How to Use the Icons Set in Your Daily Skincare Routine

By Dr Barbara Sturm | 15% Off First Order | Published: 2026-10-27

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to incorporate the Dr. Barbara Sturm Icons Set into your daily skincare routine with clear steps, common mistakes to avoid, and practical tips for best results.

Quick Answer

To use the Icons Set, start with a cleansed face, apply each product in order from thinnest to thickest texture, and follow the included instructions for morning and evening use.

Why Order Matters in Your Routine

The order you apply skincare products affects how well they absorb and work. The Icons Set includes a mix of serums, creams, and treatments, so layering them correctly ensures each product delivers its benefits without pilling or blocking absorption.

A simple rule: apply water-based products first, then oil-based, and finish with heavier creams. This helps the active ingredients penetrate deeper and keeps your skin hydrated throughout the day.

Adjusting for Your Skin Type

The Icons Set is designed to work for most skin types, but you may need to tweak the routine based on your skin's needs. If you have oily skin, you might skip the moisturizer in the morning or use a lighter layer. Dry skin types can benefit from applying a facial oil before the cream.

Listen to your skin—if a product feels too heavy or too light, adjust the amount or frequency. The set is versatile enough to accommodate these personal preferences.

Step-by-Step: Using the Icons Set

Cleanse Your Face: Start with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and makeup. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Always cleanse on damp skin to help the next products absorb better.
Apply the First Serum: Use the serum with the thinnest texture first. Dispense a small amount and press it into your skin with your palms. Avoid rubbing—pressing helps the serum absorb without pulling the skin.
Layer the Second Serum: If the set includes a second serum, wait a minute for the first to absorb, then apply the next one. Focus on areas that need extra attention. Give each layer time to sink in; rushing can cause pilling.
Apply Eye Cream (if included): Use a rice-grain amount of eye cream and gently tap it around the orbital bone, avoiding the lash line. Use your ring finger for the gentlest pressure.
Seal with Moisturizer: Finish with the moisturizer from the set. Warm it between your fingers and press it over your face and neck. Don't forget your neck—it ages just like your face.
Add Sunscreen in the Morning: If you're using the set in the morning, apply a broad-spectrum SPF as the final step. The set doesn't include SPF, so this is essential. Sunscreen is non-negotiable, even on cloudy days.

Product Spotlight: THE ICONS SET

THE ICONS SET: THE ICONS SET is a curated collection of Dr. Barbara Sturm's iconic products, ideal for those new to the brand or looking to replenish favorites. This set simplifies your routine by combining essential formulas, making it easy to establish a consistent daily regimen without guesswork.
THE ICONS SET