Ever wonder if you’re layering your skincare products in the right order? Whether your routine includes three steps or thirteen, how you layer matters just as much as what you’re using—especially for women over 50, when every product needs to work smarter, not harder.

In today’s blog, I’m walking you through my exact morning skincare routine, focusing on the order of application so that no matter what brands or products you use, you’ll get the most out of each one. 💧👀☀️

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🛁 Step 1: Start in the Bathroom – Clean, Exfoliate, and Freshen

Think of this as your prep work—the clean canvas that sets the stage for everything else.

• Cleanser – Use a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type (dry, oily, sensitive, etc.), preferably with age-fighting ingredients like resveratrol or retinol.

• Exfoliator – A mild exfoliant helps remove dead skin cells so your serums and moisturizers can absorb better. This can be anything from a face scrub to a glycolic peel.

• Freshener or Toner – I love using a non-drying toner to balance pH and lightly hydrate before applying treatments.

✅ Pro Tip: Don’t over-exfoliate—2 to 3 times a week is plenty for most mature skin types.

💦 Step 2: Lightweight Serums First

Serums are packed with active ingredients and are designed to sink deep into the skin. Apply the lightest, thinnest formulas first.

• Hydrating serums like hyaluronic acid go on right after cleansing.

• Brightening or firming serums like Vitamin C come next (or you can mix them and apply all at once!)

✅ Layer from thinnest to thickest for best absorption.

👁️ Step 3: Eye Cream Comes Before Powerful Serums

This step surprises a lot of people! If you're using anti-aging serums with strong ingredients like retinol, apply eye cream first to protect the delicate eye area.

• Tap gently with your ring finger—no rubbing!

• Look for formulas with peptides, caffeine, or hyaluronic acid.

💧 Step 4: Moisturizer – Lock It All In

Now that you’ve applied your treatments, it’s time to seal everything in with a good moisturizer.

• Choose one that suits your skin’s current needs—hydrating, firming, oil-controlling, etc.

• Massage it in gently to boost circulation and absorption.

☀️ Step 5: Sunscreen – Non-Negotiable!

Never skip this step, especially if you’re using actives like vitamin C or retinol.

• Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.

• Apply generously on face, neck, chest, and hands.

✅ Yes, even on cloudy days or when staying indoors—UV rays find you!

✨ Step 6: Wrinkle Fillers – The Finishing Touch

I use two kinds of wrinkle fillers in my final step:

• One for dynamic wrinkles (those that appear when you move your face—like smile lines and crow’s feet).

• One for deep, static wrinkles that are visible even when your face is at rest.

Apply these last so they sit on top and create a smooth, diffused finish—like a soft-focus filter IRL. 🎥💁‍♀️

✅ Wrap-Up

The real magic happens when you understand how to layer your skincare for maximum impact. No matter which products you use:

1. Cleanse and prep

2. Apply lightweight serums

3. Protect your eye area

4. Seal in moisture

5. Shield with sunscreen

6. Target with wrinkle fillers

This system keeps your skin healthy, radiant, and ready for makeup—or just showing off your natural glow. 🌟

💬 Have a favorite product in your routine? Or a layering question? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s working for you!

📌 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a tip on glowing up after 50!

Products used in demonstration:

🧼 Timewise 4-in-1 Cleanser - https://www.marykay.com/michellefox/en-us/products/skincare/collection/timewise/timewise-4-in-1-cleanser-normal-dry-990307127

🎭 Deep Cleansing Charcoal Mask - https://www.marykay.com/michellefox/en-us/products/skincare/product/mask/clearproof-deepcleansing-charcoal-mask-301029

💦 Micellar Water - https://www.marykay.com/michellefox/en-us/products/skincare/product/mary-kay-micellar-water-990279407

💧 HA + Ceramide Hydrator - https://www.marykay.com/michellefox/en-us/products/skincare/collection/clinical-solutions/mary-kay-clinical-solutions-ha-ceramide-hydrator-990284879

🌞 C + Resveratrol Line-Reducer - https://www.marykay.com/michellefox/en-us/products/skincare/collection/clinical-solutions/mary-kay-clinical-solutions-c-resveratrol-line-reducer-990284878

👀 Timewise Eye Cream - https://www.marykay.com/michellefox/en-us/products/skincare/collection/timewise-eye-cream-990307131

👁️ Dermactin-TS Upper Eyelid Cream - https://amzn.to/4mNTrzh

👵🏻 Timewise Repair Advanced Lifting Serum - https://www.marykay.com/michellefox/en-us/products/skincare/collection/timewise-repair/timewise-repair-volufirm-lifting-serum-10208543

🧴 Emepelle Serum - https://michellefoxonline.com/emepelle (use promo code MICHELLE20)

🪞 Antioxidant Moisturizer - https://www.marykay.com/michellefox/en-us/products/skincare/collection/timewise/timewise-antioxidant-moisturizer-normal-dry-990307130

🌤️ Mineral Facial Sunscreen SPF 30 - https://www.marykay.com/michellefox/en-us/products/body-and-sun/concern/sun/mary-kay-mineral-facial-sunscreen-broad-spectrum-spf-990314510

🤗 Dynamic Wrinkle Limiter - https://www.marykay.com/michellefox/en-us/products/skincare/concern/age-fighting/mary-kay-clinical-solutions-dynamic-wrinkle-limiter-10227734

〰️ Timewise Repair Volu-Fill Deep Wrinkle Filler - https://www.marykay.com/michellefox/en-us/products/skincare/concern/advanced-age-fighting/timewise-repair-volufill-deep-wrinkle-filler-100907