Applying your skincare products in the correct order will ensure they’re working their hardest to give you a more radiant, youthful-looking appearance.
As a general rule of thumb, you should always apply your products from the thinnest consistency to the thickest (or from liquids/serums to creams)
So what is the perfect skincare routine order? Click through each step to learn everything you need to know about how to most effectively use your products.
A good cleanser removes any dirt or excess oil from your face. It also helps clear your pores, allowing your other skincare products to penetrate deeper and boost moisture in your skin for a brighter appearance.
How to Use:
Use your fingers to gently massage your cleanser onto dampened skin for at least 60 seconds. Rinse with water and pat dry with a clean towel.
Avoid cleansers containing:
City Beauty insider tip:
Remember, even if you don’t wear makeup, you should still cleanse your face daily to remove any excess oil or dirt from your skin.
A gentle exfoliator will help clear away dead skin cells and reduce the look of dullness, fine lines, and wrinkles. This will leave you with a firmer, brighter appearance.
How to Use:
Morning or night, apply a dime-sized amount to clean, dry skin. Use at least 2-3 times a week for maximum results. If using during the day, follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
We recommend:
Dermal Reset Exfoliating Concentrate
Avoid exfoliators containing:
City Beauty insider tip:
Dermal Reset Exfoliating Concentrate contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which are very powerful. To build up your skin's tolerance, start by using this formula 1-2 times a week, adding a day each week.
One of the most fun parts of any skincare routine is masks! There are so many different options out there, but sheet masks are our favorite. This step should be done after you cleanse your skin and before you apply any other skincare treatments.
How to Use:
Apply mask onto cleansed, dry face. Leave on for 15-20 minutes, then remove. Do not rinse. Use 1-2 times a week for maximum results.
We recommend:
Line-Smoothing HydroMask
Avoid masks containing:
City Beauty insider tip:
We recommend massaging any remaining serum into your skin until it’s fully absorbed. This will ensure you get all the benefits from your mask and maintain gorgeous, glowing skin.
While you may think of this as an “optional” step, eye care is essential to maintaining a youthful appearance. When it comes to skincare for the eye area, there are many different product options, including lash and brow care.
How to Use:
Use your ring finger or the provided applicator to gently dab your products onto the designated eye area. Allow them to fully absorb before moving on. Use daily for best results.
We recommend using your eye products in this order:
Avoid eye treatments containing:
City Beauty insider tip:
When applying these treatments, remember that “thin-to-thick” rule. Start with your serums/liquid formulas and end with your creamier products.
Serums have the potential to seriously improve the appearance of your skin so you can look healthier and more youthful. While they can treat specific skin problems at the source, they can also give your skin an overall boost in hydration and radiance.
How to Use:
Gently massage a small amount of serum onto your skin in a circular motion. Allow to completely dry before the next step in your routine. Use daily for maximum results.
We recommend using your serums in this order:
Avoid serums containing:
City Beauty insider tip:
Before moving on to the next step in your skincare routine, make sure all your serums are evenly applied and mostly dry. You can even use a jade roller when you apply them to increase radiance even more.
The most essential step in any skincare routine is moisturizer. This helps you maintain a healthy, youthful appearance and really locks in all your other skincare products. They come in several different forms, including creams and gels.
How to Use:
Apply a dime-sized amount of product to clean, dry skin — particularly in patchy or dull "problem areas." Use an upward motion and massage in until fully absorbed. Use daily, and allow time for your moisturizer to dry before applying any makeup products.
We recommend:
Blue Defense HydroGel
Avoid moisturizers containing:
City Beauty insider tip:
If your skin is on the drier side, try applying your moisturizer to slightly damp skin to really lock in hydration. To do this, simply use a facial mist or splash a little bit of water on your face beforehand.
Whether you’re treating concerns like wrinkles, sagging, or dark spots — this is the time to apply them. While some people might think of this step as “optional,” it truly is essential for getting a healthier-looking appearance.
How to Use:
Use your fingers to gently dab product onto problem areas. Allow each formula to fully dry before moving on to the next step.
We recommend using your treatments in this order:
Avoid treatments containing:
City Beauty insider tip:
Remember to always use products that are catered towards you and your personal skincare needs. Some people might need more treatments than others.
This is one of the last steps in any skincare routine that can help you maintain a youthful appearance.
How to Use:
Gently smooth an even, generous layer of your favorite sunscreen onto your skin. This should be the last step in your daytime skincare routine. Use when exposed to the sun.
Avoid sunscreen containing:
City Beauty insider tip:
Remember to reapply your sunscreen every two hours when you’re out in the sun. If you apply makeup after your skincare routine, it’s always a good idea to use products that contain SPF to ensure you’re fully covered.
Retinol has the power to rejuvenate skin for a brighter, more youthful appearance. It can minimize the appearance of wrinkles, help reduce the look of dark spots, and even help with sagging! Because of its high-powered formula, it should be used as the first step of your nighttime routine.
How to Use:
Each night, apply Step 1: Restore Serum to clean, dry skin and let it fully absorb. Follow up with Step 2: Renew Retinol Serum, avoiding the eye & lip areas.
If you’re new to Retinol, start by using it 1-2 times a week, adding a day each week to build up your skin's tolerance. And don’t forget to apply sunscreen in the morning, as your skin may experience some sensitivity.
We recommend:
Advanced Retinol System
Avoid retinol treatments containing:
City Beauty insider tip:
Many retinol formulas are known to be a little harsh on skin. That’s why Advanced Retinol System combines retinol with soothing ingredients like vitamin C. However, if you do experience irritation, we recommend cutting back on how often you use it.
*We do not recommend using Dermal Reset Exfoliating Concentrate and Advanced Retinol System together at the same time of day. Try using Dermal Reset in the morning and Advanced Retinol System at night.
If you really want to ensure a younger-looking appearance, you need to implement both a morning and nighttime skincare routine. For the most part, you can follow a similar routine for morning and night, but some of your products can be swapped out.
How to Use:
Apply your nighttime treatments after thoroughly cleansing and drying your face. Use nightly for maximum results.
We recommend:
Avoid nighttime products containing:
City Beauty insider tip:
When implementing a nighttime skincare routine, you should always go for targeted treatments meant to work with your skin’s nightly renewal process. Hydrating creams and oils are always a good idea!
Some of the biggest signs of aging — like crepey skin, sagging, and cellulite — show up on your body. To make sure your skin is getting the proper care all over, use products formulated for the chest, arms, legs, and hands.
How to Use:
Morning and night, use your hands to gently massage products onto areas of concern in a circular, upward motion. Use daily for maximum benefits.
We recommend using your body products in this order:
Avoid body care containing:
City Beauty insider tip:
For ultimate skin hydration, we recommend applying your body creams and oils within 5 minutes after stepping out of the shower. This will allow your skin to capture some extra moisture for a glowing, hydrated appearance.
*Products not formulated specifically for the eye area should not be used around the eyes (e.g., do not use Advanced Action Sculpting Cream as an eye treatment)."
