The order in which you apply your skincare products matters more than most people realise. Apply them in the wrong sequence and you can block active ingredients from absorbing properly — or dilute them so much they barely work. Here's the correct order for both morning and evening.
The golden rule
Apply products from thinnest to thickest consistency. Water-based products go on before oil-based products. Lighter, faster-absorbing formulas go on before heavier, richer ones. This allows each product to penetrate the skin rather than sitting on top of a barrier created by a heavier product applied first.
Morning routine — correct order
1. Cleanser — Start with clean skin. Use a gentle cleanser to remove anything that built up overnight.
2. Toner or essence (if using) — Apply on damp skin straight after cleansing. Toners balance skin pH and prep the skin for what follows.
3. Eye cream — Apply before your serum. The delicate eye area benefits from targeted treatment early in the routine before heavier products are layered over it.
4. Serum — This is your targeted treatment step. Apply to still-damp skin for maximum absorption. If using multiple serums, apply the most watery one first.
5. Moisturiser — Seals in everything beneath it and provides a protective layer throughout the day.
6. SPF — Always the final step in your morning routine. SPF must sit on top of everything else to work properly — applying it before moisturiser reduces its effectiveness.
Evening routine — correct order
1. First cleanse (if wearing SPF or makeup) — Use a biphasic remover or oil cleanser first.
2. Second cleanse — Follow with your regular cleanser to remove any remaining residue.
3. Exfoliant (2-3 times per week only) — Apply your acid toner or peeling concentrate after cleansing. Don't use every night.
4. Eye cream — Same as morning.
5. Serum or treatment — Retinol alternatives, peptide serums, brightening serums all go here.
6. Facial oil (if using) — Oils go on after water-based products and before or mixed into your moisturiser. They seal in hydration.
7. Moisturiser or night cream — The final step in your evening routine.
How long to wait between products
In general, you don't need to wait long between layers — 30 to 60 seconds is usually enough for each product to begin absorbing before the next is applied. The exception is active ingredients like high-percentage acids, where waiting 1 to 2 minutes before the next step can reduce the risk of irritation.
STARLUXE products in order
A complete STARLUXE morning routine: Cleanser → Prebiotic Face Mist → Eye Cream → Serum → Moisturiser → SPF50.