Which step is usually performed last in a basic facial routine?

• A. Moisturise.
• B. Cleanse.
• C. Exfoliate.
• D. Tone.

Answer: (A)

Moisturising last is about sealing in hydration and forming a protective barrier after the skin has been cleaned and prepared. Start with cleansing to remove makeup and impurities. Exfoliation is usually done before moisturising to remove dead skin cells and allow better product absorption. Toning comes next to rebalance and refine the skin after cleansing (and exfoliating if you’ve done it). Only after these steps is moisturiser applied to hydrate and protect, helping the skin retain moisture. In daytime routines you’d typically finish with sunscreen on top of the moisturiser.