What Goes Where? A Simple Guide to Product Layering

Episode 1: Salon Solutions

Salon Solutions is the newest part of Simple Radiant Skin. Here’s where I answer your specific skincare questions. I invite subscribers to participate by leaving your skincare dilemmas in the comments (or message me to stay anonymous in the group) and I'll tackle them in an upcoming episode.

Photo by ian dooley on Unsplash

Episode 1: What goes where?!

Oh, the skincare shuffle. It’s like a dance where you don’t know the steps. Serum? Cream? Sunscreen?

Help!

Karen Michaels

said it best when she said:

You know what I’d love to understand better? The order of things!

Well Karen, I’m pretty sure you’re not alone in your question. Half the world is staring at their bathroom counter right now, wondering what goes first.

Let’s fix that.

Here’s the golden rule: start thin, end thick.

Think of your skin like a sponge. Light, watery products soak in best first, while heavier, creamier ones seal the deal.

Here’s my go-to Product Layering Cheat Sheet:

1. Cleanse

Start with a clean face. No shortcuts here.

2. Toner (Optional but Fancy)

If you love a toner, now’s the time. It preps your skin to absorb all the magic you’re about to slather on. I have to admit, I buy toners and never use them. Eh, some people love them, some people do without. Personally, the time when I’m toning is when I’m fighting breakdowns. They are great for calming down the skin.

Toner lovers- what’s your favorite and why do you love them?

3. Serums Are the Star

This is where the magic happens. Serums are your targeted heroes: vitamin C for brightness, hyaluronic acid for plumpness, or peptides for fine lines. Pat serums in. Imagine pushing them into every pore. I always use my ring finger to pat around the eyes where the skin is thinner and more delicate.

Photo by Amanda Dalbjörn on Unsplash

4. Eye Cream (Yes, Before Moisturizer!)

Dab it on gently—again using your ring finger. Why do we use our ring finger? It’s naturally the weakest (perfect for being kind to thin skin). I love to dab it until it’s almost worked in and then make light circles around my eyes for a finishing touch.

5. Moisturizer Is Your Skin’s Security Blanket

Seal in all that goodness with a rich, hydrating cream. For aging skin, look for something with ceramides or peptides. Having a hormonal breakout? Opt for a gel moisturizer with niacinamide. Think of your moisturizer as tucking all of those other products in with a cozy blanket.

6. Sunscreen Saves the Day

Always, always finish with sunscreen during the day. No exceptions. Your skin is a diva— who loves SPF. Apply generously, like you’re frosting a cake. So that you never have to look like that monkey.

Skincare Skinny: UV rays + age = WRINKLES

Photo by Pavan Kumar Nagendla on Unsplash

The Simplified Takeaway

Cleanse → Serum → Eye Cream → Moisturizer → Sunscreen.

Repeat at night and skip the sunscreen.

What about peels & acids?

Nighttime is when you bring out the big guns like retinoids, AHAs, or BHAs (your anti-aging, exfoliating superheroes). These products make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so they’re strictly for after dark.

And stay away from them if you’re planning a Caribbean vacation! 🤣

Nighttime Beefup:

• Cleanse first.

• Apply your serum or treatment (like retinol or a chemical peel).

• Follow with moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated while it works its magic overnight.

Think of your nighttime routine as repair mode. 🧏🏻‍♀️

Still confused? Respond with your product line up and we’ll sort it out together.

Karen Michaels

💕 I hope this helps.

Have a question for the next episode of Salon Solutions? Let me know in the comments.