First of all, let’s make things clear from the beginning. I am no beauty guru, make up artist, dermatologist, beauty products aficionado. No. It kind of bores me and I have no patience to search and discover products, routines, tips and tricks. Still…whenever I have bad days or boring ones or I feel I didn’t take care of me that much…or, of course, as many of us do, when I have a problem…I start researching. Asking my friends or women who have clear beautiful skin, reading, going to the pharmacy, Sephora or any other specialised shop and spending a few hours on the matter. But otherwise…if everything is smooth and clean, I am super fine with my beauty routine. Why am I writing this article then? Why should you actually read this?
Because many of you are in my situation. Lack of time, of money, of interest, maybe everything seems so complicated, complex and needs so much attention. Let’s face it, not all women are beauty experts but they still need to take care of their skin. So…I organised my thoughts a little bit and realised I do have a skincare routine which was built in the last two or three years, maybe. Up until then I used all sorts of shitty products, really cheap, super random…as young women do because, in most cases, young skin looks good by default. No matter the products I used I never had problems with my skin. Thanks GOD! Up until two and a half years ago when I ended up with a really bad irritation around the chin and the mouth. At first I thought it was because of the dairy products or the sugar but then I discovered the real cause: micellar water! You know, in the commercials they say there is no need to rinse off the micellar water. Wrong! Because I didn’t rinse it off and I immediately put on the moisturiser, my skin reacted very badly. It took me a couple of weeks, panic, a lot of friends going crazy to help me to finally discover the cause. Then and there was the beginning of my interest in my skincare routine. I haven’t tried so many products because when I find one that is good for me, I tend to keep using it. My face is really sensitive and reacts immediately to anything that isn’t ok. So..let me introduce you to my tips&tricks when it comes to my face and making it look as good as possible. No. As good as possible with less effort. Better!
1. Clean your face
Twice per day, no matter if you used make up or not. Just wash that face! In case you go to the gym in the morning, yes, you have to wash it after workout also even if you washed it before going out. There is dust, there is some sweat, maybe you touched the fitness mat with your face. Just wash it! There is no excuse, no reason for you not to. It’s the basic step in any skincare routine. Even I know this. You can optionally use a muslin cloth to better clean that heavy make up.
2. Use a toner
I used to think toners are those products that make your face shrink, feel dry and matte and since my skin is very sensitive, a bit dry, I was afraid to use one of those. But did you know there are also hydrating toners that can help your skin absorb better the following products: serums, moistures, sunscreen etc. Some say it is better to pour a few drops in your hand and then go gently on your face. I prefer spraying it on a cotton pad and rub it on my face. Twice a day, after cleansing.
3. Use serums
This is a really complex matter since there are tons of substances to be used for different complexions. I personally use hyaluronic acid from The Ordinary and that’s it. Maybe I should go to the next level and try some retinol or vitamin C, but I have no idea how to do it and I think I should ask some professional advice before. Or go to a really good cosmetician. But still…even if you are like me, a novice, you can still use the basic of them all: the hyaluronic acid. Serums are real elixirs filled with concentrated doses of active ingredients that can mitigate a number of issues, from dark spots to wrinkles. Please take into consideration the serums are applied on damp skin, so use it while the skin is still moist after the toner or use a moisturising spray.
4. Sunscreen is mandatory
I guess you all have a moisturiser to put on after the serum, so there is no need to talk about this. But the matter that is ignored by the most is the sunscreen. Of course, during summer everyone is using it. Mostly on the beach. But sunscreen is mandatory all year round. It protects your skin from the UVA and UVB factors which damage your skin seriously. It is better to have a separate sunscreen cream but to make it easier experts recommend using a daily moisturiser with a built-in broad spectrum SPF of at least 30.
5. My personal extra tips&tricks
• Don’t be afraid of using your hands when applying your foundation. I often hear this advice of using sponges, brushes and other tools and women being appalled when hearing that your hands may be the best option. And the cheapest, I may add. Wash your hand properly before using them on your face and you’re good to go. Trust me, it’s easier to wash your hands than to wash the sponge or the brush.
• For an always glowing skin you can use a moisturiser spray. My favorite one is from Clinique, Moisture Surge Spray. I use it all year round, whenever I need a boost of hydration. Use it after your skincare routine and even after applying make up. It is also a really good make up setting spray.
• My skin has some really weird periods sometimes, maybe it depends on the stress level or the season, but from time to time small really dry spots appear on my face, super random. And then I use some vaseline for my night routine, put right on the spots. It works like wonder.
All in all, I really do think skincare is more important than make up. Invest as much as you can in the products that take care of your complexion and stop being so focused on the covering part. I mean the make up products. Yes, they are important too and you should be careful what and how you use them, but if the skin is “sick” or has some issues, it is pointless to put make up on. It will only get worse.
Please feel free to share your tips&tricks, your advice, your favorite routine or products. Or maybe your favorite cosmetician or salon.
