Having a good skincare regimen is key to a healthy complexion that glows. We spend so much time and money finding the right products for our skin and it would seem that once you have a good skincare routine down, you have it all figured out. Your cleanser cleanses and your moisturizer leaves your skin feeling soft so that’s all there is, right?

Not exactly. The order in which you apply your products is one of the most important steps when taking care of your face. Certain products need to go before others for specific reasons. If you’re not sure what order you should be applying your skincare, we’ve made a list to help.

1. Cleansing oil/balm. To remove all makeup first, use a cleansing oil. It’s gentle on the skin and breaks up all makeup including eye and lip products. You can use cleansing wipes as well but they can be damaging to the skin as you pull at it so reserve these for emergency situations only.

2. Cleanser. Double cleansing is key to avoiding breakouts, especially if your have oily or acneic skin. Use a mild cleanser to remove the rest of the makeup on your skin.

3. Toner. This product should always come after cleansing to remove any impurities left behind by cleansing and to balance out the pH in the skin as well.

4. Eye cream. The eye area is the thinnest skin you have on your face so it needs the most attention and care. Apply your eye cream right after your toner so the area doesn’t dry out. Your lips are thin too so you can apply a bit of the eye cream on them as well.

5. Treatments. Generally, products should be applied from thinnest to thickest so now is the time to apply any serums or essences. You should always wait 1 or 2 minutes in between layering products to allow them to folly absorb.

6. Moisturizer. This is the last product that should be applied on your skin. It’s usually the heaviest or thickest product you use so it helps lock everything in.

7. SPF. If you’re going to be outside, don’t forget to wear an SPF of at least 30 to prevent skin cancer, dark spots, and wrinkles. Apply it on your face, neck, décolletage, and tops of your hands as all of these areas tend to have thinner skin than the rest of your body.