What Order Should You Do Skincare?

Ever wondered if the order you apply your skincare products really matters? Spoiler: it does!

Getting the right skincare routine order isn’t just about ticking boxes – it’s the secret to ensuring each product does what it’s meant to do. Whether you’re layering serums or deciding when to moisturise, the right sequence helps maximise results and prevents wasting your time (and your favourite products).

Page Contents

• Why Skincare Order is Important
• How Skincare Layering Works
• What Order To Do Skincare in the Morning (AM)
• What Order To Do Skincare at Night (PM)
• Invest in Salon-Quality Skincare

Why Skincare Order is Important

The order of skincare is important because it affects how well the products work and how deeply the active ingredients absorb into your skin. Active ingredients — like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and retinol — work best when applied in the right order, so following this simple rule ensures they deliver their full benefits.

Following the right skincare order also prevents products from interfering with each other and is an easy way to make your routine more effective, make your money go further and make your skin happier.

How Skincare Layering Works

Skincare layering follows a simple rule: always go from the lightest to the heaviest products. This allows lightweight, water-based products to absorb fully before being sealed in by richer, more protective layers like moisturisers or oils.

That said, there are some exceptions that don’t follow the “light to heavy” rule.

Prescription treatments or spot creams, for example, often need to go directly onto clean skin. Always check the instructions for these types of products to make sure you’re using them correctly.

For the best results, stick to products that complement each other and don't clash.

Skincare sets, like the Q+A Holiday Heroes Skincare Set, are great for this and are popular with beginners who start building their skincare routine:

 

What Order To Do Skincare in the Morning (AM)

A morning skincare routine is all about protecting and prepping your skin for the day ahead. Follow these simple steps to get your skin looking and feeling its best, no matter what the UK or Irish weather has in store!

Step 1: Cleanser

Start your morning skincare routine with a gentle cleanser to wash away any oil or sweat from the night before. This gives you a fresh canvas for the rest of your products. For the UK and Ireland's chilly, damp weather, cream or gel cleansers are ideal — they’ll clean without leaving your skin feeling tight or dry. Massage your cleanser onto damp skin for about 30 seconds, then rinse with lukewarm water.

Our Recommended Cleansers for AM...

🛒 Kaeso Hydrating Cleanser is great for oily or combination skin:

🛒 e.l.f Holy Hydration Daily Cleanser is perfect for all skin types, including dry or sensitive skin:

Step 2: Toner

Toners are like a refreshing glass of water for your skin. They help restore its natural pH balance after cleansing and make it easier for the next products to sink in. Look for a hydrating formula with ingredients like rose water or hyaluronic acid to calm and refresh your skin.

Gently pat the toner into your skin with clean hands or sweep it on using a cotton pad.

Our Recommended Facial Toners for AM...

🛒 Kaeso Hydrating Toner adds a hydration boost for all skin types:

🛒 Kaeso Rebalancing Toner helps balance out oily skin:

 

Step 3: Serum

Now it’s time to give your skin some targeted TLC. A vitamin C or antioxidant serum is perfect for the morning — it protects your skin from pollution and brightens your complexion, which is especially handy if you live in a city or town. Lightweight serums work best, so they won’t feel sticky under your other products. Apply a few drops of serum all over your face and press it in gently.

Our Recommended Facial Serums for AM...

🛒 +serumology Vitamin C Professional Facial Serum brightens skin and protects against pollution:

🛒 +serumology Niacinamide Professional Facial Serum contains antioxidants to prevent skin breakouts:

Step 4: Moisturiser

Lock in hydration and smooth your skin with a light moisturiser. Look for one with hyaluronic acid for an extra plumping effect — it’s a skin saviour for keeping moisture levels up, especially when UK and Irish weather tends to dry you out. Gently massage your moisturiser evenly onto your face and neck.

Our Recommended Moisturisers for AM...

🛒 Face Facts Ceramide Moisturising Gel Cream is a lightweight gel ideal for oily or combination skin:

🛒 e.l.f Cosmetics Holy Hydration Face Cream is perfect for dry or dehydrated skin:

Step 5: Sunscreen 

Even on overcast days, UV rays can penetrate clouds and contribute to premature ageing and dark spots. In colder months, a moisturiser with SPF will be fine. But in summer, go for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30. Lightly apply sunscreen to your face, neck and ears, at the end of your skincare routine.

Our Recommended SPF Products for AM...

🛒 Note Cosmetics 3 in 1 Healthy Skin Tinted Moisturiser provides SPF with a touch of colour:

🛒 Note Cosmetics New Era Skin Protecting Primer gives an SPF base before applying makeup:

What Order To Do Skincare at Night (PM)

Nighttime is when your skin gets to rest and repair, making it the perfect time for restorative skincare products. This routine focuses on removing the day’s buildup and using targeted treatments to wake up with healthier and refreshed skin.

Step 1: Cleanser (Double Cleanse if Wearing Makeup)

To start your nighttime skincare, you’ll need wipe the slate clean from the day you've had. If you’ve been wearing makeup or sunscreen, a double cleanse is ideal. Start with a balm or oil cleanser to dissolve makeup, sunscreen and any dirt. Follow up with a gentle gel or cream cleanser to thoroughly clean your skin without stripping away moisture.

Our Recommended Cleansers for PM...

🛒 Kaeso Purity Hot Cloth Cleanser is a non-greasy oil that melts away makeup and SPF:

🛒 e.l.f Holy Hydration Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm is a gentle cream cleanser for removing leftover residue:

 

Step 2: Exfoliant (2-3 times per week)

Exfoliating before bed helps remove dead skin cells and preps your skin to absorb serums and treatments. For gentle, effective exfoliation, use a product with lactic acid or another mild AHA. Stick to exfoliating 2–3 times a week to avoid overdoing it.

Our Recommended Cleaners for PM...

🛒 Kaeso Hydrating Facial Exfoliator is gentle enough for most skin types, even in drier weather:

🛒 Kaeso Calming Facial Exfoliator is great for all skin types, especially dry or sensitive skin:

Step 3: Toner or Hydrating Mist

After cleansing (and exfoliating, if it’s one of those nights), rehydrate and rebalance your skin with a toner or mist. Look for calming ingredients like chamomile, aloe, or rose water to soothe and prep your skin for the next steps.

Our Recommended Toners for PM...

🛒 Kaeso Calming Facial Toner is ideal for sensitive or irritated skin:

🛒 Kaeso Hydrating Facial Mist adds a quick moisture boost to skin, and can be used during the daytime too:

Step 4: Treatment Serum

Nighttime is the best time to tackle specific skin concerns with treatment serums. Retinol is fantastic for anti-ageing and improving texture, while hyaluronic acid provides deep hydration. Apply a few drops to clean, toned skin and press it in gently.

Our Recommended Serums for PM...

🛒 Serumology Retinol Facial Serum targets fine lines and uneven skin texture:

🛒 Serumology Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum keeps your skin plump and hydrated overnight:

Step 5: Eye Cream

The skin around your eyes is delicate and needs targeted care. Eye creams help with fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles by hydrating and soothing this sensitive area. Gently tap a small amount around your eyes with your ring finger—it’s the gentlest touch and perfect for this step.

Our Recommended Eye Creams for PM...

🛒 Kaeso Eye Candy Eye Cream contains anti-aging ingredients to reduce fine lines:

🛒 Face Facts Ceramide Replenishing Eye Cream helps with puffiness and dark circles: 

Step 6: Moisturiser or Night Cream

Now it's time to lock in all the goodness from your routine with a rich moisturiser or night cream. Night creams tend to have more nourishing ingredients to support skin repair and hydration while you sleep. Look for formulas with ceramides or peptides to replenish your skin barrier.

Our Recommended Moisturisers for PM...

🛒 Kaeso Calming Moisturiser calms and restores skin hydration overnight:

🛒 Kaeso Rebalancing Moisturiser is a lightweight formula perfect for oily skin or combination skin:

 

Step 7: Facial Oil (Optional)

For extra hydration, especially during colder months, a lightweight facial oil can seal in moisture and give your skin an overnight boost. Warm a few drops between your palms and press into your skin as the final step. Focus on dry areas for the best results.

Our Recommended Facial Oils...

Kaeso Sleep Facial Oil is a lightweight oil that gently softens skin as you sleep:

Kaeso Elixir Facial Oil is a more intense oil treatment for overnight use once per week:

Invest in Salon-Quality Skincare 

Now you know what order to do skincare in for daytime and nighttime, let’s talk about why salon-quality products are worth it.

There’s a reason why you pay big bucks for skin treatments at your salon, and why they almost always work — because of the high-quality products they use.

Professional-grade skincare formulas are packed with well-researched ingredients designed to target specific skin concerns. By investing in premium skincare, you’re bringing that same level of care and expertise into your own skin regime.

Discover our full range of professional skincare products that can transform your routine, and don't forget, we offer exclusive discounts to trade customers!

Shop Skincare 🛒✨