The Correct Order To Apply Skincare Products

Do you know what is the correct order to apply skincare products?

It wasn’t until I did a little research to find out that applying skincare products in the right order will ensure you get the most benefits out of each product. And if you are not following the correct order, you are probably not getting the best of your skincare regimen. I don’t know about you, but if I’m spending money on a skincare product, I want to see results, don’t you?

So, here is a step by step guide on the correct order to apply skincare products during the day. If you scroll to the bottom of the post, you can find the nighttime order as well.

1. Cleanser

   I used not to use a cleanser in the mornings, but nowadays I prefer it. It wakes up my face while removing any residue left from the products I used on my skin the night before.

   Many people prefer not to use a cleanser in the morning because it dries their skin. If that’s the case, choosing a gentler product might be the solution. 

   

2. Toner

   Think of a toner as a primer. It helps prep the skin to absorb all the products you are going to layer on top. It also helps remove any traces of dirt, oil, and impurities stuck in your pores.

   

3. Serums

   In my opinion, a good serum can do so much for your skin. Serums contain a high concentration of performance ingredients, making them great for targetting specific skincare concerns, like pigmentation, wrinkles, and dullness.

   In the mornings, I normally use a vitamin C serum (some days, I use it in the evening as well), and in the evening, I go with something more hydrating, smoothing, and rejuvenating. Lately, I’ve been using this ageless serum.

   

4. Eye cream

   I wish I started using an eye cream a lot earlier. I would have probably slowed down the appearance of the wrinkles around my eyes. Better late than never, right? Now I use an eye cream in the morning and the evening.

   Since the consistency of eye creams is a bit thinner and lighter than most moisturizers, it’s essential to apply your eye cream before moisturizing. This way, the skin can absorb the eye cream better.

   Personally, I love the Eye Bomb by Belif, but I recently discovered First Aid’s Brightening Eye Cream, and now I’m torn between these two products. I think they’re both great for the day because of the light consistency and how quickly they absorb into my skin.

   I like using an eye cream that is a bit thicker in the evening, and I usually use this Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado. 

   

5. Moisturizer

   If you want to follow the correct order to apply skin care products, you should continue with a moisturizer. And after doing some research, I found out something interesting. You can apply your moisturizer when your skin is still damp from the serum. It locks in more moisture than if you wait for the products used before to be completely absorbed.

   

6. Sunscreen

   Okay, and lastly, you should apply sunscreen. And please don’t skip this step even if you’re staying in for the day! Sun can be so damaging to the skin. Anything with SPF over 30 is good.

   

If you’re using oil during the day, apply it before sunscreen and wait a few minutes for the oil to absorb a bit before applying the sunscreen on top. The reason you want to apply it after moisturizer and not before is because oil stays on the surface, while moisturizer sinks in a bit deeper into the skin. Sometimes I like to mix a few drops of face oil with my moisturizer that gives my skin a glowy, dewy finish and saves me an extra step.

THE CORRECT ORDER TO APPLY SKINCARE PRODUCTS
IN THE EVENING:

1. Oils to remove makeup
2. Cleanser
3. Toner
4. Serum
5. Eye cream
6. Moisturizer
7. Retinol
8. Face Oil

Disclosure: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. I only feature things I truly love here. Thanks for your support.