Every girl should have a cleanser (gel or cream), toner, and moisturizer. I recommend starting on Clinique's iconic three step system. It may seem a bit pricey, but this way you can modify it later to your own needs and price range. For instance, I no longer use the facial soap, and plan on using a different toner soon. The moisturizer is still a staple of mine, and has been for years.
You should be washing your face 1-2X daily, as well as toning and moisturizing. Even if you have oily skin all of these are still a necessity! I would also recommend exfoliating 2-4 times per week- this doesn't have to with a pricey Clarisonic ($150+? Ouch!), but can be with a simple washcloth. Use a face mask, store-bought or D.I.Y. 1-3 times per week as well.
Now that we've gone over what should buy, how do you do it?
When washing your face, get an amount of soap (no bar soap, this can harbor icky germs) the size of a quarter and massage it in with your clean fingertips. Keep doing this for about two minutes, then wash off with cool water to close pores. Then, put a little bit of toner on a cotton ball or pad, and swipe it all over your face and upper chest. Finish off with some moisturizer.
Now for a quiz!
How does your skin feel when you wake up?
a. Oily
b. Tight and dry
c. Bit dirty, nothing major
How large are your pores?
a. Huge
b. Small
c. Medium
How often do you get blemishes, pimples, etc?
a. Often
b. Almost never
c. Every so often
Your #1 skin concern?
a. Oil/Acne
b. Dryness, sensitivity
c. I don't really have one
How is your skin after you wash it, with no toner or moisturizer?
a. Clean for once!
b. Painfully dry and tight
c. Pleasant
Mostly A's: Your skin is oily! Some natural ideas for people with oily skin is tea tree oil and witch hazel toner.
Mostly B's: Your skin is a synonym for the Sahara- dry. Make sure you are moisturizing daily and try a night cream!
Mostly C's: Your skin is normal! Yay for you! Make sure that you continue to follow with your three-step system daily.