The Exact Order To Apply Your By BEAUTY BAY Skincare

Whether you’re a simple, three-step-and-go kind of skincarer or you love a nine-step, spa-worthy routine, the order of your skincare routine makes a world of difference. But should you apply serum or moisturiser first? Is it best to cleanse, then exfoliate, or the other way around? From your morning skincare routine to your nighttime ritual, figuring out what products to apply and when can feel like a challenge.

While all our skincare packaging comes with a handy guide detailing the order your products should be applied, we thought we’d go one step further to help you get the most out of your routine. We’ve put together our tried, tested, and perfected steps using our bestselling By BEAUTY BAY skincare to help you achieve your best skin yet. 

Read on for your ultimate skincare routine cheat sheet.

Applying your By BEAUTY BAY products in the right order is the key to next-level skin. From cleansing to SPF, we’ve got your skincare steps covered so you can get the most out of every drop.

Starting your routine with a good first cleanse is essential for fresh, healthy skin. This step removes makeup, SPF, and any surface oils that build up throughout the day, giving your skin a clean slate before moving on to the rest of your products.

We recommend: the By BEAUTY BAY Cleansing Balm, which makes this step both effective and gentle. Its rich, balm-to-oil texture breaks down impurities without stripping the skin, while oat-lipid and chamomile work to replenish and soothe. Simply massage a small amount onto dry skin until it melts into an oil, then wash off for a soft, clean base that’s prepped for your next step.

The second cleanse is all about getting deeper into the pores to remove any lingering impurities, setting up your skin perfectly for the rest of your routine.

We recommend: the By BEAUTY BAY Prebiotic + Avocado Oil Cleansing Gel for a hydrating, skin-soothing cleanse or the 1% Salicylic Acid + Zinc PCA Cleansing Gel to gently target blemishes and balance oil. Or, for a brightening boost, try the Vitamin C + Niacinamide Cleansing Gel, which helps to even out skin tone and add a radiant glow. Massage onto damp skin and rinse thoroughly to reveal a fresh, ultra-clean complexion. 

Toning is a crucial step that helps balance your skin’s pH and prepares it to absorb the rest of your skincare products more effectively. It also helps to refine pores, remove any remaining impurities, and refresh the skin.

We recommend: the 5% Glycolic Acid + 1% PHA Toner for a gentle exfoliation that brightens and smooths, or the 5% Niacinamide + Vitamin C Toner to even out the skin tone and reduce redness. Simply apply with a cotton pad, sweep over the skin, and soak in the glow.

Facial mists are a quick and easy way to boost hydration and refresh your skin throughout your routine.

We recommend: the By BEAUTY BAY Hyaluronic Acid + Sea Moss Hydrating Face Mist, packed with moisture-binding ingredients to leave your skin softer, smoother, and dewy. Simply spritz it evenly across your face after toning or throughout the day whenever your skin needs a hydrating pick-me-up. It’s the perfect quick fix to lock in moisture, strengthen the skin barrier, and add radiance to your complexion.

Serums are the powerhouse of your skincare routine, delivering concentrated active ingredients that treat your skin’s individual needs.

We recommend: the Brighten + Hydrate Serum, infused with Kakadu plum and hyaluronic acid to boost hydration and brighten your complexion. If blemishes are your concern, the Breakout Clearing Serum combines salicylic acid and bakuchiol to clear and prevent breakouts. Apply a few drops to cleansed, toned skin, and gently massage it in. 

Adding a treatment to your routine is key for targeting specific skin concerns and boosting your results.

We recommend: the Renew + Smooth Serum (in the PM only) for smoother, more refined skin, which features retinol to improve the appearance of pigmentation and fine lines. Apply a small amount to your face as part of your nighttime routine to wake up to clearer, more youthful-looking skin. To tackle puffiness and dark circles, gently tap the 4.8% Caffeine + Peptide Eye Treatment around the eye area using your ring finger. 

Moisturising is a must for keeping your skin soft, hydrated, and protected. It locks in all the benefits of the previous steps and strengthens your skin’s barrier to prevent moisture loss.

We recommend: the By BEAUTY BAY Colloidal Oatmeal + Oat Lipid Rich Moisturiser, with a nourishing formula that delivers long-lasting hydration without clogging the pores. Natural actives like beta-gluca, protein, and oat lipid leave the skin feeling soothed, restored, and healthier than ever. Gently smooth a thin layer over your skin after cleansing as the final step of your nighttime routine, or just before applying SPF in the morning.

Applying SPF is the ultimate non-negotiable in any morning skincare routine. It protects your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, preventing sunburn, premature ageing, and long-term damage like hyperpigmentation.

We recommend: the By BEAUTY BAY SPF 50 Face Lotion, which offers high broad-spectrum protection in a soothing formula that’s perfect for daily use. It’s formulated with coneflower, an anti-pollution active that helps to protect the skin against air pollution while reducing redness and the appearance of wrinkles. As the final step of your morning routine and before exposure to the sun, apply a generous amount to your face. Reapply throughout the day as needed to keep your skin protected and glowing.

For those times when your skin needs a little extra TLC, adding skincare extras can take your routine to the next level.

We recommend: the 2% Salicylic Acid & Azelaic Acid Overnight Mask for those with dull, breakut-prone skin. It gently exfoliates and clarifies your skin as you sleep, and should be applied as the final step of your routine. The Hydrocolloid Spot Patches also work wonders for tackling blemishes, reducing their appearance and drawing out impurities. Simply stick one on clean, dry skin and let it work its magic. Want to remove blackheads? The Blackhead Clearing Kit is your go-to. Use it after cleansing to safely extract impurities without damaging your skin.