How To Layer Skincare Products + Popular Holy Grails For Each Step
Updated on December 16, 2022 by Team ShineSheets

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Let’s speak the truth: we like to buy a bundle of skincare products for different purposes, but then we’re stuck with a ton of creams, lotions, and serums that we don’t know what to do with. If you feel like you are not getting the desired results from your skincare products, the issue might be the fact that you are not layering them correctly.
Properly layering (adding in the correct order) can solve a lot of your skin problems (like clogged pores ahem) and improve the efficiency of the active ingredients. Here’s how to layer skincare products properly in order to get those amazing results.
P. S. I included my personal recommendations to products I love in every step. Do check them out – most of them are praised in skincare communities all over the internet (that’s how I learned about them). Might save you a lot of time looking for great, working products!
How To Layer Skincare Products The Right Way
Step 1: Cleansers
The purpose of this first step is to remove any makeup or dirt from your skin while offering your skin instant hydration. Therefore it is best to start your skincare routine with cleansers.
You can use several cleansing products if you like but you should start with the ones that wash off and follow in order from heaviest to lightest.
If you are using oils to remove your makeup (and yes, you can do that if you have oily skin), start with them since they are the most effective at loosening up makeup and waterproof mascara. Apply your cleansing with cotton and after that, you can use a gentle face wash, cleansing lotion, or micellar water.
Popular holy grail cleansers:
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water, For All Skin Types
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Step 2: Toners
The purpose of a toner is to boost the properties of the cleanser and prepare the skin for the face cream. Hence, depending on your skin type, including a toner in your skincare regime might save you some trouble when it comes to various skin problems.
Toner should follow after cleansers and for acne-prone skin, I recommend using a toner that prevents breakouts and unclogs pores.
On the other hand, for all the other skin types it is best to use a hydrating toner to boost water levels at a cellular level. People are loving these lately in skincare communities:
Thayers Alcohol-free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Step 3: Serums and Eye Creams
Serums absorb great on freshly cleaned, toned skin. This is the best time to apply light products that have active ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin A (retinol), Zinc, Hyaluronic acid, and other goodies.
After that, and while serums are soaking in, take care of your eyes. The skin in this region is prone to premature aging due to pollution, makeup products, or lack of proper hydration. Hence, using an eye cream will not only hydrate the skin around your eyes but will protect your skin from possible irritation of other products.
I am slightly obsessed with skin serums, have to tell ya… From the first day that I’ve started using them, I noticed an immediate improvement in my skin and things just got better and better every day. If you’re looking for cheap, yet extremely well formulated and effective serums, definitely take a look at these beautiful boys from Tree Of Life:
Anti Aging Serum 3-Pack for Face – Vitamin C Serum, Retinol Serum, Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Step 4: Moisturize Hard
Yes, the order is correct: you first apply eye cream and after that, you get to apply a moisturizer all over your face. A daily moisturizer will boost the effects of the already applied skincare products while offering protection against UV rays. Also, including a night cream in your routine will keep your skin radiant – just opt for products that have a non-greasy formula to avoid clogged pores.
People are raving about this moisturizer both on Amazon and skincare communities:
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Step 5: What About The Oils?
The last product you should apply to your face is face oil because it can penetrate moisturizers or various treatments while being perfect for any skin type. Rosehip or jojoba oil is great for hydration and anti-aging effects, while marula oils can soothe sensitive skin. I have very dry skin so I love to mix a few drops of oil with a nourishing cream for extra repairing action. Here are a few oils that do a wonderful job of keeping your skin on top (definitely take a look at the Rose Hip oil!).
Rosehip Seed Oil by Kate Blanc
This is how to layer skincare products for the best results!
Following those 5 steps in your skincare routine will offer you the desired result: healthy-looking, glowing, and amazing skin. Try it out, watch your skin, and if you’re still not getting the results you want, look for better quality products and remove anything that possibly irritates your precious skin. Stay beautiful.
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