Keeping up a good day and night skincare regime is super important, but using the products in the right order so they work as intended is even more important if you’re already spending beaucoup bucks on what’s lining your vanity. In the most general terms, skincare products should go from lightest to heaviest.

Here’s how you do it:

1.  Cleanser

Removes any dirt and grime from your skin. If you wore makeup that day, I recommend you double cleanse… you can start with a cleansing oil like the Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia cleansing oil, then follow up with a gentle exfoliator like the Tata Harper Regenerating cleanser. BTW recently tried the La Mer Replenshing Oil Exfoliator and it rocked. Pricey, of course, but reallllly nice and bougie.

• Tatcha The Deep Cleanse (light exfoliator)
• Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Daily Foaming Face Wash (light exfoliator)
• Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser (gentle)
• Glossier Milk Jelly Cleanser (gentle)
• Olive + M Cleansing Oil

2.  Toner

An important step, especially at night and especially if you wear makeup. Toners primarily work to balance the pH in your skin. They also help wipe away any leftover grime and remove dead skin cells to improve absorption of subsequent products.

• The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
• Pixi Rose Tonic
• Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Toner

3.  Essence

Essence has become critical in my routine. I use the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence. The main purpose of an essence (generally) is to hydrate, and since our skin is most absorbent when wet, then the products you use afterwards will go deeper, working better to do the job they’re supposed to do. Essences prep your skin for what’s next.

• Tatcha The Essence Plumping Skin Softener
• Caudalie Vinoperfect Concentrated Brightening Essence

4.  Treatments

Acne spot treatments, acids or retinoids are next.

• Clinique Acne Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel
• The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalene (for night)
• The Ordinary Lactic Acid + HA
• Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate (use this daily)

5.  Serums

In my opinion, the most important part of our skincare routine as serums contain the highest concentration of active ingredients. You can choose serums to target individual skin concerns, be it aging, hyperpigmentation, dullness or redness, and should be gently pressed into your skin for maximum absorption. You can also use a face roller.

My current fave is the Caudalie Premier Cru which is a great overall choice with anti-aging properties. See more recs here and below.

• Skinceuticals C E Ferulic (pricey, but effective – I use this daily)
• Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum (for hyperpigmentation)
• Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum
• The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

6.  Creams: Eye + Moisturizer

Eye creams and moisturizer are key to providing skin’s much needed hydration. Just make sure to find the right creams for your skin type. If you have dark circles under your eyes, for example, search for eye creams with caffeine, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. If you have dry skin, opt for a rich, hydrating moisturizer, but if you tend to be oily, opt for a lighter gel formula. One last thing, if you have sensitive skin, think about keeping your skincare regime simple… too much product can irritate your skin.

• SK-II R.N.A. Anti-Aging Eye Cream (my fave)
• Caudalie Premier Cru Eye Cream
• Tatcha Silk Cream
• Tatcha Water Cream (great option for oily skin) or Water Gel
• Shiseido Bio-Performance Glow Revival (I use this or one of the Tatcha creams for day)
• La Mer Creme De La Mer (great for night)
• Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Night Concentrate (for night)

7.  Oils

Oils lock in moisture, which is why they should be applied after your moisturizer. The best way to apply is to warm a few drops between your hands and then gently press into your skin until it absorbs.

If you have oily skin, you may do fine with either just a moisturizer or an oil, especially in hotter months.

• Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Oil
• Premier Cru Precious Oil
• Youth To The People Hydrate + Glow Oil (great day oil, super lightweight)
• Tata Harper Retinoic Nutrient Oil
• Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate Oil (one of my faves)
• Vine[Activ] Overnight Detox Night Oil

8.  SPF

Sunscreen is SO important, a never-leave-your-house-without-it must… especially if you struggle with dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

• Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF

Although the above order is the general way to go, you should note some skincare brands recommend a different order with a particular product… I’ve seen that happen especially with oils and treatments. If you have a question, check their website or send them a message to ask about proper use.