Horace Skincare Review: My Daily Routine
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Most men don’t need a 12-step skincare routine. They need something they’ll actually do every day — quickly, consistently, without overthinking it. That’s why I like Horace: it’s a straightforward men’s grooming brand that focuses on simple formulas and no-fuss routines that fit real life. In this post, I’m sharing my daily Horace skincare routine — what I use in the morning, what I use at night, and the few extras I reach for when my skin needs a bit more.
I’ve been reviewing skincare and grooming products since 2013, and I’ve personally used skincare since the late 90s — long before it became normal for men to talk about moisturiser. I also worked in a pharmacy, where skincare concerns like acne, irritation, rashes, allergic reactions, and everyday dryness came up constantly. So this routine isn’t built on hype or trends — it’s built on consistency, real-world product use, and what I’ve seen work for normal skin over time.
Routine at a glance
Morning (AM) — 4 simple steps
Face wash (cleanse and reset)
Face serum (targeted support before moisturiser)
Eye cream (for the under-eye area)
Face moisturiser (hydration + comfort)
Optional (2x/week): swap the face wash for a face scrub for a deeper clean.
Night (PM) — keep it simple
Face wash
Eye cream
Face moisturiser
My skin type: normal skin.
My goal: a routine I can stick to every day — quick, easy, and effective without overthinking it.
Shop the routine
Step 1 — Face wash: Horace Purifying Face Cleanser
This is the cleanser that anchors my whole routine. It’s black because it uses Binchotan (Japanese activated charcoal), and it gives you that proper “reset” feeling without being harsh. The foam is gentle, but the cleanse feels deep — my skin comes out clean and comfortable, not tight. I’ve had zero irritation using it regularly, and I’ve also noticed fewer random little spots, which tells me it’s doing its job without stressing my skin.
How I use it (morning):
I wet my face, work 1–2 pumps into a light foam, then massage it in for 30–60 seconds (especially around the nose and chin). Rinse, pat dry, and I’m ready for the serum.
Why it works in this routine:
It cleans properly without that “stripped” feeling — and that’s the key. If your cleanser is too aggressive, everything you apply after feels like damage control. This one keeps my skin balanced, so the serum and moisturiser go on smoothly and actually feel effective.
Step 2 — Face serum: Horace Bio-Retinol + Argireline Peptide Serum (anti-aging)
This is the step that genuinely changed my routine. If the cleanser is the “reset”, this serum is the upgrade. I use it every morning, and it’s the one product that makes me feel like I’m not just maintaining my skin — I’m actually improving it.
How I use it (morning):
After cleansing and patting my face dry, I apply 3 drops straight onto my skin (or into my hands first, then press it in). I focus on the areas that show fatigue first — forehead, around the mouth, and cheeks — then I give it a minute before I moisturise.
What it does for me (the real difference):
It makes my skin look smoother and more “awake”, like I’ve had a better night’s sleep than I actually did. Over time, it also gives my skin that slightly firmer, healthier look — not in a fake “10 years younger” way, but in a more polished, more even way. That’s why I call it a game changer: it’s a small step that gives a noticeable payoff.
Why it works in this routine:
Putting it on before moisturiser makes a big difference because it’s going directly onto clean skin, and the moisturiser then locks everything in. Simple layering, no fuss — but it works.
I go deeper in my full review of the Horace Bio-Retinol + Argireline Peptide Serum here
Step 3 — Eye cream: Horace Under-Eye Moisturizer
Eye cream has been part of my routine for years, and it’s one of those steps I don’t skip — especially in the morning. The skin around the eyes is thinner, quicker to look tired, and it reacts fast to dehydration. Horace’s under-eye moisturiser works really well for me because it’s easy to apply and feels genuinely effective day to day.
The applicator is the standout feature. It makes application clean and precise, and you can glide it under the eye without dragging or overusing product.
How I use it (morning):
A couple of gentle swipes under each eye, then I lightly tap any excess with my ring finger. Done in seconds.
The fridge trick (worth doing):
If you keep it in the fridge, the cold applicator in the morning gives an even better “wake-up” effect — brilliant if you tend to look a bit puffy or tired first thing.
Step 4 — Moisturiser + SPF: Horace Mattifying Face Moisturiser SPF
This is the step I’m the most strict about, because it’s the one that protects everything else you’re doing. Horace’s mattifying SPF moisturiser is on the thicker side, but the finish is good, and the best part for me is simple: it doesn’t have that classic SPF smell I can’t stand. Once it’s on, it feels like a proper moisturiser — not like you’ve smeared sunscreen over your face.
How I use it (morning):
After serum and eye cream, I apply it evenly over face and neck. If I’m going out for a long walk, driving a lot, or spending time outdoors, I’m a bit more generous and I don’t forget the neck.
Why SPF matters:
If you only do one “anti-ageing” thing, make it SPF. Sun exposure is one of the biggest reasons skin looks older faster — not just wrinkles, but uneven tone, dark spots, loss of firmness, and that slightly rough texture that creeps in over time. Even in the UK, UV is still doing its thing, and it adds up quietly. Using SPF daily is basically long-term damage control: it helps prevent the visible signs of ageing before you’re trying to fix them later with stronger products.
Why I recommend this one:
It’s a great choice if you want something that feels more like skincare than sunscreen — especially in warm weather or anywhere you’re getting a lot of sun and you don’t want your face looking shiny by midday.
I go deeper in my full review of the Horace Mattifying Face Moisturiser SPF here
Optional (2x/week) — Exfoliator: Horace Face Scrub
Twice a week, I swap my usual face wash for the Horace Face Scrub — and honestly, I love this exfoliator. It gives me that deep-clean feeling you can’t always get from a cleanser alone, and when I rinse it off my skin feels insanely smooth, like I’ve hit reset and I’m starting with a fresh, brand-new face.
What I like most is that it feels effective without being aggressive. It’s a “proper scrub” — you can feel it working — but it doesn’t leave my skin red or angry afterwards, which is exactly what you want from an exfoliator you’ll keep using long term.
How I use it:
2x/week max (usually morning)
On damp skin, gentle circular motions for 20–30 seconds
Rinse well, pat dry, then go straight to serum + moisturiser/SPF
Why it earns a place in my routine:
It makes everything that follows feel better. My serum applies more smoothly, my moisturiser sits nicer, and my skin just looks cleaner and more even.
I go deeper in my full review of the Horace Face Scrub here
Night routine (PM) — same base, different purpose
That’s my AM routine — simple, protective, and done in a few minutes. The evening routine is even more straightforward, but it’s just as important. At night, your skin isn’t dealing with sun, wind, pollution, or the general chaos of the day — it’s in recovery mode. So the goal is simple: wash off the day, then hydrate properly, so you wake up with skin that feels calm, comfortable, and ready for the next morning.
Step 1 — Face wash (same cleanser, same reason)
I use the same Horace Purifying Face Cleanser at night because it does exactly what I want: it cleans deeply without irritating my skin. In the evening it’s even more important, because you’re removing the buildup from the day — sweat, oil, city grime, and any leftover SPF.
Step 2 — Eye cream
Same eye cream again, for the same reason: consistency. The under-eye area benefits from daily hydration, and I like how quick and clean the applicator makes the whole step.
Step 3 — Night moisturiser: Horace Mattifying Face Moisturiser (no SPF)
This is my moisturiser of choice at night. It leaves my skin smooth, comfortable, and properly hydrated — the kind of finish that makes you feel like your skin can finally “switch off” and do its thing while you sleep. I like that it’s straightforward, not greasy, and it gives my skin that calm, even feel that’s exactly what I want before bed.
Want to try the full routine?
Final thoughts
This daily routine works because it’s simple enough to repeat. Nothing here is complicated or time-consuming — it’s just the basics done consistently: cleanse, treat, moisturise, protect in the morning, and keep things calm at night.
The biggest difference-maker is that everything has a clear job. The face wash resets my skin without irritation. The serum is the “upgrade” step that you actually notice over time. The SPF moisturiser protects my skin so I’m not undoing my progress every day. The eye cream keeps the under-eye area hydrated and looking fresher. And the scrub, twice a week, gives me that deep-clean, smooth-skin reset without overdoing it.
If you take one thing from this post, make it this: skincare isn’t about having the most products. It’s about having a routine you can stick to — even on busy mornings and late evenings. That’s why this Horace routine works for me. It fits real life, it feels good on the skin, and it keeps my face looking healthy and well looked-after without the faff.
Quick reminder: if you have very sensitive skin or active irritation, keep it extra gentle, introduce products slowly, and don’t over-exfoliate. Skincare should feel comfortable — not like a battle
Want to try the full routine?
Jerome
FAQ: Horace Skincare Routine
What order should I apply the products in the morning?
Keep it simple: face wash first, then your anti-aging serum, then eye cream, then finish with your moisturiser with SPF. The idea is lightweight steps first, then hydration, then SPF as your protective final layer for the day.
Do I really need SPF every day, even in the UK?
Yes, if you care about ageing well and keeping your skin tone even. UV damage builds up quietly over time — even on cloudy days — and SPF is the easiest way to protect your skin long term. If you only keep one habit from this routine, make it the SPF step.
How many drops of the serum should I use?
For me, three drops is perfect. It’s enough to cover the face without overloading the skin or making things feel sticky. If you’re using loads just to feel it “working”, you’re usually wasting product rather than getting better results.
Should I apply eye cream before or after moisturiser?
Either works. I usually apply it after serum and before moisturiser in the morning, and after moisturiser at night if my skin feels a bit drier. The main thing is consistency and being gentle — no rubbing or dragging the skin around the eyes.
How often should I use the Horace face scrub?
Twice a week is plenty. It gives you that deep-clean, smooth-skin reset without pushing your skin into irritation. More than that can leave skin feeling sensitive or dry, especially in colder months.
Why is the night routine important if it’s basically the same products?
Because the purpose is different. Night skincare is about washing off the day — oil, sweat, SPF, city grime — then hydrating properly so your skin stays comfortable and stable until morning. It’s the reset-and-recover part of the routine.
How long does it take to see results from a routine like this?
Some benefits are instant — cleaner feeling skin, smoother texture, better comfort. The bigger changes (that healthier look, more even texture, better “freshness” in the face) usually show up after a few weeks of doing it consistently.
Is this routine good for men over 40?
Yes — because it covers the basics that matter most: consistent cleansing, a daily anti-aging serum, proper moisturising, and SPF protection. It’s not complicated, but it targets the things that help skin stay healthy-looking as you get older.
Can I mix Horace with other brands?
Absolutely. Skincare isn’t a loyalty programme. If something works for your skin, keep it. The only rule is: introduce changes slowly and don’t stack too many “active” products at once, especially if your skin is prone to irritation.
What if my skin feels dry or sensitive in winter?
Go gentler. Reduce scrub use, keep cleansing quick (don’t over-wash), and consider a slightly richer moisturiser at night if needed. Most winter “problems” are just a barrier issue — comfort and consistency usually fix it faster than adding stronger products.
A simple Horace skincare routine you’ll actually follow: my daily AM + PM steps, the exact products I use, and why SPF matters — plus 2x/week scrub.