The Skincare Order That Makes Everything Easier
This is one of the most common questions we get, and when we surveyed our customers this year, it came up again in their own words.
One woman simply wanted a page where she could type in what she owns and be told what to do with it.
Fair enough. Here it is, in order.
The rule that makes it simple
As a general guide, apply products from thinnest to thickest.
Lighter, water-based products usually go on first, followed by richer creams and oils. This helps each layer sit comfortably on the skin without feeling too heavy.
The Morning Order
Start with fresh skin so your skincare has a clean base to work with.
If you’re using more than one, apply the lightest texture first. A brightening or hydrating serum is a great morning option.
Use a small amount and gently pat around the orbital bone rather than rubbing or applying too close to the lash line.
This helps lock in hydration and support the skin before the final step.
Finish your morning skincare with SPF, then allow it a moment to settle before applying makeup.
The Evening Order
1. Remove makeup, then cleanse
Think of these as two separate jobs: the first removes makeup, SPF and the day, while the second properly cleanses the skin.
2. Treatment product
If you’re using an exfoliant or another treatment, this is usually where it fits.
3. Serum
Apply your serum to clean skin before moving on to your richer products.
4. Eye cream
Gently pat a small amount around the orbital bone.
5. Moisturiser
Use your moisturiser to replenish hydration and support the skin overnight.
6. Facial oil, if you use one
A few drops pressed into the skin at the end can be a lovely final step, particularly for drier skin.
What not to overdo
This is the part people often miss. Too many strong actives at once
More isn’t always better. If you’re using exfoliating acids or other stronger treatments, alternating them can help keep your routine gentler and easier to manage.
Multiple new products at the same time
Introduce one new product at a time where possible. That way, if your skin reacts, it’s much easier to work out what caused it.
Strong actives on already irritated skin
If your skin feels tight, stingy or looks red, simplify things. Cleanse, moisturise and give your skin a little space before adding more.
A note on “more steps”
Nothing here means you need every product.
When we asked our customers what they wanted skincare to feel like, one of the strongest themes was fewer steps, fewer bottles and less to remember.
“Less products, who has the time to layer 4 products?”
A cleanser, moisturiser and SPF can still be a perfectly good routine. Everything else should earn its place based on what your skin actually needs.
Print this bit
AM: Cleanse → Serum → Eye Cream → Moisturiser → SPF
PM: Remove Makeup → Cleanse → Treatment → Serum → Eye Cream → Moisturiser → Oil
Not sure what your skin actually needs?
Take our Skin Quiz and we’ll help build a routine around your skin, with the products that make sense for you, and nothing you don’t need.
