The Correct Order to Apply Your Skincare

It can be daunting to wander in front of a beautifully lit display of skincare products that go to infinity and beyond. The vast amount of choices can leave you confused and uncertain about what’s best for your skin.

But once you've identified your skin issues and purchased the appropriate products, then comes the question... What do I put on first?!

I get these questions ALL the time! Which goes first - moisturizer or serum? Sunscreen or eye cream? How many steps do I really need?

Today, 
I’m here to guide you through the confusion and help you achieve great looking skin in a few simple steps. 

IN THE MORNING...

Step 1 - Cleanser
It’s my experience that one of the ways to maintain healthy, beautiful skin is to begin the day by washing your face. A morning wash removes treatments from the night before and gets your skin balanced and prepped for the serum and makeup to come.

The 
Balancing Gel Cleanser leaves skin feeling clean, fresh, and comfortable - not dry and tight. It refreshes and bathes the senses with its aromatic blend of sage and seagrass. 

Step 2 -  Serum
Once your skin is thoroughly cleansed and prepped, it time to treat! I like to recommend applying our super effective Vitamin C Treatment Complex.

It’s formulated to help treat and defend against pollution, stress, and sun damage. This potent anti-oxidant formula helps reduce the appearance of hyper-pigmentation and helps promote collagen production for the look of absolute radiance.

Step 3 - Eye Treatment
The delicate skin around the eyes needs special care to maintain its elasticity and brightness. I love how effective our Complete Eye Cream is for reducing puffiness and the appearance of fine lines. It offers intense hydration and smoothes the area around the eye, without feeling tacky. Eye makeup can be applied without worry.

Step 4 - Moisturizer  
The oil-free Sheer Renewal Cream is a wonderful, multi-purpose moisturizer for all skin-types. But don’t let this lightweight, breathable cream fool you. It packs a punch!

Its powerful peptides help fight the signs of aging at any age while offering long term hydration and defense against the harsh environment. And the powder-like finish serves as a fantastic makeup primer.

Step 5 - SPF
I recommend completing your morning skincare routine with a broad spectrum SPF to protect your skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays. Some sunscreens tend to be chalky and heavy, but an ultra-lightweight and non-oily SPF won’t clog your pores or cause skin to be shiny.  

Daily Defense SPF 25 performs wonderfully, and goes beyond defending your skin against sun damage. No matter your skin type, you’ll get a soft, matte finish ready for your makeup application.

Don't forget to give your hands some love too. Apply this super protective sunscreen to the backs of your hands everyday so they’re treated and protected (and look like they share a birthday with your face!)

IN THE EVENING...

Step 1 - Cleanser
It’s the end of your day and time to give your skin some love. Taking special care of your skin at night is key to a more youthful appearance and the long term health of your skin. Removing makeup and the day's dirt and pollutants allows skin the opportunity to rejuvenate and repair itself, which is the secret to maintaining beautiful skin.

Throughout my career in developing skincare products, I discovered women were looking for a cleanser that could do it all in ONE STEP. I created the Radiant Cleansing Balm to remove all signs of makeup, deep clean congested pores, and eliminate environmental impurities while leaving skin balanced, soft, and radiant, not dry and tight.

Step 2 - Mask  
I recommend using the Clarifying Detox Mask 2-3 times a week just after cleansing. Activated charcoal and French Kaolin clay go straight to work detoxing pores and leaving behind a more balanced complexion, while pure micronized silver helps keep bacteria at bay. A blend of vitamin C and Willowherb extract brighten and soothe inflamed skin.

Step 3 - Serum
Adding a serum to your evening routine can help combat your particular skin concerns.

If you're seeing signs of aging -  the
 Age Renewal Super Serum is infused with more than 20 potent ingredients, including peptides, collagen boosters, amino acids, vitamins, and plant extracts to restore the skin’s complexion to its most youthful radiance and texture.

If your concern is texture or uneven skin tone - the Mandelic Acid Radiance Serum combines exfoliating mandelic, lactic, and salicylic acid for refined skin. 

Step 4 - Moisturizer
Moisturizing your skin at night is crucial for rehydrating. Locking in hydration can give skin a more youthful appearance. Extreme Recovery Cream works wonders for improving your stressed out skin while providing high levels of continuous moisture.

Step 5 - Oil
For me, an oil is a must-have in any nightly skincare routine. (Even if you're prone to oily skin, give it a try!)

Our
Retinol Supreme Night Oil combines the regenerative benefits of retinol and a potent dose of vitamin C with the highly moisturizing properties of plant-based essential oils. 

Step 6  - Eye Treatment
To finish your evening routine, apply the Retinol Supreme Eye Serum every night to reverse the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and puffiness. The supremely rich blend of retinol and vitamin C helps revitalize the delicate area around the eyes.  

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Simple as that! I hope that this has helped removed some confusion surrounding your skincare routine. 

When in doubt, stick to the mantra: Cleanse > Treat > Moisturize

You can't go wrong with that! Have other questions for me? Leave them in the comments below.


xo
Colleen 

9 comments

  • Julie on

    I have your Mandelic radiance serum, Face Oil #9 and Age renewal super serum, (obviously as well as eye cream, moisturizer and cleansing balm but I know how to use those )how do I incorporate the serums in to my daily routine?

  • Colleen on

    Hi Kayla! Thanks for your question. I recommend using the Salicylic Treatment Complex as the “Step 3 – Serum” step in your evening routine. The Mandelic Acid Radiance Serum also contains salicylic acid, and I wouldn’t double-up on its usage on the same night.

    However, if you wanted to try using both, I would recommend alternating the nights. So Monday-Wednesday-Friday, use the Salicylic. Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday, use the Mandelic.

    I hope that helps!
    xo
    Colleen

  • Colleen on

    Hi Stacie! If you’re using prescription RetinA from your doctor, that would be “Step 3 – Serum” of your nighttime routine. I would suggest avoiding other retinol products (like the Retinol Supreme Night Oil – try the Face Oil No. 9 instead!) or other acid-based products (like the Mandelic Acid Radiance Serum) while using RetinA. Hope that helps!

    xo
    Colleen

  • Kayla Stein on

    at what step would I use the salicylic acid treatment? and can i use the Mandelic Acid Radiance Serum with the Salicylic treatment?
    Thanks!!

  • Stacie Branch on

    If I use a prescription retin A where would you recommend that go in the routine?

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