How to Layer Your Skincare Products for the Best Results

Ever stared at your vanity table, chock-a-block with skincare products, with no clue on where to start? Well, getting the skincare order just right may be the secret to gorgeous, glowing skin!

So, that’s why our co-founder, Darcy Laceby, stepped in with some quick tips on the ideal skincare order for your everyday essentials. You can find Darcy’s skincare routine steps over on YouTube - but we love going the extra mile for you lovely lot! That’s why we’ve outlined the best skincare routine steps to follow, so you can be well on the way to happier skin.

Let’s get down to it!

1. Add your toner

The best place to start is with your toner, as this helps prep your skin for the rest of your skincare routine steps. 

For example, if you’ve had makeup on all day or you’ve just exfoliated your face, then there can be lingering bits of product left on the skin that you can’t see. A toner makes sure your skin is prepped to really lock in all that moisture from the serums and creams to come!

Simply pop a generous squeeze onto a soft cotton pad, then apply in gentle upward motions on your face. You now have a smooth skin surface for the next product in your skincare order!

2. Time to take care of spots

Whether before a date or on the morning of a big meeting, spots often pop up at the most inopportune moment. That’s why the next skincare routine step is to apply some spot cream! 

The main thing to remember is that spot treatment isn’t just for when the red blotch has already risen its pesky head - in fact, it’s quite the opposite! You can apply spot treatment to the most likely areas where they pop up, which will reduce their overall appearance. 

Simply dab a pea-sized amount onto the areas of concern and lightly dab the product into your skin. As spot treatments can be quite drying, it’s best to use them every 2 to 3 days in your skincare order to avoid dehydrating your skin.

3. Go in with your serums

With your skin clean and spots taken care of, the next step in layering your skincare is to apply your serums. 

Now, serums are used to target specific skincare concerns and are formulated to really sink deep down into your skin’s upper layer. So, applying it right after you’ve properly prepped your skin ensures you get the best results!

To apply your serum, pop a pea-sized amount into your palm, before gently patting the serum into your skin. You’ll want to pat in upward motions until all the product is absorbed into your face, and then you’re ready for the next skincare routine step!

4. Apply any retinol

Do I apply my serum before or after retinol? It’s an age-old question in the beauty community! Well, the answer is: retinols always go after your serums in your skincare order. 

Essentially, retinol is thicker than many serums, and when applied first, they can stop thinner skincare products from penetrating the skin properly. But by applying retinol afterwards, you ensure your serum has had plenty of time to reach deep into the skin, where the retinol can follow for the best benefits possible! 

You only need to use a small amount of your chosen retinol, then lightly dab this into your skin. If you’re new to this particular product, then start by using it every other day until your skin is used to it. Then, once you’ve implemented retinol into your skincare routine steps for a few weeks, you start using it every day.

5. Rub in your moisturiser

With your skin properly prepped, we can now look at layering your skincare moisturisers on top to care for the rest of your skin. 

A moisturiser is one the most crucial parts of the skincare order, as it helps restore the moisture we lose from environmental factors, such as weather, pollution, and UV rays. Our top tip is to look for a moisturiser with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin – this trio targets brightness and moisture, while helping to protect your skin as well. 

In fact, our Deep Lift Day and Night Creams both contain a lovely helping of niacinamide and glycerin - it’s no wonder our Absoluters love it so much! Simply take a generous splodge and gently rub it into your skin, moving in subtle upwards motions to help lift your skin.

6. Give your eyes some TLC

Up next in your skincare order is some gentle, soothing eye cream. 

The skin around your eyes is quite thin, so it can be a bit more prone to wrinkles and fine lines. As it is the most delicate skin on your face, you’ll want to treat it with extra care by picking up an eye-specific cream, as opposed to doubling up your face cream as an eye cream too.   

Our Deep Lift Eye Cream is an excellent choice here! Not only is it formulated to soothe, but it also contains niacinamide, which is great for reducing the appearance of eye bags, crow’s feet, and puffiness. But don’t just take our word for it - check out what our lovely Absoluters had to say as well!

7. Get the face oils out

We’re nearly at the end of your skincare routine steps now – and it’s time to get those hydrating face oils out!

From soothing properties for sensitive skin to moisturising for those who have a dry skin texture, face oils have myriad benefits. It’s best to look for an oil that is non-comedogenic, which is a fancy way of saying it doesn’t block your pores, which can lead to more of those pesky spots. So, instead of coconut and marula oils, try a more lightweight oil like jojoba or argan oil. 

Whereas with moisturiser you’re looking to rub the product in, a face oil can simply slip and slide around the outer layer of skin when applied in the same way. So, the best way to use your face oil is to lightly pat the oil into the skin, while still going in that upward movement. 

8. Always finish off with SPF

Your SPF always goes last in the skincare order to give your skin the best possible protection from UV rays that can dry out your skin. 

You should add an SPF of at least 30 to your skincare routine steps, as this will offer the most protection. And while it may seem safe to skip this step in the bitter chill of winter, you should actually be using an SPF every day, as UV rays are still present even in the colder autumn and winter months. 

Make sure to use a generous helping of SPF to cover your whole face. Gently rub this into your skin, spreading the product across your face before moving down towards your neck and decollete for full coverage. 

And that’s all – you’re now an expert in the correct way to layer your skincare! You can find more top skincare tips, like how to care for your skin on your period or what vitamins to take for treat your skin, over on our blog. 

But if you’re looking to treat your skin both inside and out, why not add our lovely daily collagen sachet to your skincare routine? Our Absoluters love the results they see from this - in fact, 100% of users in our clinical trial reported an improvement to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles after 12 weeks of use!