Let’s be honest—between influencers, product overload, and “10-step routines,” skincare can feel like a puzzle with no clear picture. But the truth is, your skin doesn’t need more. It needs the right products in the right order—and a little knowledge goes a long way.
As a licensed esthetician, I see it all the time: clients using great products but not seeing results. Nine times out of ten, it’s not the product—it’s the layering.
Let’s simplify it.
Step 1: Cleanser (Double Cleanse If You Wear Makeup or SPF)
I sound like a broken record, but I say this to clients all the time: your routine doesn’t matter if your skin isn’t clean.
Your cleanser preps the canvas. At night, consider a double cleanse. What does this look like? Cleanse, remove and REPEAT. The first cleanse loosens and removes surface debris like makeup, oil, and impurities. The second cleanse actually purifies your skin.
*Try: Wendy Bowden Daily Glow Cleanser—a gentle but effective cleanser with enzymes, green tea, and Vitamin E to soothe while it cleanses.
Step 1.5 (1–2x a Week): Exfoliate for Glow and Clarity
After cleansing, exfoliating once or twice a week helps remove dead skin cells that dull your complexion and block product absorption.
*Try: Wendy Bowden Glowzyme Renewal Mask—a pro-level exfoliating treatment with enzymes that smooth, refine, brighten, and clarify.
Use it post-cleanse for 10–15 minutes. Rinse and continue with the rest of your routine.
Myth: The more you exfoliate, the better your skin.
Truth: Over-exfoliation can damage your barrier and increase sensitivity. Most people only need exfoliation once or twice per week.
Step 2: Toner
A toner rebalances your skin’s pH and preps it to receive treatment products. IT IS NOT MEANT TO REMOVE LEFTOVER MAKEUP FROM YOUR INITIAL CLEANSE. If you're using our Wendy Bowden Soothing Toner, this is where it fits in.
Tip: Think of toner as a hydrating first sip of water for your skin—especially helpful if you're over 40 and battling dryness or dullness.
Myth: Toners are only for oily or acne-prone skin.
Truth: Modern toners can soothe, hydrate, and prep the skin—great for mature or dry skin types.
Step 2.5: Eye Treatment
The skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate, which means it needs special care. This is where your targeted eye treatment comes in—right after toner and before serums or moisturizers.
Try: Wendy Bowden Hydraluxe Eye Gel—a refreshing, lightweight formula that hydrates, soothes puffiness, and softens fine lines without feeling heavy or greasy.
MYTH: “Eye creams are just fancy moisturizers in smaller bottles.”
TRUTH: Eye-specific products are designed with gentle ingredients and smaller molecules to effectively target concerns without overwhelming the delicate eye area.
Step 3: Serums (Targeted Treatments)
Now’s the time for your power players. Serums are packed with active ingredients and are formulated to penetrate the skin.
Using our Holy Grail HA Serum? Apply it here, right after toner while your skin is still slightly damp—it locks in hydration and plumps skin beautifully.
Tip: Layer from thinnest to thickest texture—water-based serums first, then oil-based if needed.
Myth: You can mix all your serums together and apply at once.
Truth: Some ingredients lose effectiveness when combined. Stick to 1–2 targeted serums per routine and layer them properly.
Step 4: Moisturizer
Your moisturizer acts like a seal, locking in everything you’ve layered underneath. Choose one that supports your skin type.
*Try:
- Wendy Bowden Ultra Light Calming Moisturizer for lightweight hydration and calm, balanced skin.
- Wendy Bowden Ultra Nourishing Cream for richer hydration, perfect for dry or mature skin types.
Tip: Even oily skin needs moisturizer—skipping it can make skin produce more oil to compensate.
Myth: Oily skin doesn’t need moisturizer.
Truth: Dehydrated oily skin will produce more oil. A lightweight moisturizer helps balance and support your barrier.
Step 5 (AM): SPF
This is non-negotiable in my opinion. Your SPF should always go on last in the morning. It protects all your hard work and prevents premature aging.
*Try: Wendy Bowden Protect & Repair Mineral SPF 45—a broad-spectrum, lightweight mineral sunscreen with antioxidants to protect and heal. Silky texture that doesn't leave you feeling or looking like you have a white sheet on your face.
Wendy's Tip: Look for SPF 30+ and reapply throughout the day if you're outside.
Myth: Makeup with SPF is enough protection.
Truth: If you are going to be out in the sun, SPF in makeup is not sufficient on its own. You need a dedicated SPF (30+), applied morning and reapplied every 2 hours.
Using a Facial Oil?
At night, you can finish with a nourishing facial oil if your skin needs extra love. Oils are occlusive, meaning they sit on top of everything and help seal in moisture.
Tip: Never layer oil before your serum—it can block it from absorbing.
Myth: Facial oils can be layered anywhere in your routine.
Truth: Oils should be your last step at night. If applied too early, they can block the absorption of serums and treatments.
Why Does Order Matter?
It comes down to molecule size and function.
- Thin, water-based products have smaller molecules that are designed to absorb deeply.
- Thicker, occlusive products (like creams and oils) sit closer to the skin's surface.
- If you flip the order, you block absorption and waste your actives (and your money!).
Keep It Simple, Keep It Smart
You don’t need a 12-step routine. You just need a consistent one—with products that work together.
If you’re still unsure which products are best for you, or how to build a routine tailored to your skin, let’s chat. I offer customized skincare consultations—no fluff, just facts.
🖤 You deserve skincare that works with your life—not against it.
If you’ve made it this far—thank you. Whether this served as a helpful reminder or brought something new to light, we hope it gave you a moment to pause, reflect, and feel more empowered in how you care for your skin. It’s not about perfection—it’s about paying attention, staying consistent, and giving your skin the respect it deserves. You’re doing better than you think, and we are honored to be part of your skincare journey.
With gratitude,
Wendy & Christen
