Moisturisers

Not necessarily, though many people prefer to. A lighter texture in the morning sits better under SPF and makeup, while something richer at night has nothing layered on top of it.

Obagi Hydrate works well during the day. SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 and Medik8 Advanced Night Restore suit the evening. If you would rather use one product, a mid weight cream is perfectly fine.

Yes. Skipping it usually makes oil worse, because skin compensates for the moisture it is not getting.

The answer is texture rather than avoidance. Choose a gel or fluid from the Lightweight Moisturisers shelf, or an oil free option such as Obagi Hydrate Light.

Near the end. Cleanse, tone if you use one, apply serums thinnest to thickest, then moisturiser, then SPF in the morning.

Moisturiser seals in what came before it, so applying it ahead of your serums works against you.

Hydrating formulas add water, usually through hyaluronic acid or glycerin, and suit skin that feels tight or looks dull. Nourishing formulas add lipids such as ceramides and fatty acids, and suit skin that feels rough, flaky or reactive.

Barrier repair creams like SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 do both, which is why they suit most people through an Irish winter.

Something simple and rich in ceramides, with no actives in it while things settle. SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2, Obagi Hydrate LUXE and ZO Skin Health Recovery Crème are all built for that.

Pause retinol and acids until skin stops feeling reactive, then reintroduce one at a time.

Not for the moisturising itself. What you usually pay more for is the concentration and stability of the active ingredients, not the base that hydrates.

A blueberry sized amount is enough for the face, and more will not absorb. If your budget is limited, spend it at the serum step where actives do the work, and keep the moisturiser sensible.