One of the questions I’m asked most is how to achieve the classic “flawless” makeup look. Of course, the makeup itself is a huge factor but, truthfully, the secret is all in how you prep your skin.
If your skin is healthy and hydrated, your makeup will sit better and last longer.
Sound good? Read on….
The Power of Routine
I would always suggest establishing a routine of cleansing, toning and moisturising twice daily. If you’re not used to this, it might seem a bit of a faff but your skin will thank you for it in years to come!
There are a huge range of great cleansing creams, gels and foams on the market and this in itself can be overwhelming. Any good beauty brand you might find in a large department store would be happy to have a short chat with you to discuss your skin requirements. You might even come away with a few samples to try – bonus! Take a bit of time to find what fits best for you and go from there.
The Power of (the right) Products
As you probably would’ve guessed, I’m a big fan of quality skincare and particularly love products that make my skin appear brighter and healthier. My personal favourites include Elemis and Liz Earle cleansers, both of which have been a staple in my own skincare routine for years! Other brands that have yielded impressive results for me include QMS Medicosmetics and Elequra. I’m currently trying out the Smoothing Cleanser from Tropic and am loving it – not only does it feel luxurious but it effortlessly melts away makeup and any lurking impurities!
A Word of Warning on Wipes: Makeup removal wipes are fine for the odd occasion but are not a suitable replacement for a quality cleanser. I do have them in my kit but only for wiping away product that falls off whilst doing eye makeup; I wouldn’t ever recommend them as part of a daily routine.
When it comes to my clients, I love to refresh their skin and remove makeup and dirt with micellar water, like this one. Micellar water is a perfect companion when you are on the go and perhaps do not have access to your regular cleanser.
If your cleanser does not remove eye makeup, I would recommend investing in eye makeup remover as well. I like L’Oréal Paris Absolute Eye and Lip Make-Up Remover because it is specially formulated for waterproof and long-lasting makeup and removes it swiftly and tenderly, leaving skin feeling fresh, cleansed and soft.
Pro Tip! Turn your regular eye makeup remover into a spa-like eye mask by soaking two cotton pads and gently press on your closed eyelids. Remove it with a sweeping motion (never rub – the eye area is too delicate for this!)
And so, on to toning! It’s a step in the routine that can cause a bit of controversy in the beauty world – do you really need it? For example, if you rinse and splash your face with cold water it can act like a toner in itself but, honestly, this step is the one that gives me the most joy so it’s very much a part of my routine! My favourite tonic water is from Liz Earle – I have been using it for about 15 years now and still cannot get enough of it. It leaves my skin beautifully soft and the smell is absolutely divine!
Pro Tip! Splashing your face with ice-cold water is the perfect exercise for your skin as it tightens and helps to reduce the appearance of lines.
The final step is your moisturiser. Once you’ve selected the right type for your skin (don’t forget those samples!), tap lightly all over your face and neck. In the morning, add sun protection of at least 20 SPF on top. Or if (like me) you don’t like using an additional cream each day, try to use tinted moisturisers that already include SPF. Eye cream is just as important, and you should only use cream or gel that has been specifically designed to be used on the delicate eye area. Use your ring finger to apply lightly and just tap a small amount of the product on your skin.
The Power of Time for you
Yes, all these products perform a function for your skin but there is also something to be said for having a few minutes at the beginning and end of each day that are just for you. I’ve already written about the scent of my toner and the joy it brings me – it may seem frivolous but, for a lot of us, there aren’t many parts of the day that are just for us. These pockets of time away from the busyness of life shouldn’t be underestimated. So close the bathroom door, gather your favourite products together and ENJOY!
Final Pro Tip! One of the most important things to remember is to stay hydrated. You need to drink at least 2 litres of water every single day and your skin will look amazing.
If you follow these simple steps, when it comes to your wedding day and all eyes are on you, you can enjoy your special day feeling confident that you’ll be glowing – both inside and out!
One of the questions I’m asked most is how to achieve the classic “flawless” makeup look. Of course, the makeup itself is a huge factor but, truthfully, the secret is all in how you prep your skin. If your skin is healthy and hydrated, your makeup will sit better and last longer. Sound good?…
