Your Step-by-Step Morning Skincare Guide (Oui, There Is a Right Order)

Your Step-by-Step Morning Skincare Guide (Oui, There Is a Right Order)

Before we check our email or sip our café au lait, there’s one AM non-negotiable we always prioritize: skincare. Your AM routine is a moment to give your skin some TLC and protection before the day ahead—think: congestion, UV rays, pollution, stress, and all the little aggressors that add up over time. 

In this guide, we’re walking you through how to layer your morning routine the right way, so you can address your concerns and keep your skin calm, radiant, and well-defended. Let’s get into it.

The Morning Mindset: Prep & Protect

The best morning routines don’t have to be complicated—sometimes simple is best (that’s the French way). Think: gentle hydration, a targeted treatment to address your concerns, and just the right moisture to help your skin stay happy and balanced. 

While nighttime is all about repair, the AM is your moment to give your skin what it needs to stay clear, calm, and glowing. Keep these two simple rules in mind and you’ll be off to a great start: 

  • Layer from lightest to richest. Think of it as building a breathable base: watery layers first (like toners and serums), followed by richer creams and SPF.

  • Always finish with sunscreen. It’s the most important daytime skincare step, TBH! 

Step-by-Step Morning Routine

Now let’s get into how to layer your skincare—from cleanser to treatments to SPF.  

Step 1: Cleanser
Use a gentle, non-stripping cleanser like Pink Gelée Daily Clarifying Cleanser to refresh skin and sweep away any overnight buildup.

Step 2: Toner
Wake up your skin with a clarifying and hydrating toner that adds a first layer of moisture and helps your skin better absorb what’s next.

Step 3: Serum
This is your chance to give your skin exactly what it’s asking for. Whether you’re dealing with dullness, dryness, or congestion, the right serum delivers targeted support and helps maintain that clear, balanced glow.

You can even alternate serums throughout the week based on what your skin needs—just be careful not to mix too many actives (that can cause irritation). 

Step 4: Eye Cream
Next, it’s time for eye cream. A lightweight formula like Super Fraîche Brightening Eye Cream can help brighten, visibly tighten, and plump under eyes—and create a smooth base if you're applying makeup later!

Step 5: Moisturizer
Daytime hydration is key. For those with oily skin, use a lightweight moisturizer like Daydream Crème Daily Lightweight Moisturizer to plump skin with satisfying yet weightless hydration. For those with normal to dry skin, try a more rich moisturizer like Bare Lumière Barrier Repair Cream to support your skin barrier and prime for makeup.

Step 6: Sunscreen (Non-Negotiable!)
The most important step in your AM routine: broad-spectrum SPF. Apply generously, and don’t forget your neck, chest, and ears!


Ingredient Spotlight: Vitamin C in the Morning

Vitamin C is a morning essential—not just for glow, but for protection. During the day, your skin is exposed to stressors like pollution and UV rays that can lead to dullness, uneven tone, and premature aging.

Applied in the morning, vitamin C acts like an antioxidant shield. It helps neutralize free radicals, brighten the appearance of skin, and boost your glow over time. It also works in tandem with your SPF to enhance its protective benefits. Think of it as a secondary defense behind SPF. 

Tips to Make Your AM Routine Work for Your Skin

A few small tweaks can make your morning routine even more effective:

  • Apply hydrating serums to slightly damp skin—it helps the ingredients absorb more deeply.

  • Layer sunscreen after moisturizer has fully absorbed into the skin. 

  • Give sunscreen a few minutes to set before applying makeup or heading outside.

  • Notice how your skin responds: drier days may call for an extra layer of hydration; oilier mornings might mean adding in some clarifying support. 

The Final Touch: A Morning Ritual That Grounds You

Remember: Skincare doesn’t have to be a rushed checklist. Do as the French do and let it become a moment you savor. Massage in your moisturizer with upward strokes. Press your serum into your skin with care. Take a moment for yourself.  

Bonne journée!