What in the Order? A Simple Guide to Applying Skincare Products Correctly

Have you ever bought a new skincare product, only to hesitate when it’s time to add it to your routine because you’re not quite sure where it fits in? You’re not alone—many people find themselves puzzled about the correct order to apply their skincare products. We've outlined a simple guide that helps ensure each layer penetrates your skin, allowing you to enjoy the full benefits of each product. Read on for steps to help you create an effective, well-organized skincare routine, plus a peek into my own personal daily regimen!

Step 1: Start with a Clean Canvas

Every skincare routine begins with cleansing. This step removes dirt, oil, and makeup, giving your skin a fresh start and allowing subsequent products to work more effectively. If you're double cleansing, apply the oil-based cleanser first to break down and dissolve oil-based impurities like makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum. Follow up with a water-based cleanser to lift off any dirt and sweat that might be left. 

Step 2: Refresh with Toner

After cleansing, it’s time to apply toner. Toners are designed to balance your skin’s pH and remove any lingering impurities, but they also prep your skin for better absorption of the serums and moisturizers to come. Apply toner with a cotton pad or gently press it into your skin using your hands. 

Step 3: Add an Essence for Extra Hydration

Essences are lightweight, hydrating liquids that offer an additional layer of moisture and help improve skin texture. They aren’t a must-have for everyone, but if you’re looking to enhance hydration and boost the effectiveness of your other products, this is where they fit in. Gently press a small amount of essence into your skin, allowing it to absorb before moving to the next step.

Step 4: Apply Water-Based Serums

Serums are the real workhorses of your skincare routine, packed with powerful ingredients that target specific concerns like dark spots, dullness, or wrinkles. To get the most out of your serums, it’s important to layer them by consistency.

Start with the thinnest, water-based serums and move to the thicker, oil-based ones. This ensures that each serum can properly absorb into your skin. Note that eye creams are applied after water-based serums, but before oil-based serums (see below).

If your serums are similar in consistency, apply the one that targets your most pressing concern first. This way, you can customize your routine to meet your skin’s specific needs.

Step 5: Gently Pat on Eye Cream

The skin around your eyes is delicate and requires special care, which is where eye cream comes in. Gently pat the cream around your eyes.

Step 6: Lock in Moisture with Oil-Based Serums & Moisturizers

After applying your water-based serums and eye cream, seal in those nourishing ingredients with a moisturizer or oil. If you’re using a moisturizer, apply oil-based serums afterward since they can penetrate through moisturizers but not vice versa.

Step 7: Protect with Sunscreen (Morning Only)

In the morning, the final and most crucial step of your routine is applying sunscreen. Think of sunscreen as a shield for your skin rather than a product that needs to penetrate the skin. The shield always goes on top. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and apply it generously after your moisturizer or oil. This step is essential for keeping your skin healthy and protected from sun damage.

Truth Time + TL;DR

If you’ve made it this far, you deserve a little honesty from me. Here’s how my skincare routine typically goes:

In the morning, I usually start with a water-based cleanser—though, let’s be real, sometimes it’s just 10-15 splashes of warm water on my face. If I feel like I need a morning pick-me-up, I use a hydrating spray toner or essence and let it absorb. Then I apply our Brightening Vitamin C Serum, followed by sunscreen.

At night, I kick things off with an oil-based cleanser since I use sunscreen every day religiously, followed by a water-based cleanser. Then I use a hydrating spray toner (I just love how refreshed they make me feel) and an eye cream. Finally, I generously apply multiple layers of our Clarifying Anti-Blemish Serum. No moisturizer needed after that.

Applying your skincare products in the right order is crucial for getting the best results. If you're ever in doubt, go from the thinnest water-based products to the thickest oil-based ones and allow each layer to dry before applying the next. This will ensure each layer absorbs properly, giving your skin the best chance to soak up all the goodness. Stick to this simple guide, and you’ll be on your way to healthier, more radiant skin!

With love and gratitude, 
Maha