Hola Beauties! If you’ve ever stood in front of your mirror wondering which skincare product goes first, you’re definitely not alone. Learning How to Layer Skincare Products properly can completely change the way your skin looks and feels. Even the best skincare products may not work as well if they’re applied in the wrong order. The good news is that skincare layering doesn’t have to feel complicated or overwhelming.
When products are layered correctly, your skin can absorb ingredients better, helping you get the most out of your serums, moisturizers, sunscreen, and treatments. It can also help prevent common skincare mistakes such as pilling, irritation, clogged pores, and dryness. Whether your goal is glowing skin, anti-aging benefits, hydration, or clearer skin, understanding the correct order of your skincare routine is one of the easiest ways to improve your results.
In this guide, I’ll break down How to Layer Skincare Products step by step in a simple and easy way, so you can build a skincare routine that actually works for your skin type. No confusing beauty terms or overly complicated rules, just practical skincare tips that make your routine feel easier and more effective.
Disclaimer: There may be affiliate links in this post. If you purchase through these links, I may make a small commission at no cost to you.
This post is about How to Layer your Skincare Products Correctly.
Step 1 – Cleansing
Cleansing is the first step in your skincare routine. This is important since it removes impurities, dirt, germs, excess oil, and dead skin.
Some people might think that since you cleaned your skin before bed, it is unnecessary to clean it again in the morning; however, this is not true, especially if you have oily skin. I have combo skin and always wake up with my t-zone very oily.
I usually use micellar water in the morning as my cleansing step, and after my workout, I use a gentle cleanser. If you have dry skin, try using hydrating cleansers or balms.
Here are my current favorite affordable cleansing products :
If you are in Canada, you can find these products here:
Step 2 – Toner
Toner is the next step in your routine. It prepares your skin for your next products and helps to remove excess oil. Depending on how your skin reacts, you can use toners day and night.
I like to use toners that provide hydration or ones with aloe vera for inflammation and redness. I currently use the Nature Republic Soothing & Moisture Aloe Vera 90% Toner, which is available in my Amazon Store HERE.
Here are other great, affordable toners that I recommend.
If you are in Canada, you can find these products here:
Step 3 – Serum
Serum is the third step in your routine. You need to apply your serum before your moisturizer. Serums contain many active ingredients in higher concentrations that penetrate your skin. The formula is usually lighter, so it is recommended to apply it before a heavy face cream.
Select your serum based on your skin problems. For example, I usually use a combination of niacinamide and vitamin C (for brightening, acne, skin tone, and sun protection) serums in the morning, and Hyaluronic Acid (for Hydration) and Retinol (for Wrinkles) at night.
I have a blog where you can find detailed information about Skin Care Ingredients HERE.
Here are my current affordable favorite serums
If you are in Canada, you can find these products here:
Step 4 – Eye Cream
Eye cream is the fourth step in your routine. You should apply it right after your serum. This step is up to you; many people don’t believe in eye creams, and some, like me, do.
Eye cream formulas are usually lighter since they are created specifically for the eye area, so you need to apply them before your moisturizer.
My current affordable favorite eye cream is Innisfree, The Green Tea Seed Eye Cream. You can find this product in my Amazon Store HERE.
If you are in Canada, you can find this product here:
Step 5 – Moisturizers
Moisturizer is the fifth step in your routine. To maximize its benefits, apply your face cream right after your serum. Moisturizers also protect your skin from irritation and maintain the health of your skin cells.
The formula is usually ticker, which helps to elevate the serum’s benefits. Select your moisturizers based on your skin type and problems. You can use moisturizers with other active ingredients to maximize results.
Here are my current affordable favorite moisturizers
If you are in Canada, you can find these products here:
Step 6 – Face Oils
Face oils are the sixth step in your routine. You must apply this product as the last step after your moisturizer and before your screen.
The reason behind this is that even though the face oils formula is “lighter,” if you apply them before your other skincare products, this can block them and not get results.
I don’t use many oils, but the one that is part of my night routine is the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil Facial Serum.
If you are in Canada, you can find this product here:
Step 7 – Sun Screen
Sunscreen is the last step in your skincare routine. Many people neglect it, but sunscreen is your best friend if you want healthy skin.
Applying sunscreen before your moisturizer or between your skincare routine can change the properties and not get the expected results.
There are different types of sunscreens, I use Chemical sunscreens, and my current affordable favorite is the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch.
If you are in Canada, you can find this product here:
Okay Beauties, at the end of the day, learning How to Layer Skincare Products is all about helping your skin get the full benefits from the products you’re already using. You don’t need a 15-step routine or expensive skincare to achieve healthy, glowing skin. Sometimes, using the right products in the right order can make the biggest difference.
Start simple, pay attention to how your skin reacts, and remember that consistency matters more than perfection. Once you understand the basics of skincare layering, your routine will feel much easier, and your skin will thank you for it.
Please let me know if you have any questions, or feel free to contact me in the comments for more details.
Love you all ❤
Adriana
