Having learned my skin care fundamentals from SHISEIDO, I will be referencing a lot of what I’ve learned from them.

SHISEIDO does a wonderful job outlining the very basics with this diagram:

STEP 1: cleanse

STEP 2: SHISEIDO uses the terminology “SOFTENER” which is referenced as a “TONER” <by other manufacturers. Or look for “TONERS” that don’t contain alcohol.  Using a “toner/softener” will help your skin absorb whatever you apply on top so you end up using less moisturizer.

APPLICATION – when used with a cotton swab, you can pick up excess dirt your cleanser leaves behind.

Skin Condition with Softener

Softening lotions are designed to soften the skin’s outermost layer to optimize the absorption of further moisture and treatment ingredients.

Skin Condition without Softener

Moisturizer cannot permeate deeply into skin that has not been applied with softening lotion first.

:THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SOFTENER & TONERS:

This softening step is what makes Shiseido’s beauty regimen so original.
Unlike toners which can strip skin of vital moisture, Shiseido softeners quickly and effectively replenish generous moisture.
Skin with sufficient moisture becomes more receptive to the next skincare step and fully absorbs the benefits.

STEP 3: Moisturize

STEP 4: J’s suggestion~dab a “TONER” that CONTAINS alcohol over your moisturizer to lock in the moisturizer into your pores. (Toners that contain alcohol tones your skin by closing pores. So to apply a toner that contains alcohol before your moisturizer would not be effective)