Last week as I hosted a local beauty workshop I began by talking about skincare, which is crucial if you want to add the #nofilter to your selfies proudly.

The truth is that if you take care of your skin makeup becomes an accessory, something you use to enhance and not to hide.

I like to focus the attention on the nighttime routine, as I find it the most important and also people can always make time for.

A common mistake I find when I talk with the ladies is the order in which they apply their skin products, and this is crucial if you want to benefit from the ingredients that you are using.

The first thing I have my clients consider is what is their ultimate goal- what are you trying to correct or prevent?

That way you can focus on the products that will help deliver results.

Now, before I start to break down the proper way to layer your skincare products it is vital that you know that skincare is not a one size fits all.

A solid skincare routine usually goes thru many trial-and-errors and constant changes, it should be based on what works for your skin, lifestyle, and budget.

An easy rule of thumb to follow is to apply your products from thinnest consistency to thick.

The Correct Way To Layering Skincare Products

Step 1: Pre-Cleanser/Cleanser 

The essential step to getting rid of the day’s dirt, oil, and makeup is thru cleansing.

The first step to pre-cleansing is to take off your makeup, and my favorite is by using a cleansing oil like Fresh Seaberry Skin Nutrition Oil or my current favorite Coconut oil.

I like massaging it into my skin, softening the dirt and makeup and then using a warm washcloth to remove it.

The second step is to use a face wash to remove excess sebum, dirt, and the makeup you loosened up on the first step, assuring your skin is fresh and prepped to absorb your skin regimen.

My current favorite is the Kate Sommerville ExfoliKate cleanser, its key ingredients are Glycolic and Lactic acid which helps refine the appearance of pores. While leaving the skin feeling refreshed and conditioned thanks to pineapple, pumpkin and papaya enzymes.

For a limited time get a free full-size EradiKate cleanser when you buy a try-me kit on the Kate Sommerville site HERE and use code AKP-CKJC-2018 at check out.

♥TIP: I like to use a physical exfoliant, like Dr. Brandt Microdermabasion, a few times a week. I find this step helps remove dead skin which helps reveal brighter skin and clean pores.

Step 2: Toner & Essences

A toner helps balance your skin while also removing any makeup or residue your cleanser left behind. I love this toner by Fresh HERE.

Essences and Boosters are infused with different active ingredients, but for the most part, the purpose is to hydrate and nourish skin.

Since they are almost water-like formulas apply them after washing your face, toners are more to clean, and essences are more about delivering a treatment. I sometimes use both, the toner first then an essence like this one HERE.

Step 3: Treatment Serums

Our bodies do its repairing and regenerating as we sleep which is why most targeted skin care treatments are better used at night.

Serums are made up of smaller molecules that are absorbed into our skin at a much deeper level.

Apply products with exfoliating ingredients like retinol and glycolic acid for anti-aging like this one HERE.

If you are trying to target acne, I suggest products with Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, lactic acid, or glycolic acid. My favorite is this one HERE.

Make sure that you never mix retinol with other exfoliating ingredients and always use at night time since they can make skin more sensitive during sun exposure.

I like to focus the products depending on my current skin needs, sometimes its dullness, acne, or dryness but whatever the condition I know my skin is absorbing the benefits.

Step 4: Moisturizer & Eye Cream

Moisturizer is key to locking down the serums in your skin and help them work more efficiently. I like to use a richer moisturizer for my night time routine.

They feel more luxurious on my skin, and I like to feel like I am sealing in all the better for my skin to absorb.

My all-time favorite is the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream HERE.

I always use a rich eye cream for my night-time routine, and I find the rich formulas work best for targeting and preventing fine lines. My current favorite is Kiehl’s Creamy Under Eye Treatment.

Step 5: Lips & Oil 

This step is entirely optional but essential in my skincare routine. I have been incorporating oils and have been loving the results.

I like to apply them in tiny amounts on my dryer areas and only when I’m using one serum since I don’t want to feel too greasy.

Remember that oils can penetrate thru a moisturizer but not vice-versa so oils always go last. My current go-to is Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil (HERE) which is packed with nourishing omegas helpful for preserving a youthful appearance.

On my lips, I am obsessed with Laneige lip sleeping mask available (HERE) and have been using it for months. I wake up to soft and plumped lips.

♥Extra Tips♥

• Take a break after each product application; this will ensure that they will absorb and won’t pill on you.
• Add antioxidants, a perfect example of one is vitamin C, which helps your skin repair from sun damage, promotes collagen and brightens the skin.
• Give it time; this is very important, most products need up to 6 weeks of consistent use to show results.
• Listen to your skin, if a product is causing irritations then stop using it or go more days in between use. If you have sensitive skin but still want to use ingredients as Retin-A use it over a moisturizer. The cream will reduce its potency but will help avoid irritation.
• Do your research, visit a dermatologist, consult an Esthetician, visit blogs however you like to get your information. There are so many different opinions out there, but ultimately you should go with what feels right to you and deliver results.
• Get a facial. I would be doing you a disservice if I didn’t recommend this to you. The right facial can help you declog and clear your pores, target fine lines, and so much more. But I can not forget to mention its so relaxing!
• Have options. It is crucial if you have combination skin like mine since at any given moment you could be dealing with breakouts or dry skin.
• Last but not least, have fun! This is your time, make time for your nighttime routine and do it with love, after all this is part of your #selflove journey and you must put positive energy into it.