So you've arrived on BEAST. You've scoured our serums, eyed-up our eye care and even grabbed a gift set or two. Soon you'll have all the grooming kit a man could possibly need. Trouble is, what the hell do you do with it all when it arrives? While it might be tempting to blindly slather on lotions, trusting the tin and hoping enthusiasm will do the rest, good products are only good if used correctly. In the same way you wouldn't splash on a scent and then hop in the shower, to get the most out of your skincare routine, you need to learn to layer. Here's how to do it.

The Correct Order To Apply Your Skincare Routine

Get The Order Right 

Like clothes, skincare products should generally be applied from lightest to heaviest. In simple steps, that means: oil cleanser, gel cleanser, exfoliator, toner, essence, serum, face mask, eye cream, moisturiser and, finally, a facial oil. Or, for anyone who isn't a Korean Beauty nut, an easy four-step cleanser, exfoliator, serum and moisturiser will do. Phew. This works because the more watery textures absorb into the skin while the more occlusive products create a seal to lock it all in. 

Customise Your Kit 

As much as layering is key to an effective routine, so is picking products that work together. Dull skin? An exfoliating cleanser, Vitamin C serum, brightening mask and nourishing moisturiser will do the trick. Dry AF? Consider a gel cleanser, hyaluronic acid serum and a moisturiser designed for overnight use. In a pinch, there are plenty of multi-taskers out there that can do a bit of everything (anything by Allies of Skin, for example). But for a routine that yields real results, coupling up cleverly is key.

Don't Double Up 

Even within a simple four-step routine, there can easily be overlap. But double the dosage doesn't mean double the effects. If you are going in with an exfoliating scrub then following that up with a serum containing an acid designed to do the same (such as glycolic or salicylic), you risk damaging your skin barrier. If your face appears red or feels tight and even sore, this could be where you're going wrong. Remember fellas: work smarter, not harder. 

Combinations To Avoid 

Much like mixing grape and grain, there are a few combinations to avoid in the bathroom. Vitamin C is the main culprit here, preferring to work alone rather than join a group project. If you can, keep it separate from other acids and retinols. This isn't to say you can't use them both. Just apply vitamin C in the morning and the other skincare ingredients at night. Similarly, retinol can amp up the sensitivity of your skin, so is best used without other acids.