With so many skincare treasures to use on our faces, I am often asked about the order in which to apply products, the amount to use and whether waiting between steps is necessary. I thought it might be helpful to collate the information, so you have an easy reference point.
Time between steps
Let’s start with the question of timing. How long do you need to wait between steps? The simple answer is you don’t. Hopefully, this is welcome news for rushed mornings and late nights.
Two small caveats on this. First, if you apply something and find it is balling up, this is an indication that the last product you applied needs a bit more time to sink in before you move to the next step. Try giving it 10 to 30 seconds to eliminate the issue.
Second, sunscreen in the morning is always your last skincare step and should be given time to settle before applying any make-up. To let my sunscreen sink in, I like to make my bed after applying it so that my foundation glides on flawlessly.
Application order and amounts
Again, this can be described very simply and once you understand the principle, you can add or subtract products as needed. You should always start by applying your lightest, thinnest product and then work through your products by thickness, finishing with the heaviest or thickest one.
This is because it is difficult for something with a thin consistency to penetrate a thick product if it’s applied first.
Below I've summarised a running order of how to apply products as well as a guide on how much you’ll need.
Please don’t be put off by the length of the list here! A basic skincare routine with many fewer steps is great, if it works for you. However, as I want this to serve as a reference, I'm including as many items as possible.
Cleanser - cherry size
Exfoliator - blueberry size, 1 to 2 times per week
Mask - cherry size, 1 time per week
Toner - raspberry size
Sheet mask - as needed
Eye cream - grain of rice per eye, tap on area with finger
Facial essence - blueberry size, gently press into face
Spot cream - half grain of rice per breakout, tap on affected area
Serum - 3 to 5 drops, pat in with fingers
Moisturiser - peanut size, sweep across skin
Facial oil - 3 to 5 drops, pat on face with palms
Sunscreen - walnut size, sweep across skin in the morning
Sleep mask - cherry size, sweep across skin in the evening, as needed
* Please note that the size guidance is offered in respect to diameter. I am not suggesting you need a full blueberry’s worth of facial essence on your face. Just the diameter of a blueberry.
At the end of applying your various potions, your skin should feel cared for and hydrated. Everything should be absorbing easily into the skin as you leave your bathroom. If your skin feels sticky then you are likely applying too much product.
I hope this helps answer any questions you might have about skincare application. If I’ve missed something and you still need an answer, please do let me know!