Great Skin = Great Makeup
Makeup is great for hiding or disguising any imperfections on the skin but what really gives a good flawless finish to makeup is making sure your skin looks perfect underneath.
The first step towards beautiful skin is finding out what your skin type is. This is necessary so that you can find out how to care for your skin properly using the correct products. I have always been a big skincare lover myself and my advice would be that if you don't already have a good skincare routine then its never too late to start one because you will really start to notice a difference. The three main skin types are oily, combination or dry skin.
Oily skin is characterised by shine and enlarged pores and has a tendency to break out into spots or acne, this is because oily skin tends to attract more dirt and dust. The first basic rule for oily skin is to keep it clean to kill the acne-causing bacteria. This can be done by washing the face with a gentle pH balanced cleanser rather than using harsh soaps, as most soaps are high in alkaline and can strip the natural acid from the skin leaving it vulnerable to bacteria. Alcohol and acetone free toning lotions can also be used after cleansing to keep the skin acne-free. Most people with oily skin tend to skip using moisturiser as they feel this can produce more shine, however this is an important part of your skincare routine as even oily skin can still be dehydrated and will require moisturiser to stay healthy, the key is to use one that is light and oil-free. Using a mud or clay mask once or twice a week also works well with oily skin as they help draw out dirt and oil, keeping pores clean.
Combination skin can be frustrating and sometimes harder to look after as some parts of the face can be very dry and flaky whilst the center part of the face, nose, chin and forehead (T-zone area) is oily and prone to shine. The good thing is that most skincare brands now have their own range of products to help tackle a combination skin, rather than you having to use one type or moisturiser on the dry areas and another on the oily areas. The important thing is to stick to a consistent skincare routine by using a gentle cleanser, this can be in the form of either a face wash or a cleansing milk followed by a toning lotion specifically made for combination skin as this will help to remove the last traces of cleanser and shrink open pores on the T-zone.
Dry skin can be uncomfortable and is marked by scaling, itching, and cracking which can occur for a variety of reasons. Some people have naturally dry skin and may experience frequent symptoms but even the oiliest skin can get dry sometimes. The most important product to use for dry skin is an exfoliator, this is best used once or twice a week as it helps to remove dry dead skin cells on the surface of the skin which can stop your moisturiser from doing its job. Cleanse the skin using a face wash or cleansing milk specifically designed for dry or sensitive skin as these will contain moisturising properties and should not cause any irritation as they are mostly alcohol and fragrance free, and as you have probably already guessed using a good moisturiser is vital for dry skin. It is best used immediately after cleansing to lock in the water before it evaporates and this will help keep skin hydrated for longer. A good tip is to keep a moisturiser with you throughout the day so you can always apply a little bit more whenever your skin starts feeling dry.
A skincare routine doesn't have to be complicated and as long as you are consistent with it and using the correct products for your skin type thats all you need to keep your skin looking healthy and beautiful, which will also help you to achieve radiant and flawless makeup.
