Step-by-step guide to your ultimate natural skincare routine
Follow our guide to craft a decadent skincare ceremony that leaves your skin radiant and your mind refreshed.
The best natural skincare ritual
A skincare routine should be more than just a daily task – it’s a moment of calm, a ritual of self-care that nourishes both skin and soul. Antipodes’ luxurious, natural skincare helps you create a sensorial experience that transforms your daily routine into a ritual.
What order do I apply my skincare products?
While your skin may not crave all seven steps every day, we recommend applying your skincare in the following order:
1. Cleanser – healthy skin starts clean
2. Mask – an indulgent treatment 1-3 times a week
3. Toner – prepare your skin to receive nutrients
4. Serum – targeted ingredients for your skin concerns
5. Eye Cream – gentle care for the delicate eye area
6. Moisturiser – essential hydration and replenishment
7. SPF (daytime only) – protect against UV rays and signs of premature ageing.
Step 1
Cleanse
Every ritual begins with a clean slate. Cleansing not only removes makeup, SPF, and daily impurities, but it also prepares your skin to absorb the nutrients in the following steps.
- For cream and butter cleansers – Massage into dry skin using gentle, circular motions for at least 30 seconds, allowing the nourishing oils to melt away makeup and impurities. Remove with a hot, damp cloth to reveal soft, refreshed skin.
- For gel cleansers – Apply to damp skin and work into a light lather. Rinse thoroughly for a fresh, purified feel.
- Double cleansing – For an extra indulgent ritual, start with a cream or butter cleanser, then follow with a gel cleanser for a deep yet gentle cleanse.
Step 2
Mask (1–3 times a week)
Treat your skin to a moment of pure indulgence. Whether you need deep hydration, exfoliation, or a detoxifying reset, a mask is the perfect way to nurture your skin.
- For nourishment – Choose a creamy, nutrient-rich mask to replenish lost moisture and restore radiance.
- For brightening – Choose a mask with exfoliating actives to remove lifeless skin cells.
- For detoxifying – Opt for a mud mask to draw out impurities and balance oil levels.
Apply a generous layer, then take 15 minutes to unwind. Rinse away with warm water to reveal fresh and nurtured skin, then pat dry with a soft towel.
Step 3
Toner
A toner is like a refreshing drink of water for your skin, balancing pH levels and prepping skin for the next steps.
- For hydration and calm – Spritz a hydrating mist over your face to soothe and refresh. You can also use it throughout the day whenever your skin needs a boost.
- For glowing skin – Choose a toner with active ingredients to gently exfoliate and enhance your natural glow. Gently press into the skin for better absorption.
Wait a minute or two to allow your toner to fully absorb through the layers of your skin before the next step in your ritual.
Step 4
Serum
This is where targeted skincare begins. Serums are concentrated treatments that deeply penetrate the skin to deliver powerful ingredients exactly where they’re needed. Serums can be used on their own, or layered. Serums are a great skincare step to adapt to what your skin is craving on any given day.
- Start with the lightest texture – Water and gel based serums hydrate and infuse skin with essential nutrients and active ingredients to target specific skin concerns.
- Finish with the heaviest serum (ideal for night-time, or winter days) – Oil based serums lock in moisture and deeply nourish the skin throughout the day, or while you sleep.
Gently press a few drops into your skin, allowing each layer to absorb fully before applying the next step of your skincare ritual.
Step 5
Eye cream
The delicate skin around your eyes needs extra care. Choose a natural eye cream to help brighten, hydrate, smooth fine lines or ease puffiness.
- Take a pea-sized amount and warm it between your ring fingers.
- Gently tap around the eye area, avoiding pulling or tugging.
- Allow it to absorb fully before moving on to the next step.
Step 6
Moisturise
Lock in hydration and protect your skin barrier with a nourishing moisturiser.
- For morning – Choose a lightweight, hydrating formulation to keep skin plump and radiant throughout the day.
- For night – Opt for a richer, nourishing cream that works while you sleep, helping to restore and replenish your skin overnight.
Massage into your skin using upward strokes, taking a moment to breathe in the natural fragrances and enjoy the soothing sensation.
Step 7
SPF (morning only)
The final step of your morning ritual – sun protection. A daily SPF shields your skin from harmful UV rays and environmental stressors, helping to prevent premature ageing.
- Before you apply your mineral SPF, take a moment to warm the product between your fingertips. This helps to soften the formula, making it easier to spread evenly across your skin.
- Gently massage it into your face and neck using circular motions to ensure thorough absorption.
- After applying your mineral sunscreen, it’s important to let it settle on your skin for a minute or two before applying makeup. This allows the SPF to fully absorb, ensuring that you get maximum protection and that your makeup applies smoothly on top.
- Reapply throughout the day as needed.
