Confused About the Order of Your Skin-Care Routine? Just Remember This Simple Tip
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During childhood, skin care seemed simple: Wash your face, then . . . done! For adults, though, skin care often involves multiple products, textures, and treatments to address the specific needs of our complexion. And that's when things can get a little more tricky. For instance, you might wonder what products should be in your skin-care routine — and then once you've identified them, you might not understand in what order your skin-care products should go on.
Really, though, the answers aren't complicated. If you're confused about the order of your skin-care routine, remember this simple rule: apply products with lighter textures first, building to the heaviest or most substantial at the end. Generally, this means you'll begin with water-based products, keeping those closest to skin. Next, emulsions (aka, products that have both water and oil in some form) go on to help create more of a barrier. Lastly, it's time for oils or oil-based balms before applying sunscreen.
Need an example skin-care setup? Read on to see how you can layer an effective, affordable winter skin-care regimen from e.l.f. cosmetics — step by step.
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e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
Remember how we mentioned that balms and oils go on last? It's the reverse for cleansing — balms first, since you'll be rinsing it away as the initial step of double-cleansing. Removing every last bit of makeup is easy with e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm ($10). Just massage a dollop onto dry skin, add water to emulsify, and watch as foundation, blush, bronzer, and more just melt away.
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e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Daily Cleanser
After using the cleansing balm, follow with a traditional cleanser. e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Daily Cleanser ($6) is a gel-based foaming formula that leaves skin extra clean and ready for the next step. Speaking of which . . .
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e.l.f. cosmetics SuperTone Toner
Do you need a toner? Depends on who you ask. But if your skin looks dull or you're experiencing congested pores, it's a good idea to follow cleansing with a lightly exfoliating toner. e.l.f. cosmetics SuperTone Toner ($8) includes alpha hydroxy acids to break down dead skin cells, plus witch hazel and aloe to soothe. Its low pH means that it won't disrupt your skin's delicate barrier, either.
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e.l.f. cosmetics Hydrating Coconut Mist
You can spray mists at any point in your routine, but it's especially pleasant to add a little extra moisture before applying face cream. e.l.f. cosmetics Hydrating Coconut Mist ($8) is lightweight, refreshing, and the perfect bridge to your serum.
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e.l.f. cosmetics Hydrating Serum
Serums deliver a concentrated dose of active ingredients to your skin, and they should always go on before creams. e.l.f. cosmetics Hydrating Serum ($12) is a smart choice for the moment, since it's one more layer of moisture to shield skin from dry winter air
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e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream
Next, face cream. Contrary to popular belief, all skin types can benefit from a cream (yes, even oily skin). e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream ($12) is suitable for just about everyone. It contains multiple ingredients that lock in moisture, yet never feels heavy or greasy on skin. Side note: if you use a facial oil instead of a face cream, now's the time to apply. If you use facial oil separately, hold tight. We'll get there in a moment.
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e.l.f. cosmetics 50 mg CBD Eye Cream
As with toner, eye cream is optional. Some people wouldn't dream of going without it; others find that their face cream serves the same purpose. If you use an eye cream, it's typically richer than most moisturizers, so apply it after your face cream. e.l.f. cosmetics 50 mg CBD Eye Cream ($15) is infused with broad-spectrum CBD, hyaluronic acid to give the eye area more moisture, and a peptide complex to help skin stay healthy in the long run.
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e.l.f. cosmetics Nourishing Facial Oil
When facial oils are used along with moisturizer, they should be the last thing you apply before sunscreen. (Think of an oil as a substance that "seals in" the rest of your skin care.) With its rose and avocado oils, e.l.f. cosmetics Nourishing Facial Oil ($10) is a gentle way to wrap up before the SPF goes on.