by Mallory Fitzgerald
Healthy, radiant skin is in for 2016! If you’ve ever wondered how you can get the J-lo glow, or Jennifer Anniston’s timeless radiance (without the celebrity makeup artist), then read on! These two products — facial masks and serums — will change your skin for the better this new year!
FACIAL MASKS
Invest in upkeep, or as I like to call it, “preventative maintenance.” Once a week, find the time to do a facial mask. This is deep skincare and you will see pay off immediately! Don’t have the time? All you need is 10 minutes: apply your mask and fold laundry, watch a show, or read a couple chapters of a good book while your skin gets happier! Some of my favorite skin masks on the market right now are:
GLAM GLOW: They have a mask for every skin type and concern. For radiance, try the Glamglow Flashmud Brightening Treatment. This is a 10-minute mask and exfoliator in one that leaves skin soft, luminous and younger looking. This is a pricier product, but has so much product in it that it will last you abut six months — a better investment in the long run. Available at Sephora.
KARUNA FACE MASKS: This brand also offers a mask for every skin tone. At $8 a piece, they are worth every cent! They are single use deep-conditioning sheet masks that are absolutely soaked in skin loving serums. The brightening face mask contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, aloe vera, chamomile and Vitamin B, to name a few. Ten to 20 minutes with this mask will help reduce the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone. I personally did the antioxidant face mask, and afterwards noted that my pores were significantly smaller. Available at Sephora.
7 WONDERS PORE MINIMIZING MASK: This is another sheet mask (trend alert!) that soothes troubled skin and is soaked with a full bottle of serum-rich Himalayan Camellia. It is pore refining and texture smoothing, and can be used on sensitive skin types. It’s also a bonus that it smells amazing! Available at ULTA.
SERUMS
Get into serums! Serums can be used daily, at night and in the morning before makeup, even before moisturizer. These go directly into the skin, absorbing in as a powerful, daily skincare treatment. Brightening serums are usually recommended to be used for four to six weeks before you start seeing real results, so don’t get discouraged! Keep on going and you will soon find your skin looking clearer, brighter, and more even toned. After continued use of serums, I have noticed in my own skin as well as my client’s skin that less foundation and concealer is needed as discoloration, dullness and dark spots fade away. Serums I love:
BAREMINERALS BIOLUCENT MINERAL BRIGHTENING TREATMENT: This antioxidant rich mineral treatment diminishes the look of dark spots and discolored skin while retexturing. Delivering a soft focus luminosity immediately, it hails a more vibrant skin tone within four weeks!
MAC COSMETICS LIGHTFUL C MARINE-BRIGHT FORMULA ESSENCE: This concentrated brightening serum conditions and plumps skin, leaving smoother, more radiant skin immediately that gives more positive results over time.
FRESH PEONY SPOT CORRECTING BRIGHTENING ESSENCE: This serum is to be used right after cleansing the face, and its ingredient list includes peony and licorice root extracts, as well as Vitamin C to brighten the skin. Continuous use will visibly reduce the appearance of age spots and imperfections while leaving the skin hydrated, nourished, brightened and healthier looking.
Adding these two steps into your skincare routine will give you fresh, radiant, healthier looking skin, and will leave the dry winter dullness behind you. Make sure you are still using your moisturizer every day as well no matter what your skin type is. Have a happy and healthy New Year!