Do you always apply lotion among your basic skincare products?

Among basic skincare products, lotion is a must-have, right? I used to do the same, but recently I ran out of lotion and haven't been able to buy any, so I'm just using basic skincare products without the lotion.

I keep telling myself I should buy it, but I still haven't been able to. I went to a cosmetics website to purchase it, but strangely enough—I'm not sure if I saw it wrong—they didn't sell lotion. So, I even started wondering if I really don't need to apply lotion.

Aside from the lotion, I have plenty of other products, so I don't really feel any inconvenience. I am using a moisturizing cream instead of lotion.

I would like to know if I absolutely need to apply lotion during the basic skincare step or if it is optional.

What is the role of lotion?

Please recommend a good lotion for basic skincare as well.

I'm not sure if this lotion is any good.