How to Layer Skincare Like a Pro: A Guide for Beginners

Hey bestie! If your skincare routine feels more like a guessing game than a glow-up, you’re not alone. Knowing how to layer your products is the key to getting the most out of your skincare. Think of it as creating a flawless outfit—you wouldn’t put on your jacket before your top, right? (Unless you’re into chaos 😅.)

Whether you’re using our Acne/Oily Skin Bundle or the Effortless Glow Bundle, I’ve got you covered with an easy-to-follow guide that’ll help you layer like a pro. Trust me, your skin is about to be its best self! Let’s get into it. ✨

Step 1: Start with a Clean Slate (Cleanser)

Your routine always begins with a good cleanse. Cleansing removes dirt, oil, and leftover makeup, so the rest of your products can actually work.

👑 If You’re Using the Acne/Oily Skin Bundle:
Use the Skin1004 Centella Ampoule Foam Cleanser to gently deep-clean your skin without over-drying it. It preps your face by balancing oil production while soothing irritation.

👑 If You’re Using the Effortless Glow Bundle:
Go for the Coconut Papaya Milk Cleanser—perfect for normal to dry skin. This creamy cleanser hydrates while removing dirt, leaving your skin soft and smooth.

✨ Pro Tip: Double cleanse at night if you’re wearing sunscreen or makeup!

Step 2: Exfoliate (2-3 Times a Week)

Exfoliation clears away dead skin cells and unclogs pores, making your skin ready to absorb all the good stuff you’re about to layer on. For chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid serums, here’s how to layer them correctly:

👑 In the Acne/Oily Skin Bundle:
The The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is your go-to for exfoliating. As a leave-on chemical exfoliator, it gently penetrates your pores to dissolve oil, smooth texture, and keep breakouts in check.

✨ When to Exfoliate vs. Tone:

Chemical Exfoliants First: Apply salicylic acid serum directly after cleansing. Skip toner here unless it’s hydrating or soothing, as adding too many actives can overwhelm your skin.
Hydrating Toner First (Optional): If your toner is calming or adds moisture, use it first to prep the skin, then follow with the salicylic acid serum.

✨ Pro Tip: Use this step only a few times a week at night to avoid over-exfoliation, which can lead to irritation.

Step 3: Tone It Up (Toner)

Toners help balance your skin’s pH and prep it for the next steps. They’re lightweight and absorb quickly, making them a great follow-up to cleansing or a hydrating addition to exfoliation.

👑 If You’re Using the Effortless Glow Bundle:
The Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner works wonders by minimizing the appearance of pores, balancing oil production, and giving your skin a radiant, even glow.

✨ How to Apply: Use a cotton pad or your clean hands to gently pat the toner into your skin.

Step 4: Treat Your Skin (Serums)

This is where the magic happens! Serums deliver active ingredients directly into your skin to target specific concerns like acne, dullness, or hydration.

👑 If You’re Using the Effortless Glow Bundle:
The Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum is perfect for targeting uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation.

👑 If You’re Using the Acne/Oily Skin Bundle:
The The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is your go-to for controlling oil, reducing breakouts, and calming redness.

✨ Pro Tip: If you’ve already used a chemical exfoliant like salicylic acid serum, avoid layering strong active serums immediately after to prevent irritation. Choose soothing or hydrating serums instead.

Step 5: Seal It In (Moisturizer)

No matter your skin type, moisturizer is essential to lock in all the goodness from your previous steps and keep your skin hydrated.

👑 In Both Bundles:
Use The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA for lightweight hydration. It nourishes your skin without clogging pores or leaving a greasy finish.

✨ Pro Tip: Even oily skin needs hydration! Skipping this step can make your skin produce even more oil.

Step 6: Protect (Sunscreen – AM Only)

This is your morning skincare non-negotiable. Sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays, preventing premature aging, dark spots, and other damage.

👑 In Both Bundles:
The CosRx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+ is your ultimate BFF. It’s lightweight, hydrating, and leaves no white cast—perfect for daily use.

✨ Pro Tip: Reapply every 2-3 hours if you’re outside to keep your skin protected all day long.

Quick Cheat Sheet: Layering Order

For an easy way to remember your steps, follow this rule: Thinnest to Thickest.

Cleanser
Exfoliant (2-3x per week) or Toner (if hydrating)
Serum
Moisturizer
Sunscreen (AM)

Your Skincare Routine = Sorted

Whether you’re rocking the Acne/Oily Skin Bundle or glowing with the Effortless Glow Bundle, this layering guide ensures your skin is getting the most out of each product. Remember, consistency is key—and with these bundles, you’ve already got the perfect head start. 💖

💬 Which bundle are you using? Let us know your results by tagging @SkinFairyJA on Instagram—we LOVE seeing your glow-ups! 🧚‍♀️