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 refresh your skin, or even over makeup to rehydrate.
If you're looking to incorporate a mist into your skincare routine, it can serve as an additional step. Ana Puelles recommends using it right after the toner to enhance without replacing any existing products. Whether you use a product designed for both eyes and or separate ones for each area, it’s important to apply it before your serum and moisturiser.
However, Dr Paula Landi notes that using a specific eye cream isn’t always necessary. According to Dr Landi, the effectiveness of an eye cream largely depends on its ability to hydrate the , which is essentially what a regular moisturiser does. In her view, the benefits of eye creams are often overstated relative to their cost.
While many creams include ingredients like caffeine to reduce puffiness, there is no scientific evidence proving these ingredients effectively diminish under-eye bags when used topically. Most eye creams contain similar ingredients to regular facial moisturisers, so a good moisturiser can serve many of the same functions. Essences are optional but are becoming popular addition to many routines.
If you choose to incorporate one, it should be applied before your serum because it is lighter in consistency. However, it's crucial to consider the base of the essence you’re using. Ana Puelles from Lostao Aesthetics explains that if your essence has an alcohol-based formula, apply it first, followed by your serum.
On the other hand, if your essence is lipid-based and your serum is water-based, apply the serum first and then the essence. This approach ensures that each product works effectively and penetrates the skin properly. It's common to include either a serum, essence, or facial oil in your skincare routine.
Regardless of which you choose, the order of application remains consistent: apply the eye cream and essence first, followed by the serum or oil, and then finish with your moisturiser. Keep in mind that serums are designed to boost the effectiveness of your moisturiser, enhancing its benefits. Some people prefer to apply facial oil as the final step, even over makeup, to impart a luminous glow to the skin.
Sunscreen should always be applied after your eye cream, essence and serum, but before your primer or foundation. recommend using sunscreen daily. If you prefer to streamline your routine, you can opt for a moisturiser or foundation that includes sun protection.
According to dermatologist Paloma Cornejo, SPF 25 is generally sufficient for winter, but during periods of high sun exposure, it is advisable to use SPF 30 for darker skin tones and SPF 50 for lighter skin. There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer; it often comes down to personal preference. Some people choose to wait about 15 seconds between applying products to give the skin time to absorb each layer.
Ana Puelles from Lostao explains, “It depends on the product and the brand’s guidelines. At Lostao, we recommend working the serum into the skin until fully absorbed before applying the moisturiser.” Other suggest applying moisturiser while the skin is still slightly damp from the serum.
Makeup artist Jemma Kidd, in her book , and Katia Jane Hughes, who works with Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, both advocate for this approach, noting that moist skin can retain moisture better. Silvia Oliete from Blauceldona agrees, stating, “I prefer to apply the serum and cream on damp skin. This method makes the texture more pleasant and allows us to the skin until it absorbs, leading to better oxygenation.
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