Hello readers
Applying our beauty products should be a dream sequence of pampering that sees us massage our faces with all kinds of sumptuous oils and creams. So why do we feel uncertainty when it comes to smoothing our eye cream on? We'll tell you why; because the order of applying beauty buys is baffling.
And with skin essences soon to enter the beauty arena thanks to Korean rituals, product layering is only set to get even more confusing. Which is why we've pulled together a guide on the perfect order for all of your products which ensures you get the the optimum effects from your serums and sunscreens.
1. CLEANSE
Rinse and repeat this step to rid your skin of every scrap of dirt; the first cleanse attacks the surface grime while the second will reach right into your pores.
2. TONER
Skipping toner is like writing your dissertation then quitting before you've saved it; it makes all the effort of cleansing pointless as residual dirt may still remain. Sweep one on with a cotton pad to clarify your pores.
3. SPOT CREAM
If you use any type of topical treatment to blitz acne or lighten scars, apply these now to let your skin soak up their benefits.
4. SERUM
The general rule with face creams is that you should start with the lightest products first, and serums boast thin formulas that absorb the most efficiently. These concentrated lotions deliver active ingredients deep into pores, so ensure you're using one that caters to your biggest skincare woes.
5. EYE CREAM
How many of you were making eye cream the last step in your skincare regimen? In fact, it goes on before your moisturiser, oil and SPF. Much like serums, these lotions are thin and need to be clear of barriers, so pat one on before your face cream, using the pad of your ring finger.
6. MOISTURISER
Moisturiser is non-negotiable - even if your skin is oily - so reach for a tub of the creamy stuff and massage it in an upwards and outwards motion.
7. OIL
If you hope to reap the pore-plumping, skin-brightening benefits of a facial oil, pat one over drier zones to seal your moisturiser down. While oil is one of the few products that's able to penetrate your face cream, the same can't be said when the two products are applied in the opposite order.
8. SPF
Applying SPF straight after cleansing will render the rest of your products useless, but popping it on at the end ensures your regimen can still work to its full potential.
9. PRIMER
The correct order comes into play to save your makeup regimen as well, ensuring you get the most flawless wear from your foundations and colourful pigments. Kicking this off is a good primer, which acts like a magnet to hold down your base and, thanks to new advances, can tackle problems like spots and oiliness, too.
10. FOUNDATION
There are many myths surrounding the application of concealer, but to get the best from your cover-up, you need to smooth on your foundation first. Lay your initial base down in a light, thin layer for a natural look, and you can then use step 11 to go over any blemishes.
11. CONCEALER
Evaluate the parts of your face that may want some extra cover-up, then dab your concealer on with a brush and lightly blend it out.
12. BRONZER THEN BLUSHER
Tawny bronzing powders and creams are designed to etch in gentle structure, so do this before defining your cheeks with a pretty wash of blusher.
13. EYESHADOW AND EYELINER, THEN MASCARA
Lacquered lashes can get in the way when trying to nail a feline flick, so slick on your mascaraafter applying your shadow and liner.
14. BROWS
The intensity of your brows should complement your eyeshadow, blusher and lipstick, so grab a pencil and get to work on matching them with the rest of your look.
15. POWDER
Your face powder is designed to set your makeup and soak up excess oil, so save it for last to sweep over shiny t-zones, chins and under-eyes to set concealer.
