Can someone give me a definitive guide to the order in which you put stuff on your face please?

[Hassled]

So I always thought serum, then moisturiser, then foundation. I once bought some primer but haven't really used it because 4 layers of stuff on my face seems insane, and I don't know where it comes in the face-slap order. And then I was given some toner - where does that come in?

Now Sali Hughes here has baffled the hell out of me - whatever she's reviewing seems to be both a serum and a primer but she's putting it over her moisturiser.

Also - concealer first, then foundation? Or the other way round? I'm talking eye-bag concealer here.

Is there an ultimate guide out there somewhere?

[DoYonisHangLow]

For me it goes cleanse, tone, serum, moisturise, primer, foundation, concealer. Except I don't tone, use serum or concealer. But if I did, that'd be the order I'd do it in

[HollyWhiteAlwaysWearsAHat]

I need to know this too.

I know you go:

Cleanse (get off dirt, grime and make-up)

Tone (to close up your pores so the greasy moisturiser and make-up doesn't block them)

Moisturise (or night cream)

But what about the rest?

I do serum before moisturiser, and primer after. Then concealer after primer, then foundation.

But sometimes I buy a different face-slap thing, like Clarins Beauty Flash Balm, or Estee Lauder Idealist Skin Illuminator, and I have no fecking idea when I should be applying it, and after what.

[Hassled]

Thank you - that order makes sense. I wonder how many women actually do use all of those at once? I'd be there half the morning.

[AllTheWorldAndSoMuch]

I find this helpful

[Hassled]

Holly - I decided the Clarin's Flash balm thing was serum. although that wasn't really based on anything.

[Hassled]

Oh I like that guide thing - thanks.

[scottishmummy]

I do
Cleanse
Tone
Moisturise
Serum

[senua]

You forgot powder. I know that goes on last.


Seriously, it is just too confusing isn't it.

[scottishmummy]

God no powder it's so old lady

[goodasitgets]

Cleanse, exfoliating toner, hydrating toner
Serum then moisturiser. Primer is last step before makeup
Concealer after foundation, otherwise you wipe off all your work!

[Crutchlow35]

Cleanse
Cold water - no toner here
Serum
Moisturiser
Primer
Concealer
Foundation

[scottishmummy]

I thought 'twas skincare,inc make up it goes

Cleanse
Tone
Moisturise
Serum
Foundation
Cream blush
Eyeshadow
Eyeliner
Mascara
Lippy

[HollyWhiteAlwaysWearsAHat]

Blimey if you followed that guide it would be time for bed before you'd even left the house.

And I can't do powder - it sits in my wrinkles and makes me look ten years older.

[skrumle]

i use beauty flash balm as a primer...

[supadupapupascupa]

serum AFTER moisturiser. Concealer AFTER foundation.

Just to confuse/add to the debate

[HollyWhiteAlwaysWearsAHat]

So do any of us actually know what we are talking about? Because if not, we are just confusing one another more.

[Floisme]

Please tell me you're all joking!
Cold water
Moisturiser, sunscreen, foundation - I put them all on together.
The end.

[goodasitgets]

I think the serum/moisturiser debate came about as depending what ingredients it had. The REN serum I use says on it "apply before your moisturiser"
I guess if your serum has silicones, there's no point putting it on before moisturiser as the moisturiser won't sink in. But a natural oil type serum would be best before moisturiser

[Crutchlow35]

serum AFTER moisturiser. Concealer AFTER foundation.


No! Serum needs to work on your skin so before moisturiser and concealer before foundation so it all blends together properly!

[Lj8893]

This is what I do....

Cleanse&tone in one
Moisturiser
Primer
Concealer
Foundation
Concealer again!
Powder
Bronzer
Blusher
Highlighter
Eyebrow pencil
Eyeliner (if doing full make up)
Mascara
Lipliner & lipstick (if full make up)

Takes me about 15 mins

[Varya]

Scottish mummy if you have a long shiny nose like mine it needs powder! Not 'old lady' are we ageist on MN? Not all over the face!

[Lj8893]

Yy I find powder helps set my make up and give me more coverage. I'm 26, certainly not an old lady!

[Hassled]

I have the powder settling nicely into the wrinkles issue too. I go around with a nice shiny nose instead.

[JanineStHubbins]

I do:

Cleanse
Serum
Moisturiser
Primer
Foundation
Concealer
Powder

Concealer before foundation makes no sense.

[Philoslothy]

Cleansing balm
Sometimes a clay mask
Exfoliant toner
Spray toner
Serum
Eye Cream
Mosituriser
Sunscreen
Primer or beauty flash barm
Foundation
Concealer
Powder
Eyes
Lips
Cheeks