You’re cream crackered and can’t wait to jump into bed. We’ve all been there haven’t we? But the thing is, applying eye gel without a care in the world will do more harm than good. Similarly, if you cleanse your skin in seconds can you be sure you’ve removed every last bit of grime, grease and goodness knows what else that’s built up throughout the day? Thought not.

Now, there’s no need to spend hours every morning and night pouring over your routine. And really, if a skincare range required you to do just that, you’d have to wonder why … But, we promise, just a few minutes here and there will make the world of difference. 

So, let’s have a look at how best to apply some of the most important steps in your daily skincare routine. 

Take Time To Cleanse

Cleansing should always be the first step in your routine and it’s way more important than you might think – especially in the evening after your skin has been soaking up all manner of nasties all day long. 

Use this time to massage your skin for a couple of minutes to boost circulation, encourage lymphatic drainage and ensure you get a thorough cleanse, without the need for nasty chemicals and preservatives. 

First, wash your hands, then wet your skin with lukewarm (never hot) water before applying one or two pumps of Crystal Cleanser all over your face and neck. Next, use the pads of your fingers to massage it into your skin using gentle circular motions. Start on your forehead, working from the centre outwards, then massage from the nose area out to your hairline, taking extra special care around the delicate eye area, of course. Finish with the same massaging motion over your chin and jawline, then use your whole hands to cleanse your neck using upwards motions. Remove with a clean, damp cloth or reusable cotton pad, then gently pat dry and you’re sparkling-clean.

How To Tone Correctly

Good news everyone: toning is a very simple step to nail. Back in the day, toners were used to remove product residue and stubborn grime that might be left on your skin after cleansing. However, due to high levels of alcohol, these toners would dry out your skin, so, we decided toning should be a way to treat and hydrate your skin, not a way to suck all the life out of it.

The best time to tone is immediately after cleansing (within 60 seconds max) as this helps stop the air from drawing moisture from your skin. Our Diamond Toner comes in a handy spray glass bottle which means you can spritz it all over your skin without the need for wasteful, eco-unfriendly cotton wool. If you do like to use a pad, switch to reusable ones you can chuck in the wash, but better still, simply spritz and go.

Next, Comes Your Serum

If you get totally confused about which order to apply serums, treatments and moisturisers, remember this simple rule: the thinnest product should always be applied first. This means serum comes after toning, followed by eye cream, moisturiser and facial oil. Makes sense now, doesn’t it?

When it comes to applying your serum, there are two further rules: less is more and gently does it. Apply about a pea-sized amount of Pre-Eminent Beauty Serum onto the pad of one finger, then work it between your fingers before lightly smoothing it evenly over your face and neck. Don’t rub or massage it too much; instead allow the serum to absorb into your skin and do its magic on its own.

Go Gently With Your Eye Cream

As you know, the skin around your eyes is extremely fragile. It also lacks sebaceous glands and can be up to 10 times thinner than the skin on the rest of your face. So, word to the wise: treat it with respect.

To apply the fabulous Imperial Eye Gel, take a small amount onto your ring finger and massage it between your other ring finger for an even distribution. By using your ring fingers you minimise the amount of pressure you apply to the skin which automatically helps reduce damage. Clever huh? 

Lightly press or smooth your eye gel below each eye first, working from the outside in to help counteract smile lines. Then finish by applying any excess just under your brows. 

Your Moisturising Mantra

After allowing your eye treatment and serum a minute or so to settle, it’s time to moisturise with Imperial Moisturiser.

Again, don’t use oceans of product but stick with just enough to lightly cover your face and neck (roughly the size of a £1 coin). Work it between clean hands first, then apply gentle pressure to your face and smooth it all over. We recommend starting at your nose and smoothing out towards your hairline, because your cheeks are often the driest part of your face. Then apply it to your forehead, chin and finally your neck. And if your neck feels super dry? Feel free to apply more. Necks should never be neglected. We repeat: never.

Don’t Forget Your Lips

There’s nothing better than smoothing on a delicious lip balm like our Superior Lip Butter at the end of your skincare routine. It’s like the icing on the cake - minus the calories, of course.

Even better news: lip balm is a cinch to apply. Simply dab your finger in the pot (although no dirty fingers, please!) and smooth it all over your lips. Oh, and before bed, try smoothing it slightly outside of your lip line as the border of your lips often feels more chapped than the lips themselves.

Need to add more to your regime and practice your technique at the same time? Good news: you can buy all of these products together for the best value in the Six Phase Deluxe Collection. Win win.