Skincare Routine Order: A Simple Guide

A simple skincare routine starts with cleansing, followed by any directed treatment, then moisturiser; in the morning, apply sunscreen before makeup. Optional lotions, essences and eye products should fit around those essentials according to their own directions. A longer routine is not automatically a better one.

A straightforward routine

Step	Morning	Evening
Cleanse	Use a suitable gentle cleanser as needed	Cleanse and remove makeup with suitable products
Directed treatment	Follow the treatment or product instructions	Follow the treatment or product instructions
Optional skincare	Add an essence or eye product only if wanted and suitable	Add optional products according to their directions
Moisturise	Apply an appropriate moisturiser	Apply an appropriate moisturiser
Sun protection and makeup	Apply sunscreen, then makeup if desired	Makeup is normally removed rather than applied

The American Academy of Dermatology gives a clear basic sequence: cleansing, treatment, moisturiser or sunscreen, then makeup. It also notes that too many products can irritate skin. These essentials are a useful foundation for organising a routine without trying to add a product from every category.

Where does an essence fit?

Essences and treatment lotions are optional cosmetic steps. For a product such as SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, follow the brand’s directions instead of relying only on the word “essence”. A thin texture may make it easy to layer, but texture alone does not override product-specific guidance or instructions for a prescribed treatment.

You do not need several essences simply because they have different names. Decide what you want from the step and introduce one change at a time. This makes your routine easier to use and helps you identify which product you enjoy. An elaborate order chart is less useful than a manageable routine you can follow consistently.

Eye care and moisturiser

An eye product is another optional step. Use a product intended for that area, apply it gently and follow its amount and placement instructions. Do not assume a face serum is suitable close to the eyes. Similarly, a daytime or nighttime name should be read together with the product’s complete directions.

For moisturiser, choose a texture you find comfortable and apply it as directed. If your morning layers feel too substantial under makeup, reassess the number of optional steps and the amount of each. Adding a primer to an already heavy skincare routine may not solve the application problem. Keep the sunscreen instructions intact while simplifying unnecessary layers.

Make sunscreen the final skincare layer before makeup

The American Academy of Dermatology advises placing sunscreen after other skincare and beneath makeup. Follow the sunscreen label for quantity, application and reapplication. An SPF statement on a foundation or primer does not mean your usual thin makeup application supplies the same protection as properly applied sunscreen.

Make changes gradually

Read ingredient lists and directions when adding a new product. If you use a prescribed treatment, follow its professional instructions for timing and compatibility. Persistent irritation is a reason to pause and seek appropriate advice rather than add more cosmetic layers. Begin with the essential steps, then add optional products only when they serve a clear purpose in your routine.

Explore related products at FAULTLESS

• SK-II Facial Treatment Cleanser 120ml
• SK-II Facial Treatment Essence with Over 90% PITERA™ 230ml – New Edition
• La Mer The Eye Concentrate Eye Cream 15ml
• La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream 60ml

Check the individual product page for the listed size, shade, packaging and current availability. If a detail is unclear, ask FAULTLESS before ordering.

Sources and further reading

• American Academy of Dermatology: application order
• American Academy of Dermatology: sunscreen beneath makeup
• SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

Updated: 6 October 2026. Prepared by FAULTLESS using the sources listed above.