What order do you apply cosmetics? The reason I ask is that the condition and appearance of our skin is not only affected by the quality of products we use but also the order of applying them. A traditional skincare routine comprises three fixed elements: cleanser, toner, moisturizer. You probably add daily make-up and once-a-week exfoliation (scrub) in the evening. Your beauty ritual is like investment: if you devote lots of time to your skin now and give it enough care, you won’t have to fight advanced age-related problems in the future. In other words, it’s better to prevent than cure. Still, is this traditional order of applying skin products the only right one? Why don’t you try to layer products? What does it involve and what benefits it has? How do I apply products step by step? What’s the beauty arsenal that every woman should have?
What does skincare layering involve?
It means applying many products in layers during one skincare series, that is daily routine, morning or evening. Each layer needs time to be absorbed so that its nutrients can affect the skin. Once a product is absorbed (which is different for every product), you can apply another one.
It might seem complicated at first but it’s not. In our daily routine, we do lots of activities made up of several elements e.g. making a sandwich. Is there anything easier? You simply take butter out of the fridge, let it unfreeze, slice the bread and spread the butter, put lettuce, cheese or ham, a tomato or other vegetable. You need to wash, peel and cut most of them. You also need a dressing to pour over the sandwich. That’s it.
Apply skincare products while doing other morning routine activities such as getting dressed or preparing breakfast. This way you won’t have to stand and wait doing nothing while next layered products are absorbed. You can do the same in the evening. Another good way of applying the layer-on method is caring for your body or hair at the same time. Between layered skincare products, apply a body lotion or a leave-in hair conditioner. You will quickly get the hang of such ritual.
The layer-on method is native to Asia and it’s little wonder because Asian women are famous for their flawless skin and setting skincare trends. Their daily skincare regimen might have even ten steps. The layering skincare has become popular in other corners of the world too.
Benefits of layering skincare products
- products don’t roll up because we give them time necessary for absorption;
- products work better because they manage to penetrate skin;
- skin is properly nourished both on the surface and from within;
- ingredients in various products don’t interact with each other thanks to being fully absorbed;
- skincare routine is comprehensive so you don’t experience irritations or pimples often;
- skin keeps in shape long so following this routine bears fruit in the future.
How I apply my skincare products step by step? Layering method
At first, I cleanse skin with an oil-based formula such as olive oil, coconut oil or make-up removing oil. I apply it to skin with my fingers or a cloth; once it dissolves dirt and make-up, I remove it with a cotton pad. I don’t use water.
I remove the make-up residue using various formulas e.g. a mousse or micellar water. I keep cleansing the skin until the next cotton pad is clean.
I use a flower water or toner to clean skin to restore the right pH (from 4.5 to 6). Next, when skin is still damp, I apply a face serum or retinol. After waiting minimum five minutes, I smooth a thin layer of my moisturizer over the face. Once I’m sure the products are absorbed, I use an eye cream or gel. In the morning, I use sunblock-rich foundation and that’s why I don’t need extra sun protection. If your foundation or powder lacks SPF, remember to use a sunscreen every morning and then move on to make-up products.
What’s every woman’s must-have skincare kit?
A quality sunscreen, serum and micellar water make up the core of skincare regimen. You can suit other products to the needs of your skin and your age. If you’re over 30, always have a nourishing eye cream on you. No matter your age, use a scrub, purifying masks and soothing moisturiser.
What about your order of applying skincare products? Do you layer them? If so, do you like the effects? Leave feedback in the comments!
