The order matters. Apply products from thinnest to thickest. Layer correctly and every product does its job. Layer wrong and half the formula is wasted.
The rule: thinnest to thickest. Watery serums first, creams last. The logic: a thick cream on dry skin creates a barrier that thinner products can't penetrate. Layer in the wrong order and you're wasting the actives underneath.
Morning and night need different orders. Night is where actives (retinol, acids) go — because sun sensitivity matters. Morning is where protection (vitamin C, SPF) goes.
1. Cleanser (gentle foaming or just water if you didn't sleep in makeup)
2. Vitamin C serum (brightening + antioxidant protection)
3. Hydrating serum (hyaluronic acid, if dry)
4. Eye cream (pat, don't rub)
5. Moisturiser
6. SPF50+ (non-negotiable)
1. Oil cleanser (to remove SPF + makeup)
2. Foam/gel cleanser (double cleanse)
3. Toner (optional; skip if irritant-prone)
4. Active (retinol, AHA/BHA — one at a time, not same night)
5. Serum (peptides, niacinamide, hyaluronic)
6. Eye cream
7. Moisturiser (richer than morning)
Retinol + Vitamin C (separate morning/night)
Retinol + AHA/BHA (alternate nights)
Multiple acids (choose AHA OR BHA, not both nightly)
Niacinamide + Vitamin C at high concentrations (ok at low, split routines for both)
The $13 serum that normalised niacinamide. Oil-regulating, pore-minimising, genuinely good at the price.
Daily SPF that doesn't grease, doesn't white-cast, doesn't pill under makeup. The AU dermatologist default.
Dermatologist-developed ceramide cream. Fragrance-free, 50% of Australian bathroom counters have it.
30–60 seconds. Enough time to absorb, not so long the skin dries out. Don't wait 10 minutes between layers.
No. The essentials are: cleanser, moisturiser, SPF. Everything else optional. Build up slowly.
After 2–4 weeks of a stable cleanse + moisturise + SPF routine. Start twice weekly. Never on first-time skincare.