Where sunscreen goes in a luxury skincare routine

The morning order with sunscreen

Sunscreen sits on top because it is meant to form an even layer on the skin's surface. Putting moisturizer over it can move or thin that layer. Our routine order builder always places sunscreen last in the morning and hides it at night.

1. 1

   Cleanse and pat dry.

2. 2

   Apply toner, softener or essence if you use one.

3. 3

   Apply serum and let it settle.

4. 4

   Apply eye cream if you use one.

5. 5

   Apply moisturizer and give it a minute or two to settle.

6. 6

   Apply sunscreen last, following the amount and directions on its label.

7. 7

   Apply makeup, if you wear it, after sunscreen has set.

Day creams that carry SPF

Some luxury day creams include sunscreen and are labeled with an SPF. When you use one, it is both your moisturizer and your last skincare step. The brand listings in our guides say so directly: Shiseido says to apply Future Solution LX Total Protective Cream SPF 30 as the last step in your morning routine, and Lancome says to smooth Absolue Premium Bx Day Cream SPF 15 onto clean face and neck in the morning after cleansing, toning and serums.

Read the label for each product, including the SPF number and whether it says broad spectrum. Shiseido's listing describes its cream as broad-spectrum SPF 30. Our day cream with SPF guide lists each product with its labeled SPF.

Compare luxury day creams with SPF →

Day cream with SPF, or cream plus sunscreen?

Both approaches follow the same rule: the product carrying the SPF goes on last. The difference is how much you apply. The SPF number on a label is measured using a set amount of product, and US sunscreen labels direct you to apply liberally. A thin, pea-size layer of day cream, which suits a moisturizer, may be less than a sunscreen label calls for. That is why many people use their regular cream and then a separate sunscreen applied as its label directs.

If you use a day cream with SPF, apply it as the brand describes and read the label for reapplication directions. If you want a higher labeled SPF than your day cream carries, add a separate sunscreen on top rather than mixing products together. For sun protection advice specific to your skin, ask a dermatologist.

Note.Do not mix sunscreen into your moisturizer or foundation. Mixing can change how the sunscreen spreads, and the label's SPF applies to the product as sold, used as directed.

Reapplying sunscreen over luxury skincare

Follow the reapplication directions on your sunscreen's label. US sunscreen labels commonly direct reapplication at least every 2 hours, and after swimming, sweating or towel drying, with water-resistant products listing a time in minutes. Your label is the authority for your product.

Reapplying over a cream and makeup is easier with a texture you can press on. Many people keep a separate sunscreen for midday reapplication. Press gently instead of rubbing, so the layers underneath stay in place.

Tips for layering sunscreen over rich creams

If your cream and sunscreen roll into flakes, our moisturizer pilling fix explains why. Lighter morning options are in our lightweight luxury moisturizer guide, and the greasy cream fix helps if your layers feel heavy. For the evening side, see morning vs night skincare routine.

• Keep the morning cream layer thin. A pea-size amount is usually enough.
• Wait until your moisturizer no longer feels wet before applying sunscreen.
• If sunscreen pills or slides, use less cream or switch to a lighter morning cream.
• Save very rich creams and face oils for the evening if they feel heavy under sunscreen.
• Night creams and sleeping masks are for the evening; they replace sunscreen in the PM order, not in the AM.

Frequently asked questions

Does SPF go before or after moisturizer? After. Sunscreen is the last skincare step in the morning, before makeup.

Can my SPF day cream be my only sunscreen? Read its label and use it as directed. Many people add a separate sunscreen on top, applied as that label directs, especially for long periods outdoors. A dermatologist can advise on your needs.

How long should I wait after moisturizer before sunscreen? Until the cream no longer feels wet, usually a minute or two.

Do I need sunscreen at night? No. Sunscreen is a morning and daytime step. At night the last step is your cream, oil or sleeping mask.