Hey beautiful! 🌟 Let's settle this once and for all – what order should you apply your skincare products? I can't tell you how many times I've been asked this question over the years!
Here's the thing: using the wrong order is like putting your socks on over your shoes. It just doesn't work! But don't worry – I've got a super simple system that takes all the guesswork out of it.
💡 The Golden Rule
Always apply products from thinnest to thickest consistency. Think of it like getting dressed – you wouldn't put your coat on before your shirt, right?
The ORDER Method: Never Get Confused Again!
I created this acronym to help my clients remember the perfect layering sequence. Once you learn ORDER, you'll never have to think twice about what goes when!
O Oil Cleanse & Clean
Start with a completely clean slate – this is non-negotiable!
Morning:
- Gentle cleanser
- Lukewarm water
- Pat dry
Evening:
- Oil cleanser first (if wearing makeup/sunscreen)
- Follow with regular cleanser
- Double cleansing = double the glow!
R Refresh with Toner
Think of toner as your skin's "primer" – it preps everything for what's coming next.
- Apply to clean, slightly damp skin
- Use gentle patting motions (no cotton pads needed!)
- Look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid
- Wait 30 seconds before the next step
D Deliver Active Serums
This is where the magic happens! Apply your treatment serums in order of consistency.
Morning Serums (in order):
- Vitamin C serum
- Niacinamide
- Hyaluronic acid
- Peptides
Evening Serums (in order):
- AHA/BHA (2-3x per week)
- Retinol (start 1x per week)
- Hyaluronic acid
- Niacinamide
E Enhance Eye Area
Your eye area needs special attention – it's delicate and often the first to show signs of aging.
- Use your ring finger (gentlest pressure)
- Apply from inner corner outward
- Don't forget your upper lids!
- Morning: hydrating eye cream
- Evening: treatment eye cream with retinol or peptides
R Retain with Moisturizer
Lock in all those amazing ingredients with a good moisturizer!
Morning Moisturizer:
- Lightweight formula
- Non-comedogenic
- Plays well with sunscreen
Evening Moisturizer:
- Richer, more nourishing
- Ceramides and peptides
- Repair-focused ingredients
Special Cases: When Rules Get Bendy
☀️ Morning Must-Have: Sunscreen
Always, ALWAYS finish your morning routine with SPF 30 or higher. This goes on last, even after moisturizer!
- Wait 2-3 minutes after moisturizer
- Apply generously (most people use too little!)
- Reapply every 2 hours if you're outdoors
🌙 Evening Extras
Some products are evening-only superstars:
- Face oils: Apply after moisturizer (yes, really!)
- Sleeping masks: Very last step, 2-3x per week
- Spot treatments: Apply to clean skin before serums
⚡ Active Ingredient Rules
Some ingredients need special timing:
- Vitamin C: Morning only, before moisturizer
- Retinol: Evening only, start slow
- AHA/BHA: Evening only, not with retinol
- Benzoyl peroxide: Can bleach fabrics, use carefully
Oops! Common Layering Mistakes
Applying sunscreen before moisturizer
Sunscreen should always be your final step in the morning routine.
Using too many serums at once
More isn't always better. Start with 1-2 serums and build up slowly.
Not waiting between steps
Give each product 30 seconds to 2 minutes to absorb before applying the next.
Quick Reference Guide
🌅 Morning Routine
- Gentle cleanser
- Toner
- Vitamin C serum
- Hyaluronic acid
- Eye cream
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
🌙 Evening Routine
- Oil cleanser (if needed)
- Regular cleanser
- Toner
- Treatment serum (AHA/BHA or retinol)
- Hydrating serum
- Eye cream
- Night moisturizer
- Face oil (optional)
You've Got This!
Remember, the ORDER method is your new best friend: Oil cleanse, Refresh, Deliver, Enhance, Retain. Once you get the hang of it, layering your products will become second nature.
Don't stress about getting it perfect right away. Start with the basics and gradually add more products as your skin gets used to the routine. The most important thing is consistency – a simple routine done daily beats a complicated one done sporadically!
Here's to getting the most out of every single product in your skincare arsenal! 🎯