What Order Do I Apply My Skincare?

While you may not have given the subject too much thought—learning to layer your skincare correctly is one of the most effective ways to boost your complexion. 

Think about it: when you’re applying your hardworking products in the wrong order, it’s likely they’re not being absorbed effectively, which ultimately means you're skimping on some serious skin gains. 

Knowing the best order to apply your skincare might sound tricky, but it actually follows a fairly simple (and logical) structure. Products with a thinner consistency and lighter molecular weight (like toners and serums) are the most readily absorbed, meaning they should be applied first. After that, richer formulas like oils and moisturisers can be incorporated to protect the skin and lock in all of the nourishment that has come before.

Ready to achieve maximum glow? Here’s how...

Step One: Prep & Polish

For glowing skin, it’s essential to set your skin up for success! Cleansing is arguably the most important step so begin with a double cleanse to prep your skin for what’s to come while also ensuring it’s free from oil, dirt and impurities. Stay away from products that leave your skin feeling tight and dry, and instead, opt for a gentle cleanser that’s nourishing yet effective. We recommend starting with our Marula Oil Cleanser to melt away makeup and grime before completing your double cleanse with a formula that’s suited to your individual skin type. Two to three times a week you should also incorporate your favourite exfoliant—to slough away dead skin cells and promote a more even complexion—and don’t forget to enjoy a nourishing mask at least once a week, too. 

Then, apply your toner! Toners help to create a clean canvas by opening your pores, hydrating your complexion and prepping your skin for all of the bio-active ingredients it’s about to absorb. What’s more, moisture-boosting toners like our Rose Hydrating Mist are a wonderful way of keeping your complexion feeling fresh throughout the day. Just spritz whenever you need a pick-me-up! Looking for a toner that will boost brightness? This probiotic-packed formula will help to balance your skin’s delicate microbiome and promote more radiant and resilient skin.

Step Two: Amplify & Treat

Now that you’ve prepped your skin for action, it’s time to target your unique complexion concerns (be that dehydration, dullness or something else entirely) by incorporating your chosen Booster and Serum. For a brightening boost, choose Collagen Support. To fight fine lines and premature ageing, we recommend Bakuchiol 4% Natural Retinol Alternative. And finally, to deeply nourish and restore the skin barrier, opt for Omega-3 Advanced Night Cream. Designed to be mixed and matched depending on your skin’s needs, these silky formulas have been created to suit all skin types and can be used as part of your daily skincare ritual, as needed. 

Similarly, your chosen Serum should be applied here—before your moisturiser or any facial oils—because as they’re formulated using ingredients with a small molecular weight, they are able to penetrate deep into the skin’s dermis. When applying your serum, always take a moment to let it sink in before slathering your face in another layer of product—it is the workhorse in your daily skincare routine, after all! Giving your skin a moment to breathe after patting in your product will also help to prevent “pilling” and ensure that any makeup you apply will sit smoothly on the surface of your skin. Not sure which LAMAV serum is right for you? Find the perfect match for your skin here.

Step Three: Moisturise & Protect

The final step in your skincare routine is where you can lock in moisture and protect it from further damage. As the thinnest skin on your entire body, your eyes need their own type of TLC so beginning with Eye Care, select a formula that works with your skin’s natural PH. Rest assured that doesn’t mean you need to say sayonara to real results! Potent, purpose-made products like our Firming Eye Lotion will help to smooth fine lines and wrinkles in a more gentle way. 

Then, having primed your face with a potent cocktail of bio-active ingredients, antioxidants and nutrients, it’s time to lock in all that goodness with a Facial Oil. Oils not only act as a protective shield, but also deliver a powerful dose of nourishment while preventing moisture loss. Our facial oils are lush yet lightweight, which is why we recommend massaging them into your skin before you moisturise. The ingredients they contain are not only fast absorbing, but also boast a texture similar to that of sebum, your skin’s natural oil. If you love to use a skincare tool—like our Gua Sha and Roller Set—you can further amplify the benefits of your facial oil by using it here.

Finally, select a Moisturiser that works with your skin type to further amplify the age defying benefits of our skincare collection. To take your complexion to the next level, use both an AM and a PM moisturiser that boast their own unique benefits. Before your head hits the pillow, opt for our Omega-3 Advanced Night Cream to deliver deep hydration throughout the night. And, in the morning, rehydrate and protect your skin with our Hyaluronic Moisture Cream. The result? Plump, firm, dewy skin that’s ready to take on the day!