Toners, serums, oils - the order to apply skincare products can be totally overwhelming. For the best skincare routine, your chosen set of products must layer up safely and effectively, and cater specifically for your skin type.
So her it is: our step-by-step guide to the whens, whats and whys of building a daily skincare routine. Ready? Let's dive in ...
The order of your skincare routine steps impacts the efficacy of each individual product you use, as well as your routine as a whole – getting it right can unlock the full benefits of those powerful ingredients. Think about it – skincare is a science. It’s chemistry class, but on your face. Luckily for you, this article is Skincare Routines 101. Read on to learn how to build the right one for your skin type.
It all starts here, baby. A thoroughly cleansed face is the foundation for the rest of your skincare routine steps, removing dead skin cells, impurities, makeup, even microscopic cake crumbs. Choose your cleanser wisely. They, too, have the power to tackle skincare concerns such as excess oil or dry skin. Tip: You should use a walnut-sized amount of face wash, and rinse off with cool, clean water. Very hot water can strip skin of its natural oils.
Shop cleansersA toner is a liquid used to restore your skin’s pH after washing, and can help to remove the last dead cells and residues of makeup or impurities left on your skin’s surface. Depending on its ingredients, it can have added benefits such as hydration or exfoliation. But cleanser or toner first? That’s the eternal question. Applying toner after cleanser means that it can refresh and condition skin after washing, and can swipe away residual grime. If used before, beneficial ingredients would be washed away. Tip: Apply your chosen toner using a cotton pad – a reusable one if you can – in light, sweeping outwards and upwards motions.
Shop tonersHere’s where you can personalise your routine with a super-charged targeting treatment, like blemish-fighting Tea Tree Oil. You can mix and match what you use, but apply regularly to really feel the benefit. If your skin is tickety-boo as is, feel free to skip this step. Tip: Generally you should order skincare products from the thinnest to the thickest, or from water-based to oil-based.
Eyes get a lot of attention. From admirers, and from skincare manufacturers, who create products to help brighten the under eye area or minimise the appearance of dark circles and wrinkles. The truth is, although eye creams can help hide them, sometimes those bountiful bags are simply genetic gifts – so read up on how to tackle dark circles in other ways. If you do choose to mask tired-looking eyes, it’s best to apply illuminating or awakening products in the morning before makeup. Tip: Dab a tiny amount around the whole orbital bone area using your ring finger (the most gentle finger, we reckon). Be careful not to pull the skin around the eyes here, it’s delicate.
Shop eye careAnd now, the grand finale – your moisturiser. The hydrating cherry on top of all the skincare steps you’ll have taken so far. It’s a daily skincare routine essential, as it helps replenish your skin’s natural moisture barrier. Plus, depending on which you choose, can multitask to deal with tricky things like dull skin or added SPF.
Have a read of our guide to finding your skin’s perfect moisturiser.
Tip: Leave moisturiser to absorb for a couple of minutes, before you move onto makeup or SPF. A spot of facial massage could help this along nicely.
Do not go gently into that good night – mainly because your evening skincare routine is an opportunity to bust out the big guns. Adapt a night skincare routine with little tweaks, or even whole new steps – a make-up remover before a double cleanse, or a spot of facial massage perhaps? Before bed you can also use more intense or longer leave-on treatments, such as exfoliators or peels, as you don’t need to venture outdoors. In the evening you’re less likely to be in a rush, so can give thicker creams and oils time to sink in fully. You don’t need to use SPF at night either (not to state the obvious or anything), so many people use one moisturiser in the day, and swap for a more richer and replenishing one at night.
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Pamper your face with a mask once or twice a week. Read our guide to find your match.
Discover moreClay, charcoal, gel or sheet, there’s a face mask to make every mug smug.
