How to Apply Your Skincare Products Correctly

You might have a pretty good idea of what to use in your daily regime, but have you ever actually thought about how to apply skincare products?

Whether you're not really sure how you should be putting on a toner or you'd like to learn when to use a serum in your routine, we're here to help.

In this guide to skincare application, you'll learn our insider tips on everything from how to cleanse properly to using your products in the right order.

Does it matter how you apply skincare?

We all have our go-to application methods and beauty hacks, which is great because everyone has unique skin. So, what works well for one person might not for someone else.

However, there's a few basic principles we'd recommend you follow as a rule of thumb to get the most out of your favourite formulas.

How to apply skincare products correctly

Ready? Let's go step by step through the different skincare products you might use in your routine and the best way to use each one...

Cleansing with different products

What's the difference between cleanser and face wash?

Face washes and cleansers might sound the same, which is why many people use the terms interchangeably. Technically, there is a difference, mostly around what they're designed to do and their texture.

Cleansers are generally more on the hydrating, soothing side and have creamy or gel-like textures. Face washes, on the other hand, can have more foaming textures or ones that lather up when they come into contact with water - these tend to be more for deep cleaning.

Both are great and have their place in the beauty world. It's just down to your preference and what your skin likes.

Whichever one you go for, a top tip (that no one talks about) is to wash your hands first.

Starting your routine off with clean hands means you're not transferring extra dirt or bacteria back onto your face while you wash. Makes sense now that you think about it, right?

How to use face wash

If you’re all about a good face wash, then a blueberry-sized amount is all you need to shift daily grime.

Massaging a face wash like the NEW Active Skin Barrier Care Replenishing Cream Cleanser in circular motions effectively dislodges dirt from pores. Just don't forget your hairline when rinsing to avoid product build up and breakouts.

Knowing how to use face wash might seem super obvious, but keeping these few key tips in mind could make a big difference. You can read even more tips on how to wash your face here.

How to use a rinse-free cleanser

If you're using a rinse-free cleanser like our Kind to Skin™ Micellar Water, apply a few drops of it on a (ideally reusable) cotton pad and sweep gently over the skin's surface to avoid rubbing or upsetting your delicate skin.

Keep cleansing until both sides of the cotton pad shows up clean, working outwards from your T-zone to your cheeks, then towards your hairline and neck.

How to use cleansing oil

Oil? To cleanse? Yes, really. Oil attracts oil, so everyone including people with oily skin can benefit from using one.

Firstly, turn off that tap for now. Cleansing oil goes onto dry hands and a dry face. Warm the oil between your palms to help it glide on, smooth it on and begin massaging it into the skin.

Use your fingers, massage into the skin and watch as your make-up starts to dissolve. When you're ready, simply rinse with warm water or gently wipe away with a warm, wet face cloth.

Exfoliators, toners and serums

Now your skin is nice and clean, let's talk about the next few steps in your routine.

How to use an exfoliator

Exfoliating helps buff away dead cells, revealing the fresher-looking skin beneath.

An effortless way to cleanse and gently exfoliate your skin at the same time is by using our NEW Smoothing Gel Cleanser. Enriched with 5% Lactic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid, it resurfaces skin while supporting your skin barrier.

You can also exfoliate with more traditional exfoliators that contain tiny particles instead. We love to use our Protect ‘N’ Glow™ Facial Wash for an additional radiance boost.

For best results, use your exfoliator 2-3 times a week.

 

How to use a face toner

Toner may be one of the most misunderstood skincare products, but it can do everything from balance your skin to prep for your serum.

So, how to use a face toner? If you've cleansed but not moisturised yet, it's time to tone.

Pour a little of our Kind to Skin Soothing Toner onto a cotton pad and sweep across the face before moving over to the jawline, neck and hairline to catch any lingering build up. Use a toner once or twice a day – whichever works best for your skin and your schedule.

Want to learn more about toners? Click right here.

 

How to use a face serum

Serums are super easy to use yet ultra-effective at targeting skin needs. Our amazing Booster Serums have lightweight formulas powered by high-performance ingredients at high concentrations that penetrate deeper to deliver the best results.

There's our brightening 10% Vitamins C + E + F Booster Serum, hydrating 3% Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin B5 Booster Serum and multi-skin-benefit 10% Vitamin B3 Niacinamide Booster Serum.

After cleansing thoroughly, just shake your serum of choice and apply 2-3 drops to your face. Then, follow with your favourite moisturiser.

Top tips: Apply when your skin is slightly damp to help it absorb. Also, feel free to mix serums together – our go-to pairing is Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide.

Moisturisers, oils and masks

You're cleansed, exfoliated and prepped. So, let's get to our favourite part... hydration!

How to moisturise your face

Timing is everything, so apply your moisturiser within a few minutes of cleansing for optimum absorption. For an extra hydration boost, use a serum first and massage your moisturiser into damp skin, to help retain moisture on the skin's surface. Oh, and don't forget your neck.

As tempting as it is to add extra layers of moisturiser to dry skin, your skin is only able to absorb so much. If skin feels dry after moisturising and you're looking for how to moisturise your face more deeply, swap your usual cream for a richer formula, like our Repairing Rich Cream instead.

Our amazing new skin barrier cream is powered by Simple® Ceramide Boosters. They sink deeply through 10 skin layers and help the skin produce its own ceramides for repaired, intensely nourished skin.

During the day, using a moisturiser with SPF helps defend against sun damage caused by UV rays, which is one of the culprits behind dull skin.

Our Protect 'N' Glow™ Triple Protect Moisturiser SPF 30 boosts radiance while helping to protect your skin. 

Your evening skincare routine is a good time to use an ultra-hydrating formula, so it can really get to work as you sleep. If you don't enjoy heavy night creams, something like our Water Boost™ Skin Quench Gel Cream is a great alternative – it gives you 100 hours of multi-layer hydration.

To apply your moisturiser of choice, just take a small amount on your fingertips (around a 5p size) and massage gently into the skin.

How to apply eye cream

Eye cream is great for reviving tired eyes at the end of a long day. As eye creams are often richer than your facial moisturiser, we'd recommend you use it after. This is so it doesn't stop your face cream from sinking in.

Pat the eye cream gently onto the skin under and around your eyes. The skin around your eyes is delicate, so go easy by applying with your ring finger – it helps keep pressure to a minimum. 

Top tip: You can help depuff and awaken tired eyes by keeping your eye cream in the fridge.

How to apply face mask

It's a good idea to treat yourself to a face mask a few times a week. They're a great way to do everything from purifying to intensely hydrating.

For clay or cream masks, smooth a thin layer evenly onto the skin. Leave for 5-15 minutes, depending on the instructions, then use a warm dampened wash cloth to remove.

If, however, you're using a sheet mask like our Kind to Skin™ Coconut Water Hydrating Mask just apply to your face and leave on for a few minutes before removing – no need to rinse.

You're officially a skincare expert

When you apply your products in the most effective way and know how often to use them, they'll work extra hard to make sure your skin feels vibrant, glowing and ready for the day (or night) ahead.

Now that you've read up on how to apply your products, it's time for you to go try out the new techniques you've learned. Let us know how you get on over on our social channels.

Looking for even more skincare advice? Just click here.