Serum is an all-star step in most skin care routines. Packed full of actives, these potent pre-moisturiser power products have the potential to rectify a myriad of skin issues. But in order to see results, you need to know the best way to apply them.
While some tips will be dependant on the type of serum you’re using (ie. hyaluronic acid works best on damp skin), there are some universal application techniques that can help to elevate your results.
Watch the video above or keep scrolling to learn some handy serum hints.
4 tips for applying face serum
#1 Drop your serum into clean hands
Your serum step should come directly after cleansing. However, it’s best to drop your serum into your clean hands, rather than having the pipette come into direct contact with your face. This is because it can end up collecting bacteria from the face, which then ends up back in your serum bottle. Plus, dropping your serum into your hands first will make tip two much easier…
#2 Pat don’t rub your serum in
The best way to apply serum is to use your palms and fingertips to pat and tap it into the skin. This will help the formula to penetrate and absorb better. Rubbing can sometimes just move it around the skin without allowing it to sink in properly.
#3 Apply from thinnest to thickest
If you’re using multiple face serums in your routine, the application order can sometimes get confusing. But a general rule of thumb is to go from thinnest to thickest. This way, the thinner formulas will be able to penetrate without being blocked by the thicker ones. And if you’re using an eye serum, this should come after your face serums.
BOOST LAB Vitamin C Brightening Serum, $29.95 at boostlabco.com
BOOST LAB Bio-Active Eye Reset Serum, $29.95 at boostlabco.com
#4 Use your ring finger to apply eye serum
Just like eye cream, eye serum should be applied using your ring finger. This will ensure gentle pressure for such a delicate area of skin. Use it to make light, tapping motions, until the serum is absorbed.
Do you use a serum? Did you find these tips useful?
Thank you for the tips. I like pat it and tap it.
Yes, I like using them , great for summer time because they are so light on the skin.
I’m trying to remember to pat it into my skin! I have a habit of rubbing it in
Yes great tips! I love my serums, have always applied my eye creams, serums or masks with my ring fingers as they apply the least pressure.
I love using serums
Thank you for all the tips =D
I’ve watched Youtube videos on how to apply serum and every tip helps to get it right.
Good tips with logical steps
After I rub my serum in, I always think: D’oh – I’ll have to remember to pat it in next time!
I do that too and do not apply to damp skin so good to know
I am occasionally guilty of rubbing it on before patting it in.
I use HA and Vit C serums. I do the moist face and tap routine. Also wait for serum to settle on skin (dry) before going on to next layer.
Serums and eye creams are a must in my skincare routine. Thanks for the useful info.
good tips!
bh I love How-To Videos.
Great tips, it always frustrates me when I see people apply serums directly onto their face from the dropper!
I have seen this exact action used on a product’s application video on a brand’s official website!
Oooo I saw a rude finger!
I meant to say I thought I saw a rude finger!
Good article and tips. Thank you
Thank you for the video and tips! I love serums.
I like using my serums but my skin doesn’t always soak it up well, and i don’t feel like it moisturises my skin. But they are nice on the skin and i love the glow
What great tips! I learn something new everyday from this site
I love using serum during summer as I find regular face creams don’t allow my skin to breathe and my face sweats.
I have a serum obsession! I have a few favourites but love trying new ones. Don’t forget to apply moisturiser over the top to seal it in is my top tip.
I have to remember to pat it in, I often don’t. But I love serums.
Great tips for applying serums!
Serums are such a great investment in your skin.
Thank You for some wonderful Tips on applying Eye Serum it will make it work much better on Eyes and the Face.
Great advice
Good tips, especially the pat not rub one
Agree.
I do pat, never rub. Maybe I need to use more than one serum?
Love the tips, but have never used more than one serum at a time??
I think serum is possibly the best newish beauty item from the last several years. If you find a perfect one it’s magical.
Thank you for useful tips. I may need to patting my serum to the skin.
Nice simple tips. I found the one about patting not rubbing most helpful.
so I have been doing it wrong, directly from the pipette.
Good read
Thanks for the tips.
Great tips, thank you 🙂