Are you the type of person who applies your skin care products on a whim, in no particular order? If so, it might be a good time to re-think your skin care routine. Believe it or not to get the most out of your products, there is a proper order to apply skin care products, from facial cleanser to serum to moisturiser to eye cream. If you’re wondering whether moisturiser comes before or after serum, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s our ultimate guide to your skin care routine order.

To put it simply, layering your skin care products is, well, simple! Remember one rule: thin first, followed by thick. This means your skin care order of application should always begin with applying products that have the thinnest consistencies. From there, you should work your way up to products that are thicker and heavier. Beyond these basics, our experts give you a step-by-step breakdown of the correct order to apply skin care products.

Facial cleanser should always be the first step in your skin care routine. From clay facial cleansers for oily and combination skin types, to a cleansing milk or gel wash for dry or mature skin, choose the cleanser that best suits your skin type and needs. The Revitalift Filler Replumping Gel Wash and Revitalift Classic Milky Cleansing Foam both combine anti-ageing actives such as Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin to visibly firm and reduce the signs of ageing while gently cleansing and hydrating.
(Keen to check out a clay mask too? Check out our article, What's the Best Clay Mask for Your Skin Type?

Applying toner to your face may not seem like an important step in your skin care routine, but we promise it’s worth it. Even after using a facial cleanser, traces of dirt and grime may still remain on the surface of your skin. Opt for the Age Perfect Classic Face Toner to cleanse and remove impurities, brighten and replenish and balance skin. This toner also features magnesium to help re-energise and awaken your skin.

One of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to the order of skin care products is, “Serum vs. Moisturiser—which comes first?” As long as you’re sticking to our golden rule of application (thin first, followed by thick), this answer is easy—your facial serum always goes first. In the morning, apply the Revitalift Filler 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum onto a clean face, neck and jawline, gently smoothing into your skin until it’s thoroughly absorbed. This serum is lightweight yet delivers a boost in hydration to help replump skin and reduce appearance of wrinkles. That’s a yes from us! To complete your serum regime, at night opt for the Revitalift Laser Pure Retinol Night Serum, and the same routine applies: after cleansing and toning, apply a few drops onto a clean dry face, neck and jawline until absorbed.

Tip: When it comes to serums, how well you dry your face after cleansing can play a big role! For Hyaluronic acid products, a damp face can actually help to lock in more moisture for enhanced hydration and that ‘dewy’ glow. For Pure Retinol though, be sure to apply to a completely dry face. Dermatologists often recommend to even wait a few minutes after cleansing, just to be sure.

Now you’ve got it—after serum, it’s time to apply moisturiser. Your moisturiser of choice is completely up to you, whether you have a preference for lightweight lotions or richer creams. We recommend sticking with a moisturiser formulated for your skin type, ranging from dry to sensitive. Our range of moisturisers and day creams contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, with some products also offering SPF protection. For a daily moisturiser that delivers a boost of hydration with hyaluronic acid, we love the Revitalift Filler Hyaluronic Acid Revolumising Day Cream for any skin type. For added protection with your daily hydration, choose the SPF version.

Regardless of the moisturiser you choose, using a daily moisturiser that suits your needs will help improve skin radiance, provide comfort and hydration, and reduce excess shine. Not sure which formula is right for you? Our experts make it simple with our guide to finding the best skincare to suit your skin type.

Let’s not forget about the eyes! The delicate skin around your eyes also needs some attention as part of your morning and night skincare routine. Grab your favourite eye cream, serum or treatment (may we suggest the Revitalift Filler Hyaluronic Acid Eye Cream) and apply around the eyes, dotting the product along the orbital bone and patting gently until fully absorbed.

This final step will depend entirely on the time of day. As part of your morning or daytime skin care routine, sunscreen should always be the final step—even during the cooler winter months. Follow Cancer Council’s guidelines and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (30 SPF or higher) daily, 20 minutes before going outside,  in addition to any skincare products with SPF. If you plan to spend the day outdoors or go swimming, reapply your sunscreen every two hours. Be cautious of your sun exposure—limit your time outside between the peak hours of 10am-2pm, seek shade, wear UV-blocking sunnies and cover exposed areas in long sleeves, pants and hats.

If you’re about to head to bed, there’s no need to layer on the SPF. Instead, apply a nourishing night cream to suit your skin’s needs. The Revitalift Filler Hyaluronic Acid Replumping Night Cream is a great nightly moisturiser for hydrating and re-plumping the skin for a smoother appearance. If your primary skin concerns are anti-ageing, such as addressing wrinkles or fine lines, opt for the Age Perfect Cell Renewal Regenerating Night Cream. This cream is enriched with black truffle and kombucha to stimulate skin cell renewal while you sleep, so you wake up with more radiant, youthful-looking skin. As the final step in your skin care order, apply your night cream to your face, neck and chest. At last, it’s time for some (literal) beauty sleep!

Skin care routines can seem complicated at times, but by following the six steps above, you will perfect your skin routine order, get the most of your skin care products, and have beautiful, glowing skin to show for it.