Why the order matters
You can buy beautiful products and still not get the best from them if they go on in the wrong order. The rule I follow is simple: thinnest to thickest. Watery textures first, then serums, then creams, then SPF in the morning.
Richer products form a layer on your skin. Put a light serum on top of a thick cream and much of it sits on the surface instead of reaching your skin. Give each step a moment to settle before the next one goes on. Under a minute is usually enough.
Your morning routine
In the morning, your skin needs protecting for the day ahead. Four or five steps is plenty.
Cleanse first. A gentle cleanser is all you need in the morning. AlumierMD Gentle Foaming Cleanser lifts away last night's products without leaving skin tight.
Mist or tone, if you like it. Clinisoothe+ Skin Purifier is a gentle hypochlorous mist that helps skin feel clean and calm, and there's nothing to rinse off.
Next, an antioxidant serum. Vitamin C is my favourite in the morning: three to five drops of AlumierMD EverActive C&E + Peptide over the face, neck and chest. If your skin feels dry or tight, a hydrating serum such as Revision HA HydraSerum+ can go on after it.
Then moisturiser, in a texture that suits you. AlumierMD HydraLight is lovely for normal to oily skin; drier skin will want something richer.
SPF always goes last. Heliocare 360° Sensation is ultralight, dries to a soft matte finish and sits comfortably under make-up.
Tanisha's tipMake-up goes on after your SPF, never mixed into it. Mixing them thins out your protection.
Your evening routine
Evening is when I like to use the products that do the heavier lifting, such as retinol, because there's no daylight to think about.
Cleanse well. If you have worn make-up or SPF, cleanse twice: the first cleanse lifts off the day, the second actually cleans your skin.
Then your treatment serum, on clean, dry skin. This might be a retinol, a retinal or a serum chosen for a particular concern, such as redness or breakouts. While you're getting started, use one strong active a night, not several.
Finish with moisturiser. On retinol nights, a slightly richer cream helps with any dryness.
Tanisha's tipIf a product's instructions give a different order, follow them. Some serums are made to go on first and dry completely before anything else.
Keep it simple
More steps don't mean better skin. A cleanser, one serum, a moisturiser and an SPF is a routine I'd be very happy to see anyone use every day.
Add one new product at a time and give it a few weeks before adding another. That way you know what's helping and what isn't, and if your skin reacts, you know why.
If you're not sure which product belongs at each step for your skin, try the skin quiz on this site. Four quick questions and you'll have a starter routine to work from.
