What Order to Apply Skincare Products (Morning vs Night)

One of the most common questions I get asked is: "I bought all these great products, but how on earth do I layer them?"

You could buy the most expensive, effective serum in the world, but if you apply it over a thick facial oil, it’s never going to penetrate your skin. The golden rule of skincare application is simple: Apply from thinnest to thickest consistency.

The Morning Routine: Protect and Defend

Mornings are all about protecting your skin from the day ahead (sun, pollution, stress).

1. Cleanse: A splash of water or a very gentle cleanser.
2. Toner/Essence (Optional): If you use a watery toner, pat it in now.
3. Antioxidant Serum: This is usually your Vitamin C. Apply it to dry or slightly damp skin.
4. Hydrating Serum: Enter the SkinHonestly Daily Reset Serum. Apply this while the skin is still receptive to lock in hydration for the day.
5. Moisturizer: A light lotion to seal everything in.
6. Sunscreen: The non-negotiable final step. (Always apply SPF last, and let it dry before makeup).

The Evening Routine: Cleanse and Repair

Nights are for undoing the day's damage and treating specific skin concerns.

1. Double Cleanse: Start with a cleansing balm or oil to melt away SPF and makeup, followed by your water-based cleanser to actually wash the skin.
2. Treatment/Exfoliant: This is where you apply your AHAs, BHAs, or retinoids. (Remember, don't use them all on the same night!).
3. Hydrating Serum: Bring the water back into the skin with a hydrating serum.
4. Eye Cream (Optional): Tap gently around the orbital bone.
5. Moisturizer or Night Cream: A thicker cream with ceramides to rebuild your barrier while you sleep.
6. Facial Oil (Optional): Oils are occlusive, meaning they lock everything underneath them in. They should always be your absolute last step.

Keep it simple, stick to the thinnest-to-thickest rule, and watch your products finally start working the way they were meant to!