Do you find your makeup constantly patchy, clingy and overall lackluster? You might not be taking the proper steps to prep your skin before applying your base or using more beneficial products for your skin type.
Here are a few recommendations to add to your beauty routine:
SKIN PREP
• Moisturization is the most important thing when selecting skincare. Apply hydrating products in the morning to ensure your skin is ready for makeup application.
Some key ingredients to look for are hyaluronic acid, ceramides and squalene. To help relieve dry patches, look for exfoliants with lactic acids, allowing the skin to break down and remove dead cells.
• For cleansers, most of us will want to look for products labeled for normal to dry skin types. Cleansers formulated for oily skin will completely strip all the natural moisture from your skin barrier. You should still be able to gently glide your finger across your cheek without dry resistance after cleansing.
• Serums and beauty oils are highly recommended. Using a barrier serum before your moisturizer during the day will help protect your skin from pollution and will continue to hydrate the skin. For your nightly routine, snail mucin or 1 to 2% of hyaluronic acid serum applied before sealing it with your moisturizer will result in plump, supple morning skin.
APPLICATION
After prepping our skin with beneficial and moisturizing products, we are ready to apply our base. We can skip primer because we’ve prepped with our skincare. Your foundation of choice should be labeled natural, satin or dewy finish. You can refer to an online beauty store to provide further information on your preferred foundation if it’s not already labeled on the box at purchase.
Utilizing cream and serum products while minimizing the use of powder will help decrease visible texture. For those like us who live in humid climates and need the extra durability, I recommend looking for powders with the following ingredients:
• Mica: an ingredient that promotes luminosity
• Reflecting pearlescent pigments: These give a luminous appearance to the skin when the light hits it.
Once everything is applied, if you feel like you need a touch more moisture, spritz yourself with a setting spray with humectant properties to leave your skin set and refreshed.
Within two months, you should see improvements. Keep in mind that skincare is trial and error; what doesn’t work for you may work for someone else. If you need more advice, you can consult a professional esthetician about custom facials and to discuss and diagnose your skin’s overall needs.
