A friend recently asked me whether serum should be applied before or after . Initially, I thought the skincare query had an obvious answer, but I quickly realised two things: my friend wasn't alone in her confusion. A recent study in Spain found that more than 50 per cent of women didn't know the correct order for applying their skincare products.
To better understand how to apply these products correctly, we consulted two expert facialists: Silvia Oliete, director and founder of Blauceldona, and Ana Puelles, co-owner of Lostao Esthetics. After all, the effectiveness of your creams, , and oils heavily depends on the order in which you apply them. To make sure you're getting the most out of your skincare, we've curated a guide to help you get it right.
There is a universal principle that guides skincare application: always layer products from the lowest to the highest density. "If we apply a high-density product first, it creates a barrier that prevents the lighter product from penetrating," explains Ana Puelles. Therefore, if you are using just moisturiser, serum, and sunscreen—three essential products—the correct order would be serum, followed by moisturiser, and then .
While optional, are becoming increasingly popular as more cosmetic brands release their own versions of the product. Even seasoned skincare enthusiasts often have doubts about its use. According to Silvia Oliete, a mist can be applied in various ways: before your treatment as a , throughout the day to ref.