Can I top my skin essence with any serum & moistutizer

[Roxieroxie]

I'm so overwhelmed by lots of received small samples of skincare products.Mostly toner,serums, moisturizers,sleeping masks... but what is always my main concern is which product match with the other.like can I use one day a toner & serum & moisturizer & the other day change the routine with another toner or serum or moisturizer???

[quspork]

It just depends on the specific products, @Roxieroxie. Most of the time there shouldn't be an issue, but there are just a couple ingredients that you may want to watch out for, mostly for irritation. But even that can be highly dependent on your own skin and what it's used to. 

[GG84]

@Roxieroxie 

As long as your skin isn’t reacting, I say use up those samples. 
I tend to not select samples at checkout anymore as I really never use them. I stick to my routine to avoid upsetting my skin. 
As a general rule of thumb, apply products thinnest consistency to thickest. 

[Roxieroxie]

Very useful recommendation!! I think I finish up my samples in a careful way & then go back to my own routine skincare products. Thanks!

[Roxieroxie]

Very useful recommendation!! I think I finish up my samples in a careful way & then go back to my own routine skincare products. Thanks!

[CaptainLakie]

Hey Roxie! I'm by no means a skincare goddess but I have definitely learned a lot over the years. There's really no right or wrong way, there are lots of different routines out there. Take the Korean 12 step skincare routine for example, that's pretty extensive and there are essences upon serums upon creams and it never seems to end. My advice for you would be to start slow with your products, especially if they're all new. If you pile on all your new products at once and your skin starts freaking out, you'll want to be able to pin-point which product is causing an adverse reaction. Definitely start with a basic cleanse, tone, moisturize and build on that once your skin has some time to adjust. 

A super great tip I recently received when I started dabbling in retinols is to be cognisant of other products your put under or over the retinol treatment. Some serums and moisturizers can work as surfactants and spread the harsher treatment all over your face. I would suggest applying such a treatment on its own, rinsing after 10-20 minutes, then applying your serum and moisturizer. 

I would suggest you use a cleanser (face wash) daily, follow that with a toner that suits your skin's needs (hydrating or resurfacing or oil control), then using a serum, followed by a moisturizer. 

I'll share my skincare routine to give you an example as to what the steps look like. For reference, my skin is dry, somewhat sensitive, and my primary concerns include those tiny flesh colored bumps on my temples/under my eyes (I believe they're called milia) and occasional hormonal breakouts. 

1. cleanser:  CLINIQUE All About Clean™ Foaming Facial Soap Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid 5 oz/ 150 mL   

2. toner: CAUDALIE - Moisturizing Toner

3. serum: (I just use a Neutrogena Hylauronic Acid serum, ya girl's on a budget)   

4. moisturizer: CLINIQUE - Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator (this stuff is my miracle ride or die, it is so good) 

5. treatment:  Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Sleeping Face Mask 2.3 oz/ 70 mL (I use this about 3 times per week and I love the results, though lately I haven't been wearing moisturizer when I do use this). 

6. mask: SEPHORA COLLECTION - Face Mask when I want something a little extra or when I have a date coming up. I like putting SEPHORA COLLECTION - Eye Mask in the fridge for an hour before applying, it feels sooooo nice 

A lot of people will suggest wearing sunscreen during the day, I'm bad and I don't... whoops. 

I hope this helps you out! Exploring skincare can be so fun, so enjoy!

Cheers!

[Roxieroxie]

Hello there, Thanks alot for this extensive suggestions.They were very complete & informative. It really helped me alot. I do follow my face care routine beginning with cleanser, essence, serum, moisturizer & eye cream both for A .m & P.m .Now as you also  explained I just have to go slow & careful with the samples & observe the results & changes on my skin.Anti-aging & brightening the skin + even out skin texture is my priority. For a.m I use First aid beauty deep cleanser with red clay, following Fresh black tea kambucha  essence & after that Caudalie Vine Glow activating anti wrinkle serum. And with this serum I must wear a SPF cream  so I use Josie Maran  Aragan Oil daily moisturizer. What good about this product is that it's both sun screen & daily moisturizer.Never had an issue about this moisturizer.(spf 47)For P.m I use same cleanser & essence except I use Estee Lauder Advance Night Repair  following the amazing sleeping  Collagen moisturizer Algenist Genius.And finally I use Shiseido  Benefiance Wrinkle Resist 24.Thank you very much for helpful information. ##########

[Trinhtk]

The Avocado Sleeping Mask intrigued me! How does it feel on your skin and have you seen any significant result? I’m using 1% Retinol and Lactic Acid (separately) but for some reason I stopped seeing results 😞 Meanwhile my skin is still textured.

[CaptainLakie]

I LOVE the avocado mask! I got some in a Sephora Favourites box and it was the one I was probably least excited about, but I was hooked after the first application. The texture of the mask itself is gorgeous, silky, buttery, delicious, heavenly. It's not like a thick cream, it's more like a solid butter that melts into the warmth of you skin. After the first application it visibly de-puffed my skin and left it so silky and hydrated. I've been using it consistently and I've noticed a significant reduction in skin bumps and texture, and it even soothes my breakouts. 

My skin has been really bad because I've been suffering with some severe chronic health problems and I'm on a lot of medication. Recently I had my 3rd cancer scare (I'm only in my 20's) and let me tell you, my skin looks stressed out. Since I've been religious with my skincare routine, and since adding the sleeping mask, my skin looks more clear, youthful, and bouncy. I'm really hooked on it, and I recommend it 100%. I would suggest being cautious with it, a little goes a long way, and to work up to using it because it can cause some redness/flushing. If you can get your hands on the SEPHORA FAVORITES - Hydrating Fruity Face Set I recommend you check it out.

Another great treatment for skin texture is the Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel mask, I get results when I use that too. Skin texture can be so frustrating and it can really mess with your makeup application so I understand your struggle. XX

[Trinhtk]

WOW thank you so much for the thorough review, you completely sold me on this one! I’m glad it helped your skin! Like you, I also find comfort in doing my routines religiously so I’m looking forward to trying it!