Liz Earle UK
Learn how long to wait between skincare steps like cleanser, toner and moisturiser, plus retinols and acids.
e
How long to wait between skincare steps: Smart timing guideHow long to wait between skincare steps: Smart timing guide
Achieving healthy-looking glowing skin isn’t just about the products you apply, it’s also about how you apply those products. If you’ve ever thought, “how long should I wait between toner and serum?” or “how long should I let my skincare absorb?” then you’ve come to the right place. Whether your skincare routine is short or has multiple steps, it’s essential that your skin absorbs the products you’re putting onto it. This is where skincare layering and timings come in so you can get the most out of your products.
There are two core things that you should always try to do when it comes to your routine: layer formulas from ‘thin-to-thick’ for best penetration and wait until each area feels ‘touch dry’ before moving onto the next. Keep reading to learn more about the wait time between skincare products and how to layer skincare.
e
The touch-dry rule
The touch-dry rule
Intentionally slowing down your skincare routine is actually more difficult than it sounds. When you’re juggling your morning routine, or getting home after a busy day, the last thing you want to do is make these steps take even longer.
However, if you find that your serums and moisturisers are pilling, your make up isn’t sitting as smoothly as you’d like it, or you’re not seeing any results at all from your skincare – this could be a sign to slow things down.
The ‘touch-dry’ rule means waiting until your skin no longer feels slippery, wet to the touch or overly dewy. You want your products to feel ‘settled’ into the skin… they don’t need to be completely gone, but not so much on the surface that your next product won’t absorb. Most lightweight fluids, serums and toners, like the Liz Earle Instant Boost™ Skin Tonic and the Liz Earle Superskin™ Face Serum sink in instantly but can take up to 40 seconds to fully absorb, while thicker creams, like the Skin Repair™ Rich Cream can take up to a minute.
Morning routine timing (cleanse to SPF)
Morning routine timing (cleanse to SPF)
We’ve put together a step-by-step guide, with timings included on how to optimise your morning skincare routine, from cleansing through to SPF, so you can get the best out of your products and have glowing skin in no time.
1. Cleanse: Begin with your cleanser to wash off any sweat, dirt, and excess skincare products from the night before. Use the Liz Earle Cleanse & Glow™ Transforming Gel Cleanser for an instantly brighter complexion. No need to wait between steps here.
2. Tone: While your face is still damp after rinsing (you can gently pat away some water with a towel – but be careful not to rub), apply your facial toner. Tap your Liz Earle Smooth & Glow™ Exfoliating Tonic into your face with your fingers, or pop a few drops onto a cotton pad and sweep it across your face for another dose of hydration and brightening. Wait 20-30 seconds until your face is touch dry.
3. Serum: Now it’s time to target your specific skin concerns with a serum. Dull skin? Try a few drops of the Liz Earle Restore & Glow™ Instant Radiance Serum which is loaded with vitamin c, to boost your radiance, or why not give the Liz Earle Superskin™ Face Serum a go, for a firmer, smoother, more even-toned complexion. Wait 30-60 seconds for your serum to fully absorb before going onto the next step.
4. Moisturise & SPF: Finish off your morning routine with a moisturiser like the Liz Earle Superskin™ Advanced Firming Serum-in-Moisturiser which is designed to support firmer-feeling skin and leave it for a minute (or longer if needed) to fully absorb. Apply your dedicated SPF, let that settle fully into your kin and you’re now ready to begin any make up if you’re wearing any.
Evening routine timing (cleanse to nourish)
Evening routine timing (cleanse to nourish)
Your nighttime routine leans into restoration and nourishment from the elements your skin has faced during the day, so give your skin a moment to drink everything in.
1. Cleanse: Melt away the day with the Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish™ Hot Cloth Cleanser. No need to wait after this step.
2. Tone or exfoliate: Follow up with the Liz Earle Instant Boost™ Skin Tonic Toner or the Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator if it’s an exfoliating night, and wait 20-40 seconds before moving onto the next step.
3. Treatment Serum: Apply your targeted skin serum, like the Liz Earle Skin Repair™ Hydrating Serum and wait 30-60 seconds for it to absorb.
4. Moisturiser or night cream: Seal everything in with a nourishing night cream like the Liz Earle Skin Repair™ Hydrating Night Cream or the Liz Earle Revitalise & Glow™ Radiance Reveal Night Cream to reveal visibly rested, renewed & radiant skin by sunrise.
5. (Optional) Facial oil: Facial oils are optional, but a great choice if you suffer from extremely dry, flaky skin as they create an occlusive barrier that prevents moisture loss overnight. The Liz Earle Superskin™ Concentrate only needs a few seconds to absorb and once your face is touch-dry, you’re all set to hit the hay and get your beauty sleep.
e
Quick vs. max comfort routinesQuick vs. max comfort routines
Depending on how much time (and energy) you have, you can do a quick streamlined routine, or a max comfort one. Here are some timings and layering instructions to get the best out of both.
Quick: Ideal for busy mornings or tired evenings
For a quick morning routine, begin with a gentle cleanser, add a boost of brightening and hydration with a toner before going in with your targeted serum and locking everything in with a moisturiser. And don’t forget the SPF! When you’re in a rush, simply wait for each layer to be touch-dry before starting on the next layer.
Max comfort: Great for delicate days or when you have more time on your hands
If you have a little more time to spare, or you’re going in with potent actives from the Liz Earle exfoliator and serums range, wait 30-60 seconds between each step. If your skin feels more delicate or sensitive than usual, buffer your actives (serums and exfoliators) with a layer of moisturiser before and after to reduce the chances of skin irritation.
Make up layering over skincare Make up layering over skincare
For the smoothest make up application, apply your SPF after moisturiser and give it a moment sink in. The last thing you need is your skincare or make up to (or both) be ruined by pilling and you have to start both from scratch. Allow two-five minutes after applying your Superskin™ Advanced Firming Serum-in-Moisturiser SPF 20 to settle fully. This creates a beautifully even canvas for primer or foundation. When pairing skincare with make up, opt for compatible textures: lightweight, hydrating bases tend to work best with luminous, skin-first make up styles for smooth, flawless-looking make up.
Niacinamide: The skincare hero for a glowing, even-toned look
Niacinamide: The skincare hero for a glowing, even-toned look
Read on to learn more, including niacinamide serum benefits and why you should incorporate the Liz Earle Restore & Glow™ Instant Radiance Serum into your daily routine.
