Men’s skincare routine: correct order, steps and products by age & skin type
If you want to improve the look of your face without overcomplicating things, you need a men’s skincare routine that’s simple, consistent, and tailored to your skin. Here you’ll find the correct order, the recommended products, and a quick guide based on age and skin type.
Want to get it right the first time?
Take our personalized skincare routine test (age, skin type, climate, and goal) and we’ll recommend the most suitable products for your face in under 1 minute.
Correct order for a men’s skincare routine (steps)
Golden rule:
In a skincare routine, anything with pigment or color goes last. That’s why if you use a sunscreen stick (with pigment to avoid a white cast), it should be the final step. If you use a sunscreen spray (no color), you can apply the under-eye concealer only on the under-eye area before or after sunscreen—whichever you prefer.
If your goal with concealer is a “fresh look” with a touch of color, use it during the day. At night, prioritize treatment with no tint.
Order with sunscreen spray (no color)
- Cleanser (morning and night)
- Scrub (only 1–2 times per week)
- Revitalizing toner
- Serum (based on your goal: anti-aging, dark spots, pores…)
- Eye contour (treatment, no tint)
- Anti-aging moisturizer (based on skin type / season)
- Under-eye concealer (optional, only under eyes)
- Sunscreen spray (morning)
Because concealer is localized (under eyes only) and the spray has no color, this order works great for daytime.
Order with sunscreen stick (with pigment)
- Cleanser (morning and night)
- Scrub (only 1–2 times per week)
- Revitalizing toner
- Serum (based on your goal: anti-aging, dark spots, pores…)
- Eye contour (treatment, no tint)
- Anti-aging moisturizer (based on skin type / season)
- Under-eye concealer (optional, only under eyes)
- Sunscreen stick (final step because it’s pigmented)
Weekly extra: scrub 1–2 times per week (after cleansing, before toner/serum). If you want a basic men’s skincare routine, 3–4 steps (cleanser + serum + moisturizer + sunscreen) will already make a visible difference.
Men’s daily skincare routine: morning and night
Morning routine
- 1. Cleanser
- 2. Scrub (only 1–2 times per week)
- 3. Revitalizing toner
- 4. Serum (based on your goal)
- 5. Eye contour (treatment, no tint)
- 6. Anti-aging moisturizer (based on skin type / season)
- 7. Under-eye concealer (optional, only under eyes)
- 8. Sunscreen (spray or stick)
If your sunscreen is a stick (pigmented), always apply it last.
Night routine
- 1. Cleanser
- 2. Scrub (only 1–2 times per week)
- 3. Revitalizing toner
- 4. Serum (or serums: apply the thinnest one first)
- 5. Eye contour (treatment, no tint)
- 6. Anti-aging moisturizer (based on skin type / season)
At night you don’t need tinted concealer—this is the best time to prioritize treatment.
Night routine video
Recommended products for your routine
Step 1: Sulfate-free cleanser (daily)
Cleansing is the base of any men’s skincare routine: it helps remove impurities, excess oil, sweat, and product residue (including sunscreen).
Cleanser video
Recommendation: Extra Gent’s (face cleanser).
Step 2: Scrub (1–2 times per week)
Even if you cleanse daily, dead skin cells and small impurities build up and can dull your complexion and make pores look more visible. Scrubbing 1–2 times per week helps to:
- improve skin texture,
- refine the look of pores,
- and prep your skin so serum and moisturizer absorb better.
If your skin is sensitive, start with once a week and adjust based on tolerance.
Scrub video
Recommendation: X-foliate (face scrub).
Step 3: Revitalizing toner (daily, optional but highly recommended)
This is one of the most noticeable steps when you want a fresher look: it delivers an immediate feeling of freshness and helps your skin look more awake.
Toner video
Recommendation: Cool Splash (revitalizing toner spray).
Step 4: Serum (anti-aging, dark spots & pores)
If you’re after an anti-aging routine or want to improve texture and tone, serum is the step that speeds up results the most. See them all here: men’s anti-aging serums.
- Anti-aging + dark spots: Anti-aging + dark spot serum.
- Triple-action anti-aging (pores / sensitive-acne prone): Triple-action serum.
Serum video
If you use two serums, apply the thinnest one first and the thicker one second.
Step 5: Eye contour (treatment) (morning and night)
The eye contour is the key step if you want to improve puffiness, dark circles, and crow’s feet. Our formula combines:
- Caffeine + cucumber extract (ideal to help reduce the look of puffiness and tired-looking eyes),
- and hyaluronic acid to help with fine lines around the eyes (crow’s feet).
Apply it after serum and before moisturizer.
Eye cream video
Eye cream vs. under-eye concealer
Recommendation: Eye contour (roll-on).
Step 6: Under-eye concealer (day, optional)
Concealer is a shortcut to look instantly more refreshed. Use it only on the under-eye area as an optional step during the day.
Recommendation: Under-eye concealer.
Step 7: Anti-aging moisturizer (gel or cream based on your skin type)
- Oily / combination skin: Anti-Aging Gel
- Dry / normal skin: Anti-Aging Cream
Moisturizer video
Expert tip: you don’t have to choose just one texture
Many men hesitate between gel and cream… but they’re not mutually exclusive. Our Anti-Aging 365 Kit is designed so you can combine both textures based on your skin and the season:
- Option 1 (simple): gel in the morning and cream at night.
- Option 2 (custom texture): mix gel + cream in your palm and apply the resulting emulsion to your face.
- Option 3 (seasonal): gel in warmer months and cream in colder months.
This keeps your skin balanced all year long—without sacrificing lightness or comfort.
You can adjust gel/cream depending on the season: lighter textures in warm weather and richer comfort in cold weather.
Step 8: Sunscreen (morning)
Explore the collection: natural sun protection.
- Sunscreen spray SPF 30 (no color)
- Biodegradable sunscreen stick SPF 50 (with pigment)
Golden rule: if your sunscreen is pigmented (stick), it always goes last.
Not sure which option fits you best (age, combination/oily skin, climate, shaving…)?
The fastest way to get it right is to take the personalized skincare routine test. Based on your answers, we suggest the correct order and the right products for your face.
Includes tailored recommendations for goals like pores, dark spots, dullness, first lines, or sensitive skin.
Full men’s skincare routine (infographics + video)
Infographic: order with sunscreen spray
With a sunscreen spray (no pigment), concealer can be used only on the under-eye area as an optional step.
Infographic: order with sunscreen stick
With a pigmented sunscreen stick, sunscreen always goes last.
Skincare Routine video
Expert recommendation (the easiest path)
If you want a routine made for you, start here: personalized skincare routine. Answer a few quick questions and we’ll recommend a selection tailored to your skin.
Routine kit / set for men
The simplest option: 4-step routine + serum
If you prefer to keep it simple, we recommend our Men’s Facial Treatment: an easy routine to follow with numbered steps. Just stick to the order.
Tip: if you add a serum, apply it between step 3 and step 4.
4-step routine + serum video
For an intensive option using both serums: Men’s anti-aging serums kit.
FAQ: men’s skincare routine
What is the best skincare routine for men?
The best men’s skincare routine is the one you can stick to every day: cleanse, serum, eye contour, anti-aging moisturizer and sunscreen in the morning. At night, repeat cleanse + toner (optional) + serum + eye contour + moisturizer.
What is the correct order for a men’s skincare routine?
Base order: cleanse → (scrub 1–2x/week) → toner → serum → eye contour → anti-aging moisturizer → sunscreen (morning). Under-eye concealer is optional and used during the day.
How should a men’s routine change by age (30s, 40s, 50s)?
The base stays the same at any age (cleanse, serum, eye contour, moisturizer and sunscreen), but the focus changes:
- 30–35: prevention. Daily cleansing, a lightweight serum and consistent sunscreen.
- 40–45: anti-aging treatment. More consistency with serum, tailored hydration and extra focus on the eye area.
- 50+: repair and comfort. More nourishing textures, consistent anti-aging serums and a steady morning + night routine.
If you want an exact recommendation based on your age and habits, take our personalized skincare routine test.
How do I adapt my routine to my skin type?
For a routine to work, it must match your skin type:
- Oily or combination: lighter textures (gel), consistent cleansing and weekly scrub to help with pores and shine.
- Dry: richer hydration, gentle scrub and avoid harsh products.
- Sensitive: keep it simple—fewer, well-formulated products and occasional scrub.
If you’re not sure about your skin type, the easiest option is the personalized skincare routine test.
Should I use under-eye concealer at night?
Not necessary. At night, it’s better to prioritize treatment with no tint around the eye area.
Does a sunscreen stick go last?
Yes. Because it’s pigmented, it should always be the final step.
What goes first: serum or eye contour?
Serum first, then eye contour treatment.
How often should I scrub my face?
Usually 1–2 times per week. If your skin is sensitive, start with once a week.
What if I don’t know my skin type?
You can read our skin type guide or take the personalized skincare routine test.