Apply skincare from the thinnest product to the thickest: cleanser, essence, serum, moisturiser, then SPF in the morning. Water-light layers go on first so they can reach the skin; richer ones go on top to hold everything in. Here is the order for mornings and evenings, and where self-tan fits in.
The one rule: thin to thick
Watery products absorb best on clean skin. Creams and oils form a layer that holds moisture in, but they also slow down anything you put on top. So: lightest first, richest last, and SPF on top in the morning.
Morning routine order
1. Cleanser. A gentle one, or just water if your skin is dry.
2. Essence or toner. A light, hydrating first layer.
3. Vitamin C serum. Evens tone and boosts glow. See how to use vitamin C serum.
4. Moisturiser. If your skin needs it. Not sure whether yours is dry or dehydrated? See dry or dehydrated skin.
5. SPF. Always last, every morning.
Evening routine order
1. Cleanser. Take off SPF and makeup.
2. Essence. Hydrating first layer.
3. Treatment. Retinol, acids or a hydrating serum, one at a time.
4. Moisturiser or a rich serum. To hold moisture in overnight.
| Step | Morning | Evening | Tan night |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Cleanse | Gentle cleanser | Cleanser | Cleanser |
| 2. Essence | Yes | Yes | Yes, as a light base |
| 3. Treatment | Vitamin C | Retinol, acids or serum | Self-tan |
| 4. Hold moisture in | Moisturiser | Moisturiser or rich serum | Hydrating serum, once tan is dry |
| 5. Protect | SPF | – | – |
Where self-tan fits in
Self-tan takes the treatment slot on the evenings you tan. Put it on clean skin with only a light essence underneath, let it dry, then add a hydrating serum. Skip retinol and acids that evening and for a few days after, because they make the tan fade faster.
Self-tan doesn't protect against the sun, so the morning SPF stays. More on the tan itself in how to self-tan your face.
What not to use together
Retinol and exfoliating acids in the same routine can be too much, especially for sensitive skin. Alternate evenings instead.
Vitamin C and strong acids or retinol are easier on the skin at different times of day: vitamin C in the morning, the others at night.
Too many new products at once. Add one at a time so you know what your skin likes.
The routine with one device
With the MultiMist, each step is a capsule. Click it in, mist for about 5 seconds (10 to 50 for True Tan), swap for the next. After True Tan, run a couple of Cleaning Drops through before the next capsule. The order stays the same: Multi Essence first, then Uniform-C Serum in the morning or True Tan on tan nights, then Supreme Serum to hold the moisture in. Finish with moisturiser if your skin needs it, and SPF in the morning. On tan nights, give Multi Essence a minute to sink in so your skin is dry before True Tan.
Essential TrioEssence, vitamin C and hydrating serum: the whole skincare order in three capsules.Read more
The whole order, one device
Click in a capsule, mist for a few seconds, swap for the next step.
FAQ
What is the correct order to apply skincare?
Thinnest to thickest: cleanser, essence, serum, moisturiser, and SPF last in the morning.
Does serum go before or after moisturiser?
Before. Serums are lighter and go on clean skin; moisturiser goes on top to hold them in.
Which serums should not be used together?
Retinol and exfoliating acids are easier on alternate evenings. Vitamin C and strong acids or retinol are easier at different times of day.
Where does self-tan go in a skincare routine?
On tan nights, after cleansing and a light essence, and before a hydrating serum once the tan has dried.
Do I need all of these steps?
No. Cleanser, one serum that suits your skin and SPF in the morning is a good routine. Add steps only if your skin needs them.