Start with a home peel, then a moisture mask followed by a radiance sleeping mask. End with a vit C serum. Do this once a week. Hello, luminosity.
Nobody would say no to the fresh, glowing complexion you get after a good facial. Only, it doesn’t last for more than a couple of days. The better news is, it’s not that tough to DIY post-facial radiance. These four steps, done weekly, are all you need for a glow that should last three to five days.
STEP 1 Exfoliate
Slough away the debris of old, dead skin cells to see brighter skin instantly. It also smooths skin and helps it soak up the active ingredients from skincare that follows.
Shiseido Waso Purifying Peel Off Mask, $45.
The star ingredient is Japanese red shiso, known for its antiseptic and detoxifying properties. It helps removes dead skin cells and gunk from skin crevices and pores.
111Skin Clinical Exfoliator, $190.
A super-potent peel packed with three acids – tartaric, lactic and citric – to dissolve dead cells and impurities while balancing the skin’s pH level. It also soothes redness and irritation.
STEP 2 Brighten & Moisturise
Fact: Dry skin is dull skin. The fix: all-out hydration. The moisture also creates a plumping effect from within, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Mask, $72 (box of five sheets).
It holds a one-third bottle of the brand’s highly moisturising First Care Activating Serum. It soothes and softens skin, and nourishes it to improve resilience and clarity.
Dior Hydra Life Glow Better Fresh Jelly Mask, $92.
An AHA-rich botanical cocktail clarifies and brightens skin without skimping on moisture.
STEP 3 Nourish Overnight
Skin repair happens at night so don’t waste that time. Nourish your complexion with active ingredients while you sleep. They don’t call it beauty sleep for nothing.
Fresh Peony Brightening Night Treatment Mask, $125.
This immensely hydrating leave-on treatment reduces the look of dark spots and evens skin tone. It also helps to smooth, firm and calm skin.
Laneige Time Freeze Firming Sleeping Mask, $56.
The mask strengthens, hydrates and tones skin, while its fragrance (rose, ylang-ylang, orange flower and sandalwood) helps you relax.
STEP 4 Vitamin C Booster/Serum
A skincare mainstay, vitamin C helps to curb free radical damage as well as dull, uneven skin tone and dark spots. To boost its effects, massage your vitamin C serum in to encourage microcirculation.
Clinique Fresh Pressed Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C, $100.
Its pure vitamin C is only activated just before use. Simply mix two drops of it with your moisturiser, morning and night, and you’re on your way to brighter, more even-toned skin with a refined texture.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum, $114.
Its potent antioxidant formula of 15 per cent L-ascorbic acid, 0.5 per cent ferulic acid and 1 per cent vitamin E protects against environmental stressors, pollution and free radicals. It also tackles dark spots and smooths wrinkles for supple, luminous skin.
TEXT VANESSA CHIA
