Beauty ruts can trip us up over time. Rediscover your skin’s potential to look its best with A&B’s no-nonsense list of skincare resolutions.
Scrub Up
Layers of dead skin cells will impede what good cleansers and creams can do. They become a barrier to skincare products which will simply graze or lay atop old skin, preventing them from being fully efficacious.
Make your skin receptive to skincare products by exfoliating. Doing this not only brightens the skin instantly, it also makes it look more even-toned. “Exfoliating regularly will ensure crystal-clear skin,” agrees freelance makeup artist Javen Veladan.
Choose between mechanical exfoliators (good ones contain crushed organic material such as bamboo, seeds and shells) or chemical exfoliators (they have AHA/BHA which acts on the skin’s deeper layers)
Cleanse with Care
Good cleansers efficiently remove makeup and daily grime from the skin to maintain its glow. However, do not use harsh motions or be overzealous in washing your face – if it feels squeaky clean, you may have stripped your skin of the necessary facial oils that protect and keep it healthy.
Tone to Hone
Western toners typically remove dirt/makeup remnants and tighten pores, while Asian toning lotions ready the skin for the absorption of nourishing ingredients. This is not always a necessary step but certainly a beneficial one.
Feed Your Skin
Applying a serum before a moisturiser will amp up the skincare effects you desire. Let the serum absorb fully before putting on your moisturiser. As a rule of thumb, try not to use serums alone as they often need the occlusive properties of gels and creams to seal in moisture.
Facial masks nourish the skin too. “They are clever products that address a plethora of skincare needs and impart speedy effects,” says Dollei Seah, beauty veteran and head of the hair/makeup unit at dollsuup.com.
Easy On The Eye
The proverbial windows to our souls, the eyes are an important feature of our face. Soothe and hydrate the eye area with eye gels and creams. “They are especially recommended for people who apply concealer under the eye daily, as well as those who are constantly staring at computers and other electronic devices,” emphasises Dollei.
Pay Lip Service
To soothe chapped lips, apply lip salve or even eye cream, a secret tool of many makeup artists. “A plumping lip concentrates conditions and sculpts lips too. Leave it on for five minutes and blot off the excess before lipstick,” advises Francis Lim, chief makeup artist at Yves Saint Laurent Beauté Singapore.
Make Up to Wake Up
Artfully-applied makeup can complement skincare to do wonders for your appearance. “A brightening product on the planes of the face (the forehead, cheekbones and nose bridge), as well as around the nose and eyes, can revitalise the complexion,” promises Francis. “Brush foundation from inside out for a natural-looking application.”
Look for makeup with skincare benefits to maintain your clear skin.
Spritz and Mist
A favourite of beauty insiders, facial sprays not only help to prep the skin for skincare, they also prolong makeup wear, while lending luminosity. Many face mists are now imbued with skincare properties to enhance and complement skincare routines.
Keep It Up
Spend at least five to ten minutes – once or twice a day – on your skincare routine. That little bit of time will make a difference over the months. “Make it habitual,” advises Javen.
Look Good From Within
Topical products aren’t all we need, though.
“Besides good skincare products, diet and exercise are the keys to great-looking skin,” says Leona Low, training and customer care manager at Clarins Singapore. “Our skin needs ample water and nutrients such as vitamins to function well and stay healthy. Exercise helps to boost circulation which gives vitality and radiance to our complexion,” she stresses.
“Inner peace helps skin glow happily too,” Dollei reminds us.