Your Step-by-Step Guide to the Right Skincare Routine Order

Mastering your skincare routine isn’t just about what you use; it’s about when you use it. Here's your no-fuss, step-by-step guide to getting it right, morning and night

Content editor

Nabeela Saghir

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Why does the order to apply skincare products matter?

Think of your skincare like building a house: good foundations are everything. The order to apply skincare products is what allows each formula to perform at its best. The golden rule? Go from light to luxe: water-light serums first, richer creams last. This allows active ingredients to penetrate, hydrate and deliver results without being blocked by heavier textures.

Getting the order right is about more than just layering; it’s about timing, intention, and knowing what your skin needs at different hours of the day. Mornings are all about protection and prep; evenings are for deep repair and recovery. What follows is your definitive guide to doing it properly, from the first cleanse to the final step.

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Rise and shine: The best morning skincare routine

Your morning skincare routine order isn’t just about looking fresh-faced; it’s your skin’s first line of defence. Pollution, UV, and daily stressors are real and the right products, layered in the right way, make all the difference. Here's your step-by-step skincare routine for brighter, better-protected skin by 9 a.m.

Cleanser: A gentle gel or cream cleanser removes overnight oil, sweat and residue, prepping your skin for what’s next.
Toner: Not just a feel-good step; hydrating toners help rebalance and soften, creating the ideal base for your next product.
Serum: This is your powerhouse layer. Antioxidant-rich serums (like vitamin C) brighten, protect and give your glow a head start.
Moisturiser: Choose a texture that suits your skin type – lightweight gel, classic cream or somewhere in between – to seal in hydration and maintain balance.
Sun cream: The final, essential layer: a broad-spectrum SPF shields against UVA/UVB damage and environmental stress. It’s a non-negotiable.

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Rest and repair: The best night-time skincare routine

Unlike the morning, when protection is priority, night-time is about resetting your skin’s canvas and letting potent active ingredients work their magic.

Cleansing oil: First, dissolve the day away. Oils or balms break down makeup, sunscreen and grime without stripping moisture.
Second cleanser: Follow with a gentle cleanser to clear away residue and prep skin for treatment.
Toner: Hydrate and balance, setting the stage for active ingredients.
Treatment serums: Night is prime time for reparative ingredients – think retinol, peptides or exfoliating acids – working to boost cell turnover and repair damage.
Eye cream (optional): Target fine lines and dark circles with a nourishing formula, applied with gentle taps.
Moisturiser or night cream: Thicker and richer than your daytime formula to lock in moisture and support overnight recovery.
Facial oil (optional): For an extra layer of nourishment, seal your routine with a few drops of oil, perfect for dry or mature skin.