A simple guide to everyday elegance for all skin types
With so many different skincare products out there, all promising to do wonders for your skin, it can feel overwhelming to know what’s right for your skin type and where to even begin sometimes. Whether you’re a total skincare newbie, or looking to refresh your beauty routine, we’ve got all the details you need know to ensure you’re applying everything correctly and getting the very best results from your skincare products.
MORNING:
Stay hydrated
As soon as you wake up, drink a glass of water to hydrate. Although water isn’t a skincare product as such, being hydrated does wonders for your skin by helping to brighten skin tone, reduce puffiness and it’s also great for waking you up naturally.
Cleanse and tone
Splash your face with warm water, then gently apply cleanser to remove any buildup of oils and dirt that may have accumulated overnight, while you slept. Unsure of how much cleanser to use? Aim for a bottle cap sized amount and apply in upward, circular motions all over your face before rinsing off.
Many people don’t use toner because they don’t know what it does is or how much to use. Toning is an essential second step of your skincare routine if you want to ensure all dirt and grime buildup is removed. Although it’s hard to measure how much toner you’re using, aim for a few sprays, if using a spray toner, or a few drops on a cotton wool pad. If you don’t feel as though you have toned your whole face sufficiently, repeat until you are satisfied. However, a little goes a long way so take it easy to begin with!
Introduce a serum
Not everyone uses a serum in their skincare routine, but they are great for targeting specific problems areas. If your skin is patchy, dull or grey, a serum can be used to help restore your skin back to health and happiness. When using a serum less is more! Aim to use a pea-sized amount and use it on the areas that need it most.
Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise
If you think of moisturiser as water for your skin, it may help you realise just how important it really is. Begin with a five pence-sized amount of moisturiser and spread it evenly around your face and neck. You can always add more if you need to but start small and build up gradually.
The skin around your eyes is very delicate, so requires a little extra care. No matter what your age, using eye cream is essential if you want to keep your skin healthy and prevent ageing. Very gently, apply tiny amount of eye cream to your eye area, starting at your cheekbone and going up to your brow bone. Start small, using eye cream that measures to be about the same size as a grain of rice, and if you need to add more do so bit by bit.
DURING THE DAY:
Protect your hands
1. Throughout the day apply a chocolate button-sized amount of hand cream to your hands and massage in. This will keep your hands looking and feeling super soft and supple. In the colder weather especially, keeping your hands hydrated and nourished is recommended.
EVENING:
Cleanse and tone
When you cleanse your skin in the evening you’re ridding it of all the grime, dirt and pollution from the day. It’s essential for keeping your skin at its healthiest, and it helps to keep your skin blemish free and beautiful. Apply the same amount of cleanser as you did in the morning, a bottle cap-sized amount, but spend a little longer massaging it into your skin thoroughly. Use a muslin cloth or flannel to gently wipe away any excess.
Remember to use your toner as an extra security step to ensure your skin is 100% clean and to also ensure your cleanser is fully removed.
Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise
In the evening, switch your day moisturiser to a nourishing night cream. These tend to be extra hydrating and are designed to absorb while you sleep. Apply a five pence-sized amount and gently massage into your face and neck, using upward, circular motions to improve blood circulation.
Apply a tiny amount of eye cream to your delicate eye area, by dabbing it gently around the eye area. Be careful not to rub or pull at this area of your face as you may irritate or damage the fine skin around your eyes.
Stay hydrated
Whether or not your have particularly dry skin, consider introducing a facial oil into your evening skincare routine. A facial oil will help to keep your skin hydrated while you sleep and over time can improve the overall health of your skin, helping you to achieve a brighter, more even-looking complexion. Use a sunflower seed-sized measurement and massage into your face, neck and décolletage.
TWO OR THREE TIMES A WEEK
Exfoliation Time
Dull, grey complexions aren’t the most desirable, so if you’re struggling to brighten your skin tone, try exfoliating two or three times a week, using an almond-sized helping of facial scrub. This will remove the top layer of dead skin cells and reveal super-soft, healthy skin underneath. Keep exfoliation to a maximum of three times a week, as you don’t want to over-exfoliate and rid your skin of essential natural oils.
ONCE A WEEK:
Face Mask Treat
For the ultimate pamper experience, treat your skin to a nourishing face mask. Applying a face mask can feel very relaxing and calming, so not only is it good for your skin, but for your happiness too! Apply a generous, strawberry-sized amount of face mask to your skin and allow it to dry before washing off completely.