It’s time to get your game face on. Literally. Because with the multitude of skincare products out there, it’s important to know the correct order in which to layer them so that they will be the most effective otherwise, you may just end up washing them away. The general rule of thumb is to slot a product into your routine based on its consistency - going from the more watery to thicker substances: If you apply a thicker, richer formula first, it could prevent thinner ones from penetrating. But of course, there are always exceptions to the rule, like face oils - which should be added on last. Here, we break down our easy five-step solution to layering like a pro.
SHOP ALLStep 1: Prep & Tone
It’s best to start light. After you cleanse, your first step should be a toner with its thin, almost water-like consistency. Opt for an exfoliating toner with active ingredients such as salicylic and glycolic acids if you want to brighten your complexion, or go for a more hydrating option with glycerin or hyaluronic acid to gently moisturise. Pro Tip: Don’t completely dry your skin. Slightly damp skin is more permeable, and so will absorb more of the product.
Tone Up
SHOP NOW- Augustinus Bader The Essence, 100ml 30.25 KWD
- Kiehl's Calendula Herbal Extract Toner, 500ml 24 KWD
- DR. BARBARA STURM Balancing Toner, 150ml 25.25 KWD
- Estée Lauder Perfectly Clean Multi-Action Toning Lotion/Refiner, 200ml 14 KWD
- Clarins Hydrating Toning Lotion, 400ml 16.5 KWD
- whind Oasis Splash Invigorating Glow Toner, 100ml 15 KWD
Step 2: Refine & Hydrate
Enter K-Beauty code word: Essence. An essence is much like a serum, but lighter, and focuses on hydration. Packed full with active ingredients, it acts as a primer for the skin, allowing it to better absorb the layers that come next. Pro-Tip: Let the essence dry completely on the skin (approx 1-2 minutes) before proceeding to the next step.
Of the Essence
SHOP NOW- Clarins Bright Plus Dark Spot-Targeting Milky Essence, 200ml 13.25 KWD
- Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence, 125ml 40 KWD
- Tata Harper Concentrated Brightening Essence, 100ml 80 KWD
- Thalgo Lumiere Marine Clarifying Water Essence, 125ml 22.25 KWD
- Sensai Dual Essence, 30ml 68.75 KWD
- 001 Skincare London Rosa Damascena Essence Mist, 100ml 31.25 KWD
Step 3: Strengthen & Address Concerns
This is the serum step. These mini superheroes are packed full with active ingredients to deliver maximum impact. Pick two or three based on your concerns, for example use peptides for wrinkles, salicylic acid for oily skin and Vitamin C to brighten and promote collagen production. Pro Tip: Be aware of which ingredient combinations to avoid - just because they all help the skin, doesn’t mean they work well together.
Truth Serum
SHOP NOW- Kiehl's Ultra Pure High-Potency 9.8% Glycolic Acid Serum, 30ml 11 KWD
- Erborian Ginseng Super Anti-ageing Serum, 30ml 23.25 KWD
- DERMAdoctor Kakadu C 20% Vitamin C Serum, 30ml 33 KWD
- Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Serum, 50ml 41.25 KWD
- Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex, 75ml 50.25 KWD
- Kiehl's Ultra Pure Hyaluronic Acid 1.5% Serum, 30ml 11 KWD
- La Mer Genaissance de La Mer The Serum Essence 241 KWD
- Augustinus Bader The Serum Lunar, 30ml 123.25 KWD
Step 4: Moisturise
An absolute must-do, moisturisers don’t just hydrate, they act as a sealing layer, locking in the layers that come before, which can make them more effective. Gel moisturisers are usually oil-free, making them lighter and more easy to evaporate, whereas cream moisturisers have a thicker, more ‘sticky’ base which creates a more long-lasting protective barrier. Pro Tip: Choose your moisturiser according to your skin type. Gel moisturisers do well for those with acne-prone, oily skin, activating skin hydration from within.
Cream of the Crop
SHOP NOW- La Mer The Moisturising Soft Cream, 60ml 117 KWD
- Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream, 125ml 22 KWD
- Filorga Time-Filler 5xp Gel Cream, 50ml 29.63 KWD
- Tata Harper Hyaluronic Gel Moisturizer, 50ml 46 KWD
- Thalgo Hyalu-ProCollagene Wrinkle Correcting Gel Cream, 30ml 34.25 KWD
- Summer Fridays Cloud Dew Gel Cream, 50ml 17.5 KWD
- Clarins Multi-Active Day Cream-Gel, 50ml 32.5 KWD
Step 5: Protect
The most important step in your routine, come rain or shine, is sunscreen. Think of it like armour, protecting your delicate facial skin from harmful UV rays, and ultimately helping to prevent issues such as hyperpigmentation and wrinkles. In fact, nearly every skin concern can be exasperated by not wearing sunscreen. Pro Tip: Regularly re-apply sunscreen for maximum benefits.
Under Armour
SHOP NOW- DR. BARBARA STURM Sun Drops SPF 50, 30ml 45 KWD
- Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense, 60ml 17.5 KWD
- Clarins UV PLUS Anti-Pollution Translucent Sunscreen, 30ml 16.75 KWD
- Indie Lee Mineral Sunscreen SPF30, 100ml 13.6 KWD
- NUXE Sun Melting Cream High Protection For Face SPF 50, 50ml 11.5 KWD
- Natura Bisse C+C Dry Touch Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50, 30ml 32 KWD
- YSL Beauty Or Rouge UV Protection SPF50, 30ml 40.5 KWD
- SISLEY Universal Beige Tinted Sun Care Stick SPF50+, 15ml 35.5 KWD