Acquiring a trusted arsenal of beauty products is easy, but figuring out the right order to applying skincare is another challenge. I know this because I learned from trial and error. But once I figured it all out, my complexion began to improve each day—so much so, I wear very little makeup because glowing skin should speak for itself.
Whether you’re a beauty product junkie or a newbie to this whole “proper skincare routine,” use this cheat sheet to learn the right order to apply skincare and get the most out of your beauty products!
The Right Order to Apply Skincare Products
Step 1: Cleanse
Whether you’re getting ready to start the day or washing the city off your face, cleansing always comes first. At night, I like to remove my makeup using Glossier Milky Jelly and in the morning, I opt for a refreshing cleansing cloth.
Step 2: Exfoliate (1-2 times per week)
Exfoliating once or twice a week will keep your complexion in check by sloughing away dead skin and dullness. The results I get from this Aveeno face scrub is incredible. While it’s gentle enough to use daily, I keep it safe by applying only a couple times a week.
Step 3: Tone
Applying toner has not been a part of my routine until last year. But I quickly learned I need this to help absorb serums and moisturizers. I feel super lucky to have discovered an affordable toner by Pixi that just works wonders on my sensitive skin. Personally, I only use this a few days a week when my complexion needs a pick-me-up.
Step 4: Apply Skincare Serum(s)
OK—so I’m kind of new to serums. I’ve tried a handful over the last few years but I’ve never consistently incorporated one into my routine. If you’re new to serums, then you should know that serums are chock full of powerful ingredients (antixoidants, cermaides, hyaluronic acid to name a few). The application is less smearing and more of a gentle “pat” so that the formula can really penetrate into your skin. Right now I’m using Glossier Super Bounce for hydrated, bouncy skin.
Step 5: Apply Eye Cream
Before you color correct or conceal, lightly tap on a moisturizing eye cream. I love brightening eye creams like this one by e.l.f. (super cheap) or if you want to splurge this Clinique eye cream helps de-puff tired eyes. Applying eye cream will also help smooth the way for makeup.
Step 6: Moisturize your Skin
Makeup or no makeup, moisturizer is like a tall glass of water for your skin. I keep so many different moisturizers in my arsenal depending on the season but right now I’m all about my FAB Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer for daytime, which has a dewy finish to it.
Step 7: Slather on SPF
OK—so seven daily skincare steps may sound overwhelming. I get it. If you’re not big on beauty products or are just looking for some core essentials then know this: never walk out the door without a layer of SPF. There are so many different ways you can wear sunscreen these days (more on that in a future post), but I have found so many great products that are lightweight and not greasy, giving me motivation to apply every morning. Supergoop Skin Smoothing Mineral Sunscreen is efficient without any greasy residue.
Also, Glossier just released InvisibleShield SPF35 daily sunscreen and let me tell you, it’s become my new obsession. No white cast here—this clear watergel formula prevents sun damage and skin cancer. It’s a dream for anyone who hates wearing sunscreen. If you’re new to Glossier, shop my page here to get 20% off your first purchase and free shipping on orders over $30!
I hope this cheat sheet on knowing the right order to applying skincare products was helpful! Like to see more posts like these? Let me know in the comments!
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thanks for your wisdom and step by step quite elaborately explained things to do for better skin 🙂
http://www.embracingartistry.com/2017/03/gone-is-cliche-look-of-traditional.html
Love your thoughts! I always moisturize before eye cream, but for no particular reason rather than it comes naturally haha.
http://www.fashionflurry4.com
Thanks so much for reading! I actually used to moisturize my face first before eye cream too and then I noticed when I did eye cream first, it made it easier to apply concealer later on.
Thanks for the tips! It’s always helpful to know the correct order, especially when it comes to the face.
xx
courtneylivin.com
Yes, trust me, it will make a huge difference in your skincare routine! Thanks so much for reading!
How confusing can it get when there is no step by step list on the backs of the bottles haha! This is great! i don’t think I have ever used my facial products in the right order before! This is getting saved, printed and stuck to my bath room mirror! xxx
That’s so great to hear! Glad this is helpful.
Always thought toner went on before an exfoliating product but worth a try to do it this way! I’m talking about a liquid exfoliator. Thoughts?
Interesting! Not sure if the rule applies to liquid exfoliators but I’ve known toner to be the best pH balancer before you apply serums and moisturizers. I would think the exfoliator would be especially harsh on the skin after toning…
Very helpful. Thanks for the step-by-step guide!
Is this can it be use with teenagers?
Absolutely! Although, they may not need so many products for their skincare routine.
I am new to these things so this was extremely helpful, thank you so much:) and I was wondering if this routine is just for the morning and if there is another routine for night?