Serum, toner, cleanser, moisturiser… are you wrapping your head on what’s the best skincare routine for optimal results? Figuring out the right order for all these products can be a brain teaser, but we at Cosmetics Online are true skincare fanatics and we spent a humongous amount of time sorting out the best sequence to apply skincare cosmetics according to their functions and features.

So here is our step-by-step guide that will help you maximise the benefits of your favourite products. Enjoy!

How to Apply Your Skincare Products in the Morning

It’s 7am, you have just woken up and you sway your way up to the bathroom. Your reflexion in the mirror would almost make you want to give up on any attempt of improving your appearance, but you hold on that tiny bit of hope and start your morning ritual.

• Cleanser

Start removing any scrap of dirt with a splash of water and a cleanser suitable to your skin type. Use a gentle cleanser if you have dry skin to avoid stripping it of its natural moisture. Sebum and dirt accumulate also when you sleep, so make sure you don’t skip this part.

• Toner

Follow restoring the skin’s PH with a toner that prepares your skin for the absorption of all the nutrients of the following products. Again, pay attention to your skin type: if you have an oily complexion, for instance, opt for a purifying toner.

• Serum & Treatment

Now, your skin is perfectly clean and ready to receive the most important nutrients. Pamper your skin with a highly concentrated formula of vitamic C, vitamic A, hyaluronic acid that deeply penetrates in your pores and benefit your complexion in every possible way. This is also the time to apply any specific treatment you might need, like acne, anti-ageing or dark spots solutions.

• Day Moisturiser

It’s time to hydrate your skin with a day moisturiser that reinforces and protects your skin from environmental damages and other factors. Deeply hydrating your skin is of utmost importance even if you have an oily complexion because sebum is not synonym for water.   

• SPF

SPF should be applied as the very last layer of your skincare outfit. Imagine it as a protective shield, if you apply it before the other cosmetics, it will act as a barrier and impede your skin a thorough absorption of the products that follow.

How to Apply Your Skincare Products at Night

Another day has come to an end and you can’t wait to lie down in bed. But don’t forget your routine! Night time is perfect for treatments like retinol or AHA, which do not work at sunlight.

• Cleanser

At night, you should cleanse your face twice: the first time with a cleansing oil to remove sebum, makeup and dirt, and the second time with a cleansing water to make sure that your skin is squeaky clean.

• Exfoliator

To free up pores and buff away dead cells, it’s recommended to use an exfoliator once or twice a week. Try to avoid chemical peels and scrub harder on areas with a high concentration of blackheads.

• Toner

Don’t skip the toner! A skin routine without a toner is like a sacher cake without chocolate, it makes no sense. Tone your skin and prepare it for the steps to come.

• Serum & Treatment

Are you ready for a wave of antioxidants, ceramides, retinol, and hyaluronic acids? Pat the serum or treatment on you skin and give it a few minutes to absorb it. If you’re using more than one, always go from the thinnest to the thickest consistency. Moreover, always pay attention not to mix retinol and acne treatments or retinol and vitamin C serums!

• Night Moisturiser

Skin regenerates and repairs itself while you sleep. Support it with a good night cream that hydrates and facilitates the reconstruction process. Apply it also on other sensitive areas like your neck and decolleté.

• Eye Cream

Some people apply the eye cream before the moisturiser, some people after. Following the general rule from thinnest to thickest, you should be perfectly fine. What you should pay attention to is to apply the cream gently tapping with your fingers, as the skin around your eyes is particularly delicate.