The Right Order to Apply Your Skin Care Products

As much as we love a quick five-minute routine, it’s important to take the time to make sure our skin is equipped to tackle the hazards we face every single day. From UV rays to pollution, it all takes a toll. Although we spend lots of money on our skin care regimens, the best toners and masks won’t work if they aren’t applied the right way. So we decided to break down the right order to apply your skin care products for maximum efficacy. (FYI: We skipped lip scrubs and eye masks, but you should still add them to your lineup as needed.) At night, repeat steps one through six and just add a retinol product before finishing things off with your face oil of choice.

The most functional order in which skin care products need to be applied

#1 Cleanser

Farmacy Clean Bee Ultra Gentle Facial Cleanser, $28 at Sephora

For starters, you need a gentle way to get rid of excess oil, dirt and impurities. This cleanser gets the job done and boasts honey and hyaluronic acid for added moisture.
#2 Toner

Kiehl's Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free Toner, $27 at Bergdorf Goodman

Featuring herbal extracts, this alcohol-free toner balances skin while soothing and reducing inflammation.
#3 Serum

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum, $38 at Ulta Beauty

Next up is a hydrating serum, like this water-based gel version that's ideal for sensitive skin. It even includes anti-aging peptides to help combat fine lines and wrinkles.
#4 Eye Cream

Drunk Elephant Shaba Complex Firming Eye Serum, $60 at Sephora

You may think you only need to apply eye cream in the evening, but think again. This satiny serum was made for daytime since it tackles everything from fine lines and wrinkles to sun damage for a more wide-awake look.
#5 Spot Treatment

Eve Lom Dynaspot, $34 at Sephora

For tackling pesky acne during daylight hours, you want a spot treatment that's designed to be worn under makeup. This pick balances tea tree oil and salicylic acid to treat acne without drying out your skin.
#6 Moisturizer

La Mer Crème de la Mer Moisturizing Cream, $175 at Nordstrom

This super luxe cream is worth every penny because it really delivers on the hydration front. And it won't irritate sensitive complexions.
#7 Face Oil

Sunday Riley C.E.O Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil, $80 at Sephora

A face oil helps your skin get glowing and stay hydrated for the long haul. Look for one that absorbs instantly so it won't hold up the rest of your routine.
#8 Sunscreen

Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Fluid for Face, $28.50 at Nordstrom

Beauty experts agree that physical or mineral sunscreen should be the last thing you apply before your makeup. Clinique's ultra lightweight mineral version forms a protective veil to block out the sun's harmful rays.