Serums, oils, toners, oh my! Here’s the ultimate step-by-step skincare routine so you know the correct skincare routine order and why. (It will all make sense, I promise!)
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As I’ve gotten older and realized that it’s really time to get serious about having a more particular step-by-step skincare routine. My eyes have been opened to all of the products that I should be using and why.
However, one of the most frequent questions I get asked is: what is the correct skincare routine order?
I realized pretty quickly that most women don’t really know when or why they should use their beauty products in their regimen, and today we are changing that!
RELATED: 13 Common Mistakes That Are Ruining Your Skin
Ever find yourself standing in front of your bathroom mirror wondering, “What do I put on my face first?” You’re not alone, mama. Between cleansers, toners, serums, and moisturizers, figuring out the correct skincare routine order can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re just trying to squeeze in a little self-care between diaper changes and Zoom calls.
This step-by-step skin care routine breaks it all down, so you can feel confident, refreshed, and glowing—without the confusion.
Here’s The Order You Should Be Using Your Skincare In (And Why!)
There is a method to the madness….promise.
In order to take the guesswork out of things for you, I have put together a pretty easy-to-follow, clear-cut routine more both morning and night, explaining the proper order for using your skincare items. It’s important to note that you do not have to be using all of these different skincare products. I just listed them all, just in case you decided to try facial oil for the first time, you would now know when it needed to be applied. Your routine is going to always have more steps in the evening.
Why Skincare Routine Order Matters
The order in which you apply your products isn’t just some beauty industry gimmick—it actually affects how your skin absorbs them. When applied correctly, your products work better, last longer, and help you get the results you’re after—whether that’s hydration, anti-aging, acne control, or just feeling fresh.
The rule of thumb: go from thinnest to thickest in texture.
Morning Skincare Routine Order
1. Start with your cleanser. This will remove anything you might have missed the night before and also remove any excess oil. Try: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
2. Toner. This will help to minimize pores and rebalance the skin’s PH levels and prepare your skin for your serum and moisturizer. Try: Dermalogica Antioxidant Hydramist Toner
3. Eye cream. Invest in a good one because the skin around your eyes is much thinner and will help prevent any fine lines. Try: IT Cosmetics Confidence in an Eye Cream
4. Serums. This will penetrate the deeper dermal layers of your skin to fix whatever needs you have. If you are using one with hyaluronic acid, apply that before any others. Try: Beauty By Earth Hyaluronic Acid Serum
5. Moisturizer. Apply this only after your serums have been absorbed. It will also make a great base for your makeup! Try: IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream Anti Aging Face Moisturizer
6. SPF. Because of the sun. Duh. Try: First Aid Beauty – Hydrating Sunscreen Milk with Colloidal Oatmeal, Broad Spectrum SPF 45
7. Makeup. Makeup honestly does more than just looking pretty: it protects your skin throughout the entire day. Try: IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream
Mom Tip: Keep your products in order on your shelf or vanity so you’re not fumbling during the morning rush.
Evening Skincare Routine Order
At night, your routine is all about repair and restoration.
1. Cleanse. Feel free to use a deeper cleanser in the evening. If you’re going to double cleanse or exfoliate, you would want to do that within this step, too. Try: Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Face Wash or for a double cleanse The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Light Facial Cleansing Oil
2. Toner. Try: Murad Essential-C Toner – Environmental Shield Hydrating Toner
3. Serum with anti-aging benefits. Try: CeraVe Anti Aging Retinol Serum
4. Eye cream. Try: IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Eye Cream
5. Any other serums.
6. Moisturize. Try: CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream
7. Oil. Try: Youth To The People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Face Oil
And remember: Take your time while going through each step. I follow the 60-second rule, where (at least in the evening) I take 60 seconds to do each step. Your skin will thank you. Also, not every night has to include every step. Even just a cleanse and moisturizer is better than nothing!
Tips to Simplify Your Order For Skincare Routine (for Busy Moms)
Because let’s be honest—we don’t always have time for a 7-step ritual.
- Stick to morning + night essentials only during extra-busy weeks.
- Keep your go-to products in a cute basket by the sink.
- Invest in multi-tasking products (like a moisturizer with SPF).
- Use skincare time as you time—light a candle, play music, breathe.
Common Mistakes in Skincare Routine Order
- Skipping SPF in the morning – even if you’re indoors!
- Using serums after thick creams – they won’t absorb properly.
- Too much exfoliating – 2-3x/week is plenty.
- Mixing ingredients that cancel each other out – like retinol + vitamin C (alternate them instead!).
Getting the right skincare routine order helps your products work with your skin—not against it.
Final Thoughts: Make Your Skincare Routine Work for You
The perfect step-by-step skin care routine isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what works for you in this season of life.
Whether you’ve got 10 minutes for the full lineup or just a few for cleanser and SPF, give yourself grace. Every little bit counts, and showing up for yourself in these small ways can have a big impact, not just on your skin but on how you feel.
You’re not just caring for your skin. You’re reminding yourself that you matter, too.
Looking for more skincare tips? I’ve got you covered!
- The Revolting Side of Beauty Product Waste (And What You Can Do About It)
- Here’s Why Major Brands Are Finally Investing in Clean Beauty
- How to Get Your Makeup to Last All Day
- Need to Determine Your Skin Type? Take This My Skin Type Quiz!
- How to Look Beautiful Overnight (The Only Overnight Skin Treatment You’ll Ever Need)
- These 13 Common Mistakes Are Ruining Your Skin
- The Disturbing Reason Your Makeup Doesn’t Have to Be Tested For Safety
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XOXO,
Allison
