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
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Colleen on
Hi Gail! Great question. With the Extreme Recovery Cream, I like to use that all over the face. The Retinol Supreme Eye Serum I like to target just right under the eyes; the eye serum doesn’t absorb very quickly, which allows the product to work throughout the night as you sleep. If I were to apply the Extreme Cream AFTER the Eye Serum, I may end up smearing the Serum from under my eyes before it has a chance to really soak in. I hope that answers your question. Please let me know if I can help with anything else!
xo
Colleen -
Gail on
Just curious…why do you suggest doing the retinol eye serum last in the evening? It seems like it would need to go BEFORE you moisturize with the extreme recovery cream.
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Cindy Cooper on
Can you please provide me with the proper care routine for mature skin that also has breakouts. So I am concerned about the signs of aging at 65 years old but I also experience breakouts. I have most of your products I just don’t know what to use when. You did not address care for breakouts . Love your products.
Hi Cindy! Sure thing! If you are prone to breakouts, I would follow this exact routine, but focus on a few specific things. 1) Be sure to use the Clarifying Detox Mask 2-3 times per week. You can apply it all over the face or spot-treat directly onto any blemishes that may be popping up. 2) Use the Mandelic Acid Radiance Serum for your nighttime serum. It will help exfoliate the skin which can help with blemishes, blackheads, texture, and signs of aging like fine line, wrinkles, and dark spots. I hope this routine works for you!
xo
Colleen