Start the year afresh by renewing your beauty regime with these insider rules
Start the year afresh by renewing your beauty regime with these insider rules
1 Thou Shalt NOT SLEEP IN YOUR MAKEUP
We’ve all been there – you got home late, so you skipped washing your face before hitting the hay. You can deal with the remnants of mascara and foundation in the morning… no harm done right? Wrong. Not washing your face before bed could be what’s standing in the way of a glowing complexion. Day-old makeup is a magnet for sweat, oil, pollution and dirt, which accumulate throughout the day. During the day, your skin is in defensive mode, doing its best to shield against aggressors, but at night it starts to repair itself and replenish collagen levels. Makeup clogs pores, making it harder for skin to regenerate itself. Keep a pack of makeup wipes handy; it’s better than nothing! And to ensure your skin can truly work its magic, don’t forget the importance of a second cleanse!
ADD THESE TO YOUR ROUTINE:
• beautyblender Keep-It-Clean, $30.
• MAKE UP FOR EVER Instant Brush Cleanser, $35 (140 ml).
2 Thou Shalt WASH YOUR BRUSHES REGULARLY
It’s been hammered home time and again, but still, it’s often only done with your annual spring clean. Dirty brushes are a breeding ground for bacteria, which can trigger acne and skin infections. Wash your makeup brush tools at least once a fortnight to limit the chance of breakouts and extend the life of your brushes. Instant brush cleaners are also useful, but not a substitute for thorough cleanse.
3 Thou Shalt WASH YOUR FACE WITH LUKEWARM WATER ONLY
There are many mixed messages surrounding water temperature and face washing. Hot water is a definite no as it damages skin’s protective barrier, but did you know cold water isn’t advisable either? It may be a great way to wake up, but exposing yourself to different temperature extremes can irritate skin, particularly if it’s sensitive. Find a temperature that sits in the middle, and if you prefer to wash your face in the shower, make sure to turn the dial down.
4 Thou Shalt KNOW WHEN TO SEE A PRO
Sometimes beauty woes are beyond your knowledge, and delving into search engine territory is a dangerous game. That’s when you need to see a professional. Whether it’s a stubborn spot, redness, pigmentation or scarring, a specialist can diagnose and treat the problem accordingly.
ADD THESE TO YOUR ROUTINE:
• Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk SPF 50+ PA++++, $39.90 (60 ml).
• Astalift White Perfect UV Clear Solution SPF 50+ PA++++, $72 (30 g).
• Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA++++ Anti-Pollution, $56 (30 ml).
5 Thou Shalt ALWAYS WEAR SUNSCREEN
Even if it’s a cloudy or rainy day, think twice before you skip out on SPF protection. According to the U.S. Skin Cancer Foundation, up to 80 per cent of the sun’s rays can penetrate through clouds. If not for your health’s sake, use sunscreen in the name of vanity as ultraviolet radiation breaks down collagen, leading to premature ageing. And don’t forget your neck and hands; they’re the first place to show signs of ageing.
6 Thou Shalt HYDRATE INSIDE AND OUT
We’re often so busy slathering on lotions that we forget to hydrate on the inside too. Water helps to flush out toxins more efficiently, leaving skin luminous. It can also strengthen nails and maintain skin elasticity, keeping it supple. The amount needed varies according to age, size, weather and how active you are. As a guide, adults should aim for 1.5 to two litres of fluid each day. If you’re not a fan of plain water, add a cucumber or orange for natural flavour. Caffeine- and sweetener-free teas are likewise a great option and there are some with calming and beautifying herbs to support healthy skin and relieve tension.
ADD THESE TO YOUR ROUTINE:
• Shiseido Brow InkTrip in 03 Deep Brown, $45.
• Browhaus Brow Powertool in Granite, $21.90.
7 Thou Shalt NOT OVER PLUCK
Gone are the days of super-skinny, virtually nonexistent brows. Now it’s all about embracing your natural arches. If you were a chronic over-tweezer, brow regrowth may take some years. And avoid plucking until you have more to work with. When unsure, the best thing is to leave it to the experts. It’s also worth investing in a brow conditioner to encourage growth, or to turn to brow embroidery for semipermanent results.
ADD THESE TO YOUR ROUTINE:
• The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil, $19.90 (10 ml).
• Medicube Red Spot Solution Needle Patch, $13 (10 pieces).
8 Thou Shalt LEAVE SPOTS ALONE
As tempting as it may be, nothing good ever comes from picking or popping pimples. More often than not, you’ll make the problem worse by pushing bacteria deeper into the skin and spreading the infection or causing a trauma, which results in a scar. Instead, apply a quickheal solution with antibacterial properties, like salicylic acid or tea tree oil. If you have the habit of touching your face, a pimple patch would form a protective barrier, plus it will help soak up excess sebum and promote healing as well.
TRY:
• IDS Skincare DermaShield Serum, $106 (30 ml).
• Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Rapid Flash Brightening Serum, $120 (30 ml).
• Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Serum, $63 (30 ml).
9 Thou Shalt USE SERUMS
Everyone should use a serum, no matter the skin type or condition. Serums deliver concentrated active ingredients directly into skin, penetrating far deeper than moisturisers. Creams and cleansers generally contain between five to 10 per cent active ingredients, while serums can contain up to 70 per cent. With continuous use, you can expect firmer, smoother, more refined skin. They’re more expensive, but their high potency means you only need to use a small amount.
ADD THESE TO YOUR ROUTINE:
• shu uemura Lightbulb Cushion Foundation, $78.
• NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation in Deauville, $76.
• Yves Saint Laurent Beauté Touche Éclat All-in-One Glow Foundation in B20, $79.
10 Thou Shalt TAKE A BREAK FROM MAKEUP
Few of us are blessed with perfect skin, but sadly, the more makeup you wear, the more problems you may end up encountering. Taking at least one day off a week lets pores recover from being clogged with primer, foundation and concealer. And clearer skin ensures a smoother canvas in the future. On the makeup-free note, it’s also important to love your skin the way it is. When you do wear makeup, it should be fun and not used to hide your features – especially as now, a new wave of “second skin” foundations offer weightless, natural finish.
TEXT: BAUERSYNDICATION.COM.AU / ADDITIONAL REPORTING: ARISSA HA / PHOTO: 123RF.COM
