What’s the best order to apply your skincare products in?
Knowing which product goes where can feel like solving a puzzle with too many pieces.
Cleanser? Serum? SPF? If you’re layering things out of order, you might be wasting time and product without even realising it.
One wrong move and that £60 serum is doing absolutely nothing.
This guide breaks down how to layer skincare step by step, so your products actually do what they promise. You’ll find simple morning and evening routines, advice on layering, and a few product tips along the way.
Why skincare matters
Skincare isn’t just about having ‘good skin’.
It’s important for maintaining your skin’s health, feeling confident in your appearance, and giving yourself a little time each day to reset.
When your skin feels looked after, you carry that energy with you.
Healthy, well-maintained skin:
- Defends better against pollution, UV rays and bacteria
- Responds more effectively to active ingredients
- Feels more balanced, less irritated, and more hydrated
- Helps support long-term results from other cosmetic treatments
Morning skincare routine: protection & prep
Your morning routine should be all about protecting your skin for the day ahead. Think of it as your shield against pollution, weather, UV, and stress.
Here’s what skincare products you should be using in the morning, and what order they should be layered in so they can work effectively…
1) Cleanser
A gentle cleanse in the morning removes sweat, overnight oil, and any leftover product from your evening routine. This sets a clean base for the rest of your products.
2) Toner
Not essential for everyone, but great for refreshing the skin, adding hydration, and prepping it to absorb actives more effectively.
3) Serum
This is your treatment step. A Vitamin C serum is a great morning option as it brightens dull skin, evens tone, and gives antioxidant protection.
Other serum options include:
- Niacinamide (for oil control and minimising pores)
- Hyaluronic acid (for deep hydration)
4) Moisturiser
Seals in your serum and adds essential hydration. Go for lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas during the day – especially if you’re wearing SPF or makeup over it.
5) SPF (the most important step)
A broad-spectrum SPF 30+ protects against UV rays, which are the biggest cause of premature ageing and pigmentation. Don’t skip it – even on cloudy days.
Evening skincare routine: repair & recovery
Your skin does most of its repairing overnight, so this is the time to support it with more nourishing and active ingredients.
Here’s the best order to apply your evening skincare products…
1) Cleanse (or double cleanse)
If you’ve worn makeup or SPF, start with an oil-based cleanser or micellar water to break it down. Follow with a water-based cleanser to remove residue and deeply clean.
2) Toner
Use a hydrating or calming toner if your skin needs extra support – especially if you’re using exfoliating or active ingredients later in your routine.
3) Serum or treatment step
At night, you can use more powerful actives:
- Retinol (for boosting cell turnover and smoothing texture)
- Peptides (to support collagen production)
- AHA/BHA exfoliants (use 1–2x a week to unclog pores and brighten skin)
Tip: Don’t mix retinol with strong acids or Vitamin C unless advised by a professional as they can irritate the skin.
4) Eye cream
If you want to target puffiness, dark circles or fine lines, apply a small amount using your ring finger and gently tap around the orbital bone.
5) Moisturiser
Choose a more nourishing formula than you’d use in the morning. Your skin naturally loses moisture overnight, so this helps lock everything in.
6) Facial oil
For dry or mature skin, a few drops of oil can be layered on top of moisturiser to seal everything in and support barrier repair.
How to layer products: 5 top tips
Follow these core rules to make sure each product is doing what it’s supposed to.
1) Start with water-based serums and end with heavier oils or creams.
2) Give products 30–60 seconds to absorb before moving on.
3) Don’t overload – more products don’t equal better results. Focus on what your skin needs.
4) If you’re new to ingredients like retinol or acids, start using them once a week and gradually build up.
5) It’s best to patch test new products to avoid irritation or reactions – especially treatments.
A well-layered routine gives your skin what it needs, when it needs it.
That means less trial and error, more visible results, and no wasted product sitting in your bathroom cabinet.
Skincare doesn’t need to be complicated to be effective. The key is consistency.
When you turn your routine into a habit, it becomes less of a chore and more of a natural part of your day.
Start small, stay consistent, and adjust as you go. Your skin will thank you!
