A little side note before we begin: this was originally meant to be all in one part, but the article became pretty mammoth. We didn’t want to shorten it down because we thought it contained some really great little nuggets of information. So, we’ve split it up into 4 parts. Came back next week for tips on how to get the best base, eyeshadow tips and tricks, face masks and hair care tricks.

In our first post we have tips on cleansing, miracle ingredients, DIY exfoliators and how to solve a range of skin problems. Get ready to up your beauty routine!

Cleansing and Care

1. Beware of over cleansing

Over-cleansing is a major cause of sensitive skin, as it strips the skin’s under layers of its natural protective properties. Make sure that you use an cleanse thats right for your skin type and don’t over do it. We love Glosser Milky Jelly Cleanser.

2. Steam Away Impurities

For a quick, deep cleanse, pour boiling water into a bowl with lemon juice and rose petals and hold your face over the bowl, covering your head with a towel. The steam will invigorate you, aid in respiration, and help lessen blackheads. Cleanse afterwards and follow with a cool-water rinse to close pores.

3. Go Large

Don’t forget the skin on your neck when it comes to cleansing and moisturising.

4. Sleep Clean

It’s a tale as old as time, but never go to bed with your makeup on. It prevents the skin from shedding and breathing which will lead to blemishes and/or blackheads to appear.

5. Assess To Cleanse Best

Your first step in the morning should be to take a good look in the mirror. Note any dry patches on the checks or oiliness in the T-zone. Hormones, seasons, environment and diet can all impact on your skin. You can then adjust your routine accordingly.

6.Keep Your Hair Off The Skin

Keep your hair clean and off the face to avoid making skin greasy, especially overnight when it can rub against skin as you sleep and cause breakouts.

 

Cosmeceuticals and Miracle Ingredients

7. C The Difference

Vitamin C has a brightening effect on skin an it helps boost circulation and collagen production, which means skin looks great. Vitamin C is found in high levels in citrus fruits, berries and kiwi, but also in beauty products. We love First Aid Beauty Hello Fab Ginger & Turmeric Vitamin C Jelly Mask.

8.Reduce Redness with BHAs

BHAs, beta-hydroxy acids that include salicylic acid help shed excess skin cells with the chemical sloughing effect and they are also anti-inflammatories, which male skin appear less red and inflamed. They can also treat acne. We love The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution and AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution.

9. Say Hello To Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid is a powerful ingredient the occurs naturally within our cells and contributes to the structural support of the skin if it soaks into the lower layers. We love NIOD Multi-molecular Hyaluronic Complex.

10. Latch Onto Lactic Acid

Lactic Acid is a wonderful ingredient for extra moistirization because it helps the skin hold onto the moisture that’s being added through creams and lotions. We love The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5 + HA 2 or Sunday Riley Modern Skincare Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment.

11. Give Skin A Feast

Skin is the last organ to get the benefits of the good things you eat, so often there’s precious little nourish,eat left, even if your diet is fantastic. Choose face treatments high in essential; minerals such ac calcium, magnesium and zinc to give it a boost.

12. C For Yourself

Vitamin C is a natural skin protector, necessary for the formation of collagen. As an antioxidant is destroys harmful free-radicals in the body caused by pollution, stress and the bad diet. Free radicals attack the skin causing premature raging, so vitamin C in creams and diet is a must.

13. Hands Off Oily Skin

Touching, stroking and facial massage stimulates the skin’s oil glands to produce more sebum, which is the last thing oily skin needs.

 

Cream & Serums

14. Use Less Than You Think

Don’t slather on more product in the belief that it will work better. Many good products are highly concentrated and only designed to be used in very small amounts.

15. Night-Time Beauty

Beauty sleep is not a myth. While you sleep, your skin regenerates itself, which is why night creams are such a good ideas. Make sure that you go to bed hydrated so the skin gets a chance to heal itself.

16. Do It Daily With Light Moisturizing

Every skin type needs a daily moisturiser, so now which one is suitable for you. Lightweight gels and simple moisturisers are good for young and sensitive skins. We love First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Oil-Free Mattifying Gel Moisturiser.

 

Exfoliators & Scrubs

17. Exfoliate For Exceptional Skin

If left on the body, dead skin cells flake, dry and peel quickly, so the best way to keep skin looking smooth and evenly coloured is to scrub away those dead cells with a scrub. We love Soap & Glory Scrub ‘Em and Leave ‘Em Body Buff.

18. Make Your Own

For a super-smoothing skin exfoliant, massage a handful of Epsom salts with a tablespoon of olive oil over wet skin to cleanse, exfoliate and soften the rough spots.

19. Tingle Away

Generally, tingling after exfoliation means you’ve used too harsh a product, but it is natural to tingle for up to 15 minutes after using alpha- or beta-hydroxy acids to exfoliate because of their chemical effect.

20. Exfoliate With Care

Don’t be tempted to rub too hard or use a too grainy exfoliant, especially on your face. Use an acid instead as scrubs can be too tough and the delicate skin. Pixi Glow Tonic is a great one that can be used daily.

21. Don’t Mix Face And Body

Don’t be tempted to use the body exfoliators on the facial skin, because products designed for the body are likely to be harsher and could be too abrasive for your face, resulting in irritation.

 

Skin Problems

22. Drier Than Dust

For skin tightness, cracking and flaking, choose a cream cleanser rather than a soap-based one and never use drying toners. We love Pixi Rose Cream Cleanser.

23. Use Less On Eczema

When it comes to covering sensitive skin condition such as eczema, less is defiantly more. Use too much powder or base and you risk highlighting the dryness and uneven texture.

24. Keep Clean To Arrest Acne Spread

After using brushes or concealer sticks to cover up blemishes or spots, always wash them well to avoid re-infection when you use them again. Or use cotton buds, which are disposable. Also keep your hands away from your face and pay particular attention to habits like rubbing temples or around the mouth, which you may do subconsciously.

25. Harsh Products Can Harm

If you suffer from rosacea, you should at all times avoid harsh soaps because not only can they make the symptoms worse, they also dry out skin making it harder to treat and cover.

Taken from 1001 Little Beauty Miracles: Secrets and Solutions from Head to Toe by Esme Floyd.