The Best Morning Skincare Routine Order for Glowing Skin

I don’t know about you, but I love my morning skincare routine. However, with all of the new products out there it can be tricky to know in what order to apply products and what you REALLY need to be using. This blog post shares my own morning skincare routine order for combination skin that will leave you with glowy skin all day!

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Finding a skincare routine that works for you can be tricky, so this blog post is the perfect place to start for glowing skin| Photo by Mathilde Langevin Unsplash

All links in this post will direct you to the store according to your region – and I’ve found products for the USA, Switzerland and the EU.

Table of Contents

• My Story
• Step 1: Wash Your Face
• Step 2: Toner
• Step 3: Serums
• Step 4: Eye Cream
• Step 5: Lotion
• Step 6: Sunscreen

My Story

I am not a morning person, so my morning skincare routine is a time for me to sip on my coffee and have a little self-care as I ease into the day. But, it wasn’t always like that. I used to rush through the day, combine random products I saw online, only to feel like a greaseball come lunch. Now, I intentionally layer my skincare so my makeup looks great all day, and my skin has drastically improved. I have combination skin, that used to feel dull, saggy and oh so oily. This morning skincare routine order is one I’ve created for myself and that I’ve found to work amazing! It leaves me feeling great about my newfound glowing skin!

Step 1: Wash Your Face

Some may argue that cleansing your face at night is enough, but not for me! I’m all about starting my day with a fresh canvas. I opt for a super gentle, creamy cleanser to wash off any lingering traces of the night before without stripping my skin of essential oils. I am a forever fan of the Philosophy Purity face wash, but a more affordable and similar creamy wash is Ceravé Hydrating facial cleanser. Make sure to gently pat your skin dry.

Step 2: Toner

Next up, toner! This powerhouse product helps to rebalance the skin’s pH levels and prep it for the rest of your skincare routine. I like to apply mine with a gentle patting motion, ensuring every inch of my face gets some love. This is product the product I switch around the most, as when I run out I love to try a new one! My current favorite is Radiant Seoul Everlasting Moisture Essence Toner, but a few past toners I love are:

• Charlotte Tilbury Daily Glow Toner
• Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner
• La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micro-Exfoliating Astringent Toner For Oily Skin

Step 3: Serums

Now, onto the good stuff – serums! Whether you’re targeting fine lines, dark spots, or just want an extra boost of hydration, serums are your best friend. I like to layer mine from thinnest to thickest consistency, allowing each one to fully absorb before moving on to the next. This is the step that probably gets people stuck on the most, the options for serums are endless and it can be confusing to know what works for you. I will be sharing my favorites for targeting combination skin, large pores, and wrinkles. I suggest trying two at a time, seeing how your skin reacts, and then going from there. Make sure to give your skin time to *actually* see changes, which can range for 2-6 months. A few brands that I recommend starting with are The Inky List, The Ordinary, La Roche-Posay, and Biossance.

Order of Serums

#1. The Ordinary Argireline 10% Age-Defense Solution: A peptide complex to target signs of aging, especially around the eyes, forehead, and mouth.

#2. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Oil Control Serum (this is a holy grail staple for me!): This helps to reduce congestion in the skin and visible sebum (aka oil). It’s perfect for acne prone skin, enlarged pores, and improving textural irregularities.  Naicinamide helps reduce redness, hyperpigmentation, improves the skin’s barrier and should be included in everyone’s daily routine! Once you’ve started with 10%, if you see an improvement in your skin, and it tolerates it well, I recommend giving The INKEY List SuperSolutions 20% Niacinamide Serum a try!

#3. The Inkey List Collagen Peptide Serum: This is a firming serum that is aimed at reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles unveiling, healthier-looking and plump skin.

Step 4: Eye Cream

The delicate skin around our eyes deserves some extra TLC, which is where eye cream comes in. A pea-sized amount gently tapped around the eye area is all you need to keep those pesky dark circles and fine lines at bay. To be honest, I never thought about using an eye cream, until I started to notice my crows feat wrinkles and freaked a bit. Now, I’m not saying eye cream is a miracle worker – those wrinkles are there for a reason, thanks to sun exposure and our expressive faces. But, the serums I shared above can help minimize them, along with a super hydrating cream. I am forever obsessed with Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado as it doesn’t sting your eyes, isn’t greasy, won’t mess us your concealer application, and gives you a nice brightening boost.

Step 5: Lotion

Hydration, hydration, hydration! It’s not time to lock in all that goodness from your serums with a nourishing lotion or moisturizer. You could opt for a lotion with sunscreen to cut back on a step, but I like to do these separately. My go-to lotion for glowy skin is Laneige Radian-C Cream – I literally cannot tell you how many times I have repurchased this. It has a bit of a smell from the active vitamin c, but I swear it works wonders. It’s hydrating, helps give you a nice glow and is never greasy. If you have sensitive skin, or more oily prone skin, you could opt for Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Gel-Cream, or a more affordable alternative, Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Cream (make sure to get this one as it’s fragrance free!).

Step 6: Sunscreen

Last but certainly not least – sunscreen! Never skip this crucial step, even on cloudy days. Trust me, your future self will thank you for protecting your skin from premature aging and harmful UV rays. There are so many options for sunscreen for each skin type too so here are a few of my favorites to get you started!

• Sunscreen for oily skin: This is my current favorite! I also love Cotz tined mineral sunscreen and facial primer for traveling and hot summer days.
• Sunscreen for discoloration: Erborian is truly the best at helping you achieve “flawless” skin
• Sunscreen for glow: Saie Lightweight tinted moisturizer (sorry I can’t find this in Europe friends!)

Establishing a consistent morning skincare routine order can truly transform your skin’s health and appearance. By following the steps I’ve shared, and prioritizing products that cater to your skin’s specific needs, you’re setting yourself up for a day filled with confidence and an inner (and outer) glow. Remember, it’s not just about the products you use, but also the consistency and dedication you apply to your skincare regimen. So, whether you’re a skincare newbie or a seasoned enthusiast, embrace the power of a well-curated morning routine order and watch as your skin thanks you with a natural, glowing beauty!