LOCKDOWN YOUR BEAUTY: PRIME TIME
We are going through such strange times at the moment, spending the majority of our time indoors and relying more on technology to communicate with each other. Since our mental health is just as important as our physical health, one of the best things that we can do is to practise Self Care, and whether that’s taking the time to read, to exercise, a hobby or exploring new interests, it’s all about doing the things that make us feel good about ourselves.
Skincare may not be at the centre of our thinking right now, but a good pampering session is always a great way to look after yourself and to feel good. Now could be just the time to change your routine a little and learn how to properly prime and prep your face. The point of priming our skin is to give our face the best possible canvas to work with, and with the effects that ageing can have on our skin, it’s even more important to do all that we can to keep it healthy and supple. I have really invested in my skincare over the years, so here are a few personal tips that I’ve picked up along the way.
Remove your makeup
This is the first step towards beautiful skin and it’s essential for healthy skin. I’m a big fan of micellar water as it removes my makeup well and doesn’t leave any greasy residue. Garnier Micellar Water is affordable and does a great job, but if you are more environmentally conscious I highly recommend the Donna May Eco Friendly Reusable Makeup Eraser Cloth. I don’t know how it works but it is magic! Just add water and wipe across the face to remove all traces of makeup – I’m obsessed!
Cleanse the skin
Do not skip this step! Grime and bacteria can build up on the skin throughout the day so it’s important to give your skin a good clense. Having tried many different face washes over the years, I now use CeraVe Foaming Cleanser. Formulated by dermatologists, this gives your face a thorough deep cleanse without damaging the skin’s natural barrier.
Exfoliation
Two words – liquid exfoliation. After cleansing your face it is so important to apply a liquid exfoliator to dissolve the dull and dead skin cells. For something that is so gentle and soothing, and a product that completely revives your skin, I highly recommend Pixi Glow Tonic.
Serum
Serum is an absolute must. The lighter consistency of a serum means that it’s able to travel further through the layers of your skin to give a great moisture boost. Clarins Double Serum is a brilliant product and allows you to tailor the right strength by mixing two separate parts depending on your skin’s needs.
Moisturiser
A good moisturiser is literally a skin saver, and ideally you need to look for something with an SPF of 30 and over. When it’s cloudy or the sun is weak, or even with sunshine through glass, our skin is still exposed to damaging rays. Excessive sun exposure without any protection can accelerate the skin’s ageing process, so make sure you have a moisturising SPF to keep you covered. I highly recommend Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturiser with SPF 30.
Primer
The last step in prepping the skin is a good primer. This will help to brighten your skin as well as adding extra moisture – and every little bit helps! Our Youth Lift Glow-Plexion contains Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C, both working to leave your skin feeling hydrated and creating that ‘lit from within’ radiance. Wear under foundation or on its own to give your skin that final finesse.
Four ways to wear:
- Our best primer for mature skin – perfect and prep skin by smoothing onto clean, moisturised cheeks, forehead and chin.
- Add luminosity to your base by blending with tinted moisturiser or foundation.
- Highlight and lift natural facial contours by applying to brow bone, cheekbones, jawline, down bridge of nose and on Cupid’s bow.
- Create top-to-toe radiance by mixing with body moisturiser.
