Cleanse, toner, serum, moisturiser, sunscreen — if the word "order" makes you nervous, you're in good company. Here's the simple rule that clears it all up.
From the thinnest to the thickest consistency. That's the whole logic. Water-like products (e.g. toner, essence) first, oily or creamy products (e.g. face cream) last. Why? Because a thick product creates a barrier that a thinner serum applied afterwards can no longer properly penetrate.
Once you know this rule, you can sort any product yourself — including a new one you buy today that nobody else has mentioned.
Gentle cleanser, lukewarm water, massage in for about 30 seconds. In the morning, often just water or a mild cleanser is enough. In the evening, do "double cleansing" if you were wearing make-up or sunscreen (oil cleanser first, then regular cleanser).
Water-like, often with hydrating ingredients (hyaluronic acid, glycerin). Apply to damp skin. If you don't use a toner: no problem, the step is optional.
This is where the "big" actives come in: vitamin C (morning), niacinamide, retinol (evening only), AHA/BHA acids (evening). Use very little — a pea-sized amount usually covers the whole face.
If you use one: after the serum, before the face cream. Tap in gently with your ring finger — it applies the least pressure.
The "seal" of the previous steps. Creamier and thicker than the serum — it locks in the moisture. Consider your skin type: dry → richer cream; oily → light gel cream.
This is by far the most important step of all if you have anything on your skin during the day. SPF 30 minimum, more is better. As the last step, because other products can otherwise dilute the UV filter.
Don't want 5 products? Understood. This is the absolute minimal routine that actually does something:
Morning: Cleanse → moisturiser → sunscreen.
Evening: Cleanse → moisturiser.
If you do these 3 (morning) and 2 (evening) steps consistently every day, you've got 80 % of the effect of the "perfect" 8-step routine. Consistency beats complexity.