There’s a moment a lot of us have standing at the bathroom counter in the morning.
You’ve found the skincare products you love, like your cleanser, targeted serum, eye cream, moisturizer, and maybe a masque you use on Sunday nights.
But every morning you stand at the counter wondering: Does this one go before that one? Am I doing this in the right order? Is it even making a difference?
You’re not alone. Layering your products correctly is an important part of skincare. There’s a logic to it, and once you understand the logic, we promise you don’t have to memorize any complicated routine.
Today, we’re walking you through the correct order for morning and evening skincare products, where SPF fits in, and how products like exfoliators and masques work into a routine you already have.
Why Order Matters More Than Most People Realize
Every product in your routine has a job, and each one is formulated to work at a certain point in your routine.
Cleansers and fresheners prepare your skin. Treatment products deliver concentrated ingredients. Moisturizers hydrate. Sun protection shields.
When you apply them out of order, you’re not necessarily harming your skin. You’re just not getting the most out of what you bought.
Here’s our general rule for layering products:
Step 1: Cleanse first
Step 2: Use freshener or toner
Step 3: Then apply targeted treatments and eye care
Step 4: Finish with hydration or protection based on your plans for the day
So… What Happens If I Apply Moisturizer Before My Serum?
Serums are concentrated treatment formulas containing active ingredients designed to address specific skin concerns. Applying serum to clean skin allows it to spread evenly and begin absorbing before a richer moisturizer is added.
Applying moisturizer first can create a barrier between the serum and the skin, which may limit the serum’s ability to deliver its targeted ingredients where they are intended to work.
Do this: Use your serum first, then moisturize to hydrate the skin and complete your routine.
Our Founder’s Recommended Morning Routine
Our founder Linda recommends applying your morning skincare in this order:
Cleanser → Freshener or Toner → Serum → Eye Care → Moisturizer
If you’ll be outdoors or exposed to sunlight:
Finish with L’BRI Oil-Free Moisturizer with Sunscreen SPF 32 as your only morning moisturizer. You don’t need to layer another moisturizer underneath it.
If sun exposure isn’t expected until later:
Use your regular L’BRI moisturizer in the morning, then apply sun protection before you head outdoors.
Where SPF Fits, and Why It’s Easy to Get Wrong
Sun protection is the final step in your morning skincare routine.
Here’s how to apply it for smooth, even coverage:
- Apply sun care as the last step of your morning skincare routine
- Using dry fingertips, spread the recommended amount over your face, ears, and neck
- Work it into a smooth, even layer
- Allow it to set before applying makeup or going outdoors
- Don’t forget your ears and neck!
Where CC+DD Cream Fits In
Use our CC+DD Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30? Here’s how it fits into your routine:
Complete your regular morning skincare routine first: Cleanser, Freshener or Toner, Serum if you use one, Eye Care, and Moisturizer.
Then apply CC DD Cream as the first step in your makeup routine.
Two quick notes here:
- Because it provides Broad Spectrum SPF 30, a separate facial sunscreen is not needed
- Apply your CC+DD at least 15 minutes before sun exposure
- Pro tip: Warm up (or mix up) your CC+DD cream by gently rubbing it with your finger tips before you apply.
Blend it evenly over your face for natural-looking coverage and sun protection in one step.
Your Evening Routine Order
Nighttime follows the same logic, with one important difference at the end.
Cleanser → Freshener or Toner → Serum → Eye Care → The L’BRI facial moisturizer that best fits your skin type and routine
One thing to avoid: Do not use an SPF product as your nighttime moisturizer.
Sun protection isn’t needed while you sleep, and an SPF moisturizer may not provide the type of hydration your skin needs overnight. Choose the L’BRI facial moisturizer that best fits your nighttime routine instead.
Where Our Exfoliators and Masques Fit In
Exfoliators and masques are used on specific days according to their directions, rather than added to every morning or evening routine.
How to work them in:
- Follow the directions on each product for how often to use it
- Some products are used in place of a step in your routine, and some are used in addition to it
- Check whether the product should be followed by your usual moisturizer or used instead of it
When you’re unsure, the product directions are the best guide. Your L’BRI Consultant can also help you figure out where a specific product fits in the routine you already have.
A Quick Summary for You
Layering isn’t complicated once you know the sequence. Prepare your skin, treat it, then hydrate or protect it depending on the time of day.
Morning: Cleanser, Freshener or Toner, Serum, Eye Care, then either your regular moisturizer or Oil-Free Moisturizer with Sunscreen SPF 32, depending on your plans. CC + DD Cream goes on after, as the first step of your makeup.
Evening: Cleanser, Freshener or Toner, Serum, Eye Care, and the L’BRI facial moisturizer that fits your skin type. No SPF at night.
As needed: Exfoliators and masques, used on their own schedule according to their product directions.
Get the order right and every product you own works a little harder for you.
Not sure how your specific products fit together? Reach out to your L’BRI Consultant. They can walk you through your routine step by step and help you build one that fits your skin and your schedule.
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