Do you really know your skin care routine?
I have a friend who is extremely articulate, well-put-together and super smart but knows “nothing” and by nothing I mean zilch/zero/sifar about makeup and skincare. She narrated this incident to me which made me want to hug her and shake her at the same time.
So a fellow skincare and makeup junkie sat with this friend (let’s call her “S”) one fine afternoon and the subject of makeup routine came up. She asked S what is her morning face routine before stepping out and to her horror, this was the response:
”Well I apply Almond oil on my face (see I know ‘stuff’expressions), then my base (because the base is important), and then my La Roche-Posay sunscreen on top (uhhhh: as the most expensive layer must sit on top???)”
The makeup junkie held her head in her hands, mouth wide open, stunned in disbelief! I SO feel her pain!
“How can you apply face cream on top of your base?” – asked Makeup junkie
“Well I began this regime 2 days ago ..,” – responded S (a tad sheepishly)
Ok, stop!!
Please those who have read all the way to this part … tell me you know this is all wrong and you hear alarm bells ringing in the makeup/skincare compartment of your mind!
If NOT … then you need to carry on reading.
Here is a list of “to dos” and “not to dos” routines for the novices out there.
Please pay heed, I will make it as simple as possible!
1. CLEANSE
Wash your face with a suitable cleanser.
If you have dry skin, use something hydrating. If you have oily skin, use oil-free products For normal/combination skin, use products that will not make your skin too dry or too greasy.
2. TONE
Apply toner, morning and night after cleansing! This not only tightens open pores but removes excess oils and clears the complexion for an even skin tone. Rose water can be used as a toner or you can match one to your cleanser or moisturizer.
3. APPLY SERUM
Apply a serum, especially at night. This helps to absorb your moisturiser better and has many beneficial properties. It can be collagen-boosting or anti-aging for mature skin, fortified with Vitamin C for skin brightening or one with antioxidants for skin rejuvenation or protection.
4. MOISTURISE
Apply a suitable moisturiser in the morning which is usually lighter and a night cream at night “of course” which is thicker and richer in consistency. These will help the skin stay fresh, looked after and maintained over the years.
By suitable, I mean suitable for your skin type just like the cleanser. Some suggestions here to go by:
Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream for DRY SKIN
La Roche-Posay Nutritic Intense Riche for SENSITIVE SKIN
Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Moisture Gel for OILY SKIN
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream FOR MATURE SKIN
5. FACE OILS
Oils can be tricky. Using the wrong oil can result in breakouts, open pores, excessive sebum production and can really mess up your skin.
Oils are the last step in replacing your moisturiser if you choose to use them. And you have to give them time to absorb before applying makeup; 5-10 minutes!
A simple strategy while trying out a face oil:
1. It should be cold pressed and extra virgin
2. The oil should be from the fruit or nut in the region you live in.
For example. use Coconut oil in tropical and Olive oil in Mediterranean regions.
6. EYE CREAM
Please do not miss out on this very important step. We generally tend to neglect the eyes while cleansing and moisturising. The reason there are creams different for the eye, other than the face is because the skin around the eyes is very delicate and needs gentle looking after. The skin here ages faster as well so start now!
7. SUNBLOCK
This is a must for the day!! Please invest in a very good sunblock. Check your makeup base, primer, foundation etc to see if it contains sunblock and if it doesn’t, please apply sunblock BEFORE your makeup application!
Then comes the base, concealer, primer, foundation etc. but for now, absorb and practice the above and we will guide you on the next step once you are ready!
So for now, get ready to cleanse, tone, serum, moisturize!
If you want to know which skin care range will suit your skin type. Click here for our recommendations.
