Let's talk SKINCARE

It's important and it's the base for flawless makeup.

Why is it important?

Well, for one, it is our skin is the largest organ that is unprotected but also protects us from the environment, so it only makes sense that we should look after it. If we don't look after it, we can get dry or cracked skin which can make you more prone to infection.

In terms of makeup, it removes dead skin cells which makes for smooth makeup application and creates a soft surface for your foundation which results in beautiful, natural, glowy skin.

How do you do it?

It might be a good idea to see a dermatologist for an in depth analysis of your skin. You may already know your skin type etc, but if you have had a skin care routine in play for a while with no changes, then it would be a good idea to see them to see what's actually going on beneath the surface.

After you find out your skin type, you will need some quality products, try to avoid super market brands that are full of fillers and harsh chemicals, they may be doing the top layer of your skin good, but not the bottom layer where everything else will be trapped. And while they are cheap it's just not worth it in the long term. Quality products will have better ingredients that will really cleanse and protect your skin and won't age your skin.

There are a few basic products that you will need:

- Makeup Remover

- Cleanser

- Exfoliator

- Toner

- Moisturiser + Sunscreen

- Serum

- Eye Cream

As you get more into your skincare you might add a few other things like masks, deep cleansers & exfoliators, face mists and so many more, that you will just find yourself learning about all the time. The basics are the best place to start to see what works if it does you won't need the other extras.

When did you do it?

Every night and day. Though, your morning routine and night time routine will differ slightly.

Morning Routine:

- Cleanser

- Moisturises + Sunscreen

- Serum

Night Routine:

- Makeup Remover

- Cleanser

- Exfoliator

- Toner

- Moisturiser

- Serum

- Eye Cream

Your morning routine is not as intense as the night routine for a few reasons. One, you don't want to add too much product if you plan on wearing makeup, two, your skin repairs itself while you're sleeping, so the more goodies you can pack on to help the better (just not OVERdone!), and lastly, you also don't want to strip too much when you go out in to the world of pollution, bacteria, UV rays and so on.

Whatever you do in your night routine will still be in/on your skin when you wake up anyway, so there's no point doubling up and drowning your skin, because at least once a week it is a good idea to do a deep cleanse and exfoliation to get rid of any build up that the night routine can't and shouldn't do.

What products?

I briefly mentioned to avoid supermarket products as they are MUCH to harsh for your skin, but so can expensive brands, I don't want to mention brands, but some are too harsh as well that make your skin look amazing, but once you stop, your acne comes back. Wonder why? It's because they only do good to your top layer!

I'm sure you have heard that SLS, parabens & sulfates are no good in your shampoo or conditioners, well guest what? Neither are they in your skin care products.

Here are a few other ingredients to avoid:

- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

- BHA

- Triclosan & Triclocarban

- Aminophenol, Diaminobenzene, Phenylenediamine (Coal Tar)

- Parabens

- Polyethylene/PEGs

- Retinyl Palmitate, Retinyl Acetate, Retinoic Acid and Retinol

- Petroleum Distillates

- Perfume/Fragrance

- Oxybenzone

- Dibutyl Phthalate, Toluene and Formaldehyde

- Hydroquinone

These are found to be harmful to your skin and can cause diseases and some have been linked to cancers, respiratory problems and so on.

Please do some more research on skin care ingredients that are beneficial and safe for your skin. Natural will always be the safest for your skin and better as there are no chemicals stripping or damaging your skin.

I know it may seem like a lot, but in the long run you will be thanking yourself that you looked after your skin and still have soft, supple, minimal wrinkle skin at the age of 70 ;)

As always, let me know your thoughts in the comment section or any additional information for other readers!

xx