When trying to get the most out of daily beauty routines and rituals, many people do not realise that they are making a common mistake by applying their skincare incorrectly.

In truth, a key element to getting results is knowing how much of each product to apply, and in what order. Without knowing “the rules” for proper application, you may be missing out on important benefits from your favourite formulas. 

But luckily, correcting this is an easy fix. Once you know exactly what to do, you’ll be in good shape and able to get even more mileage out of those healthy skincare habits. Here’s what we recommend.

How Much Skincare to Use + When

Here’s our guide to how much of each skincare step you need to apply. We’ve broken it down into a simple routine order as well just to make sure that all our bases are covered!

Step One: Cleanser 

Washing your face will always be the first fundamental step in any routine, as it will prep your skin for other products. For most cleansers, one pump should be plenty, or if your cleanser doesn't have a pump, a small pea-sized dab will do. 

Rather than apply straight to the skin, a best practice will be to work your cleanser into a lather with water first, then massage it into the skin to cleanse and refresh.

Step Two: Toner

After cleansing, toner can be a game-changer for replenishing the skin and rebalancing skin pH levels. If your toner is a spritz or mist, one to two spritzes directly to the face is perfect, or you can apply a cotton round and swipe all over. If your toner has a pump or other dispenser, around the size of a small coin will give you the perfect amount to be gently pressed or patted into the skin.

Step Three: Serums 

With concentrated serums, a little goes a long way. In most cases, you should only need 2-4 drops, or 1-2 pumps, which should be dabbed onto freshly cleansed and toned skin for maximum absorption. You should also wait a few seconds between each layer of serum, and layer in order of thinnest to thickest consistency if applying multiple elixirs.

Step Four: Eye Creams

For specifically treating your eye area, you won’t need much product. A pearl-sized drop, or one pump of product, will likely cover your entire eye area. The key here is more in the technique. Because the skin under your eyes is quite delicate, be sure to use only gentle pressure with your ring finger to apply and avoid stretching or pulling the skin.

Some luxury eye creams come with cooling applicators for fuss-free skincare; take advantage of these as they not only apply the correct amount of product, but can help to instantly shrink eye bags and soothe skin. 

Step Five: Moisturiser

After any serums for the face or eyes, moisturiser is the perfect next step to prevent water-based ingredients from evaporating, and to lock in all the benefits for the previous products. For this step, you can be a bit more generous if your skin is dry, using a grape-sized amount of cream. However, if your skin is more oily, you can apply a lesser amount as needed.

Step Six: Oils

Facial oils can be used as your moisturiser or after your moisturiser. These nourishing skincare products go a long way - 3-4 drops is the perfect amount to use. Facial oils can be gently patted or massaged into the skin. Their benefits get a serious boost when paired with a massage tool such as a gua sha or facial roller to stimulate blood circulation.

Step Seven: SPF

Sun protection is perhaps the most important of daily steps, so think in terms of a small spoonful, or try the “three fingers trick” measuring out a small stripe of product from palm to fingertip on your first three fingers and don’t be afraid to add more in order to adequately cover your face, neck and decolletage. 

And don’t forget, this tip applies all year round - not just in the summertime!

1-3x Weekly: Exfoliation and Masking

 A few times per week, you may also find it beneficial to treat yourself to some more advanced skincare in the form of an exfoliating treatment or mask. 

Because these types of products tend to contain more active ingredients, they’re not meant to be used daily. You’ll also want to follow any instructions specific to the formula you are using. In most cases, the amount needed will be about the size of a blueberry, which should then be spread to a thin layer covering your whole face.

Get Your Beauty Affairs In Order

Now that how much of each skincare product to use - and when - is clarified, we hope this blog post has helped you get your beauty affairs in order! Or, if you want to take a shortcut to creating your best skincare routine, try our skin analysis quiz.

Our quiz identifies your skin type, and creates a unique routine just for you based on your skin type and skin goals. Plus, you’ll get a FREE mini skincare routine to try!

Products Mentioned:

Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel

Clarins Purifying Toning Lotion

Declaré Ocean’s Best Hyaluronic Serum

Omorovicza Reviving Eye Cream

Lancôme Génifique Repair

Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil

Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense SPF 30

Grown Alchemist Age Repair Gel Masque