Having a proper skin care routine is the key to happy, balanced and beautiful skin. Which means that you should probably think twice before slathering on your moisturizer, eye cream and serum. ‘Skin Care Layering’ is not only a trend, but an easy guide to getting the most out of your products. It basically tells you how and in what order creams and oils should be applied to achieve the best results for your skin. With all the hype surrounding 12-step Korean routines, the whole process can be a tiny bit intimidating. But don’t worry, this is an easy and simple guide to ‘layering’.

1. Double Cleanse

You might have heard about ‘double cleansing’ and wondered if you should hop on the band wagon and try it. I am usually too lazy to bother but ever since I watched the 2 minute cleanse video by skin care expert Caroline Hirons, I will not go a day without it. It’s actually way easier than it sounds. You invest in two cleansers instead of one. The first one is just to take off your makeup. Nothing else. Which is why it can and should be a cheap option and it should also be great at breaking apart your foundation and mascara. Straight up coconut oil is your best friend in this case. Massage it into your dry skin, emulsify and take off the remaining product with a small face cloth. Then go in with your ‘proper’ or ‘fancy’ cleanser. Tata Harper’s Purifying Cleanser is my favorite right now. Since you already cleansed your skin in the first step, you only need the tiniest amount. Massage it into your skin, gradually adding water while still massaging it in and take the other, clean side of the face cloth to take off the excess product. That’s it! You’ve double cleansed!

2. Toner

A toner will definitely take off the last remnants of dirt and makeup and prep your skin for the following steps. Depending on which kind you use, toners can even help to exfoliate and tighten your pores. Learn more about toners here.

3. Serum

Your serum should be the most powerful and precious product in your skincare routine. This is where you can invest a couple more bucks and get great results in return. I’ve talked about my favorite serums here and I am sure you have found the one for you by now. Now, please please please do not rub in your serum! Serums usually contain active ingredients, which don’t mind a little pushing. Take a tiny amount between your finger tips and press them onto your skin, distributing the product onto your whole face and neck. Always apply your serum before your moisturizer as the ingredients in your serum won’t be able to penetrate the skin after you have moisturized. Wait a couple of minutes before heading onto the next step.

4. Moisturizer

No matter your skin type, a good moisturizer is essential for your complexion. Don’t forget to add some of the product onto your neck as well, as this area is often neglected and prone to show signs of aging first. Start at the neck and end at your forehead, applying the moisturizer in an upward motion. This little massage will get your lymphatic system going and make your skin glow.

5. Eye Cream

Now we are dealing with the most delicate part of your skin. Our eye area needs some extra love and attention, which is why everyone should be using an eye cream and applying it day and night. Take a tiny amount, place it on your ring finger and carefully tap it around the eye area in circular motions. There is no need to condition your lashes here, as the product might travel into your eye and cause irritation. Just focus on your under eyes and eye lids.

6. SPF

If you don’t already own a good SPF you should probably get up right now and go purchase one. Sunscreen is the best thing you can offer your skin in order to protect it from damaging UV rays. Especially if you are using a serum with active ingredients, as these will make your skin more photosensitive. Wait until your moisturizer has been fully absorbed (5 min) and apply your SPF to face, neck and ears. Use enough to properly cover all these areas, no matter if it’s winter or summer. Of course, you can skip this step at night.

7. Oil

Oils are especially great to apply at night before you go to bed as some of them need longer to absorb and are not the best base for makeup. Oils should always be applied after your moisturizer as they can penetrate them but not vice versa. Take a few drops and massage them into your skin, focusing on your whole face and neck, ideally after you’ve spritzed your face with some water.

So that’s pretty much it. Skin care layering isn’t as fancy as it sounds but it will help you get the most out of your products. Have you tried skin layering or double cleansing? Let us know in the comments below!