully. My bank account thanks me (thank goodness). I follow with SPF before I head out.

Watch: You Beauty hosts discuss the beauty recs they stand by. Post continues below.

My nighttime skincare routine.

Okay, this is where the real action is. My nighttime routine is my sacred ritual for undoing the day's damage, tackling my list of skin concerns (pores, redness, impending breakouts), and pretending I have my life together.

It's slightly more involved, but it's what's actually made a difference.

Benefit the POREfessional Cleansing Oil, $62.

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This is the first step in my nightly double cleanse. It melts away makeup, SPF, and the general filth of the day without stripping my skin. It's oily in the best way possible and leaves my face feeling soft, not tight.

My skin therapist Lauren also taught me this neat hack for oil cleansing that has completely transformed my skin.

CeraVe Balancing Air Foam Cleanser, $20.99.

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The second step is a trusty CeraVe cleanser. It's gentle, effective, and doesn't have a million confusing ingredients.

It just... cleans your face. And for that, I am grateful.

Mecca Essentials Reusable Cleansing Face and Body Washers, $24 (for two).

Image: MECCA.

I was a sceptic, but these have changed the cleansing game for me.

I use one of these damp cloths to remove my cleanser (along with the dirt and makeup that has been lifted off my skin) and it gets everything off so much more effectively than just splashing water on my face, which absolutely no one likes the feeling of (and you can't convince me otherwise).

Medik8 Press & Clear, $69.

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I used to be terrified of actives because I've heard one too many stories of broken and damaged skin barriers due to accidental overuse. HOWEVER, little did I know I was damaging my skin barrier by NOT using them (the shame).

I use this gentle BHA toner a few times a week to keep my pores in check. It helps prevent breakouts without turning my face into a red, flaky mess and it's my secret weapon for even skin.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, $15.90.

Image: Priceline.

An oldie but a goodie.

On days when my skin feels particularly thirsty, I pat this on before my moisturiser for an extra layer of hydration. It's cheap, easy, and just does the job. And the minute I finish writing this, I'm heading out to buy another one to replace the empty that I've used every last drop of.

L'Occitane Immortelle Overnight Reset Oil-in-Serum, $119.

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Oh my God I am so obsessed with this serum. I put it on towards the tail of my skincare routine and I wake up with my skin looking so plump, so glowy, so bright and so fresh. It's literal magic in a bottle. It's pretty spenny, so I only use it once a week or if I have an event the next day. I recommend it to EVERYONE.

Byoma Phyto-Mucin Glow Serum, $30.

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Something that I do use everyday that helps give me that glowy, plump look in the morning (and is significantly cheaper) is this little guy. Don't be fooled by its tiny stature, a little goes a long way. It's great for all skin types and you feel super hydrated throughout the night.

Just a warning… it's gooey. The first time I used it, I rubbbed the product between my hands before putting it on and it… fell to the floor. Kinda like glue slime consistancy. I've now perfected the art of the application and we've become great friends.

Currentbody Skin LED Red Light Therapy Face Mask: Series 2, $679.99.

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Before you yell at me, yes this is a big splurge which is why I'm going to tell you not to buy it unless you are consistent.

LED has helped my skin so much — it's the main reason I go for my monthly facials. The at-home LED masks are nowhere near as powerful as the in-clinic devices, which is why you will only see results if you use it all the time. I use mine every single day.

It reduces redness, helps with healing and gives me that signature glow. Similar to my monthly facial purchase, my wallet cried, but my face has never looked better.

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+, $36.99.

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This is my emergency balm. If my skin is feeling irritated, red, or I've been a bit too enthusiastic with my active ingredients (forever my pitfall and biggest fear), I slather this thick goodness on before bed, and by morning, all is calm.

It's magic in a tube and it's one of those products that literally everyone I know recommends.

Medik8 Ultimate Recovery Bio-Cellulose Mask, $114 (for a pack of 6).

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When I need a serious hit of hydration or my skin is feeling a bit stressed, I pop one of these sheet masks on.

They're drenched in a serum made up of zinc, hyaluronic acid and rockweed algae extract (no idea, but it works). After 10 minutes, my face feels instantly soothed and plump.

For more tried and tested beauty recommendations, listen to the You Beauty podcast below or watch You Beauty on YouTube.

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

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Feature image: Supplied.