Skincare before makeup: what goes on first?

What skincare routine should you follow before makeup?

1. 1Wash your hands and cleanse your face. Use a gentle cleanser, wash gently with your hands and pat dry. Your hands are less abrasive than a washcloth.
2. 2Apply your usual medication or treatment after cleansing. If you use a morning serum, put it on before moisturizer. Use one serum rather than layering several.
3. 3Apply moisturizer. Moisturizer helps keep water from evaporating from your skin. Use it in the morning and evening, not just on days when you wear makeup.
4. 4Apply sunscreen, then makeup. Use broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher and cover exposed areas, including your ears and neck. Let sunscreen dry for a few minutes before starting makeup. Makeup is the final step, not the chair of the skincare committee.

Do you need toner, serum or eye cream?

The basic morning routine is cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen; a serum is an extra, not a requirement. If you use toner, apply it after cleansing. An eye cream goes before moisturizer. Thin products generally go before thicker ones so they can reach your skin more easily.5

Adding more products increases the chance of dryness and irritation. Introduce fewer new products, test them first and avoid heavily fragranced formulas. If a product causes skin irritation, stop using it and make an appointment with a dermatologist. If sunscreen chemicals bother your skin, choose a mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.35

Is SPF in makeup enough?

No. Makeup with SPF offers some protection, but the amount people normally apply is less than the amount used for SPF testing. Use sunscreen underneath rather than relying on foundation or concealer alone. Broad spectrum means protection against both UVA and UVB, the two types of ultraviolet rays that damage skin. Makeup can rub off, while the sunscreen underneath provides a separate protective layer.2

How long should you wait before makeup?

Allow a few minutes between sunscreen and makeup. Starting makeup too soon can undermine sunscreen protection. Separately, apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outdoors. Follow the package instructions for reapplication, usually at least every two hours, and always reapply after swimming or sweating. Mineral powder sunscreen is an option for touching up over makeup, but it should not replace your initial layer of traditional sunscreen.23

Check your makeup and tools, too

Use clean brushes and sponges: wash brushes every 7 to 10 days and sponges after every use. Do not share makeup applied directly to skin or lashes, or with a brush or sponge. Store cosmetics in a clean, dry place at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, and close lids securely.4

Track when you open makeup and follow its Period After Opening symbol if present. The number beside the letter M tells you how many months it should last after opening. Throw away makeup that changes smell, color, consistency or how it feels on your skin. Replace expired sunscreen, and discard it sooner if it separates or changes smell, color or texture.4