For effective skincare, not only the composition but also the sequence of applying facial products is important. Even the most innovative products with advanced formulas may prove insufficiently effective if used incorrectly. In this article, we will provide step-by-step recommendations for applying care products for their maximum effectiveness. 

What to Apply to the Face and in What Order: Basic Principles of Daily Care

There are certain rules regarding the use of care cosmetics. To understand how to properly apply facial care, it is enough to start from basic principles.

Let’s consider them in more detail:

  • Many new things at once is not always better. If you plan to completely overhaul or start your facial care from scratch, try not to introduce many new cosmetic products simultaneously. At the very least, this can cause an allergic reaction to certain components, the appearance of irritation, and reduce the effectiveness of individual products.
  • Correct order equals ideal care. It is worth understanding whether to apply cream after serum. More precisely—it is important to follow the correct sequence. The simplest way is to pay attention to the texture of the product. The lightest, liquid cosmetics are always applied first. Thanks to their optimal texture and composition, they penetrate deep under the skin. Only after them should creamy and denser products be applied.
  • Allow time between layers. For a product to be well absorbed and produce the proper effect, it is necessary to wait 30–60 seconds after its application. Also, do not mix actives in one layer if they might cause irritation (for example, retinal + AHA/BHA simultaneously in one serum).
  • In the morning, always apply SPF last. SPF sun protection (face cream or powder, lip balm, serum) must be the final layer in your morning routine. Only this way will you ensure reliable skin protection from UV radiation, regardless of the weather or time of year.
  • Additional recommendation. It is not strictly necessary to know whether to apply cream after a mask, as it is enough to alternate them. For example, in the evening, you can use peels/masks instead of serum/cream. It is worth noting that the permissible frequency of such a replacement is 2–3 times a week, but not more often than recommended by the manufacturer on the label.

Sequence of Applying Facial Products

It probably goes without saying that skincare is divided into morning and evening. And it is unlikely necessary to explain how to properly apply eye cream. Therefore, let’s go straight to the step-by-step instructions.

Morning Care

This process is linked to more than just washing your face. There is a specific correct sequence for applying facial care:

  • Cleansing. Washing is the first and important step. A two-stage cleansing is recommended here. Suitable products include micellar water (which must always be washed off), gel, or foam. The chosen product should be applied to the skin twice, sequentially (this is what two-stage cleansing implies). Thanks to a well-thought-out formula, it will effectively clean the skin of impurities without unnecessary rubbing, irritation, or allergic reactions.
  • Tonic (Toner). If there is no need for peeling (clearing dead skin cells), the next step is toning. Toner is the final stage of cleansing. It allows the return of a natural pH level. There are toners with a high acid content; such products are intended for exfoliating keratinized skin cells. When using them, it is recommended to study how to apply toner to the face.
  • Serum. Many women have doubts at exactly this stage. For example, they are interested in whether face cream should be applied before or after using a serum. Definitely, this product should be applied before using the chosen cream. It is also important to understand that when choosing a serum, you should start from your skin type and individual epidermal problems. Another nuance—moisturizing and exfoliating products have different frequencies of use. Therefore, it is better to check with a specialist how and how many times a week to apply the chosen serum to your face.
  • Eye Cream/Serum. This area is particularly sensitive to cosmetic products. It is important to understand how to apply eye cream, and which specific product to choose for a specific skin type and condition. Dark circles, wrinkles, bags under the eyes—all this affects the choice of a specific product.
  • Moisturizing Face Cream. The pre-final stage of morning procedures. It is equally important regardless of skin type. It is not necessary to have deep knowledge of how to properly apply face cream; it is enough to choose the most suitable product for individual needs and wishes.
  • Sunscreen. Daily use of SPF products is non-negotiable. It doesn't matter what your skin type, tone, or condition is, or whether you know how to apply sunscreen to your face. The main thing is to perform this procedure every morning. In the Hillary Cosmetics online store, you can select SPF products for dry, sensitive, oily, and combination skin. 

Evening Care

At the end of the day, the first desire is to relax or go to sleep as quickly as possible. But your skin will be grateful if you provide it with appropriate care. For this, it is recommended to follow this algorithm:

  • Повне очищення. Як і вранці тут залишається актуальним двоетапне очищення. Як косметичні засоби можна використовувати гідрофільну олію або бальзам, міцелярку, пінку або гель для вмивання (як і на ранкові процедури).
  • Ексфоліація. Видалення відмерлих клітин – важливий етап вечірнього очищення. Ігнорування цієї процедури може призвести до закупорювання пор, нерівномірного тону шкіри, втрати природного відтінку. Кращими помічниками тут стане убтан, ензимна пудра.
  • Тонізація. Ранковий тонік, якщо він відповідає потребам шкіри, цілком підійде і для вечірньої процедури. Інший варіант – використовувати засоби з АНА- або ВНА-кислотами. Перший допоможе вирівняти рельєф, тон шкіри, а другий – усунути запалення та знизити жирність. Як згадувалося раніше, ці два засоби не рекомендується використовувати одночасно.
  • Маска для обличчя. Подібні косметичні засоби рекомендується застосовувати 2-3 рази на тиждень. Перед тим, як наносити маску для обличчя, потрібно підібрати найбільш підходящий склад для конкретного типу, стану шкіри. Це може бути класична глиняна, маска-плівка, з вітаміном С або альгінатна. Правильне нанесення маски для обличчя описано в інструкції від виробника.
  • Сироватки. Нанесення цього засобу на ніч забезпечує інтенсивний догляд. У таких сироватках містяться різні кислоти та ретинол. Ці речовини є активними компонентами та відповідають за оновлення клітин. Отже, регулярне використання таких засобів дозволить коригувати ознаки старіння, скоротити зморшки, зберегти пружність та щільність шкіри, а також пом'якшити та вирівняти її текстуру. Як наносити сироватку на обличчя можна прочитати в інструкції від виробника.
  • Крем, сироватка для області навколо очей. Тут найбільш актуальними залишаються косметичні засоби з гіалуроновою кислотою, вітамінами, пептидами. З іншого боку, все залежить від мети. Наприклад, якщо вам потрібен антивіковий догляд або відновлення шкіри навколо очей, краще віддати перевагу складам із пептидами.
  • Крем для обличчя. Завершальним етапом вечірніх процедур стане саме такий засіб. Креми для обличчя розрізняються за своїм складом та властивостями. Наприклад, вони можуть бути націлені на регенерацію, рясне зволоження, інтенсивне відновлення, посилений захист, ефект, що розгладжує, і багато іншого. Суть залишається одна – вони діятимуть, доки ви спите.

Full Cleansing. As in the morning, two-stage cleansing remains relevant. You can use hydrophilic oil or balm, micellar water, and a foam or gel for washing (just like in the morning procedures).

Exfoliation. Removing dead cells is an important stage of evening cleansing. Ignoring this procedure can lead to clogged pores, uneven skin tone, and loss of natural radiance. The best helpers here will be ubtan or enzyme powder.

Toning. The morning toner, if it meets the skin's needs, is quite suitable for the evening procedure as well. Another option is to use products with AHA or BHA acids. The former will help even out the relief and skin tone, and the latter will eliminate inflammation and reduce oiliness. As mentioned earlier, it is not recommended to use these two types of acids simultaneously.

Face Mask. Such cosmetic products are recommended for use 2–3 times a week. Before applying a face mask, you need to select the most suitable composition for your specific skin type and condition. This could be a classic clay mask, a peel-off mask, one with Vitamin C, or an alginate mask. The correct application of a face mask is described in the manufacturer's instructions.

Serums. Applying this product at night provides intensive care. Such serums contain various acids and retinol. These substances are active components responsible for cell renewal. Consequently, regular use of such products will allow you to correct signs of aging, reduce wrinkles, maintain firmness and density, and soften and even out skin texture.

Eye Cream/Serum. Here, cosmetic products with hyaluronic acid, vitamins, and peptides remain the most relevant. On the other hand, everything depends on the goal. For example, if you need anti-aging care or restoration of the skin around the eyes, it is better to prefer compositions with peptides.

Face Cream. The final stage of evening procedures will be exactly this product. Face creams differ in their composition and properties. For example, they can be aimed at regeneration, abundant hydration, intensive restoration, enhanced protection, a smoothing effect, and much more. The essence remains the same—they will act while you sleep.

Conclusion

Based on the information provided, it can be said that the facial skincare algorithm remains clear even for an inexperienced user. The main thing is to correctly select the products and follow the sequence of their application. For the best effect for a specific skin type, we recommend thoroughly studying the cosmetics before purchasing. If you want to save time or quickly select the best options, we recommend consulting the specialists in our online store.