Great Make-Up Starts With Great Skin

   The First Part of Your Makeup, Should Always Be Skincare

You can apply your makeup with all the tips and tricks in the book, but if you aren't taking care of your skin, you limit the flawless makeup application you are after. I'll lead you through a skincare routine that works for me and most skin types. But please, if you have any major skin concerns, always visit a dermatologist to get the most appropriate skin routine to suit your needs. Please keep in mind each product varies from skin type to skin type, but this routine is one for most. 

1. Cleanse

   Through-out the day, your skin gets covered in dirt, pollutants, bacteria and all sorts of debris that we don't see. Not only that, but your skin is continually shedding old, dead skin cells and producing sebum and left uncleaned, it can result in breakouts. Cleansing your face removes all of these impurities and gives a lovely, clean palette. When I'm talking cleanse, I'm not talking about your hand soap in your bathroom. Find your skin type and invest in a facial cleanser that's appropriate for you.

      2. Tone

Toner is the step following cleansing. Anything that you missed while cleansing your face, the toner will wipe away and balance your PH level. There are toners for different skin types now, just like cleansers. They can range to help get rid of extra oil for oily skin, help mattify, add moisture and help tighten pores. Apply toner with a cotton pad and gently wipe across your face. You will be amazed to see all the debris on the cotton pad you missed during your cleansing. Don't you dare think you can now avoid step one!

     3. Exfoliate

Exfoliating is my favourite part of my skincare routine and the one that shows the most immediate difference in your skin. Lightly rub the exfoliator in circular motions across your face, and this removes the excess layers of dead skin cells laying on your skin. You bring out that glowing skin by revealing what's hiding under those dead cells! PLEASE- if you have open sores on your face, do not exfoliate them, leading to the bacteria spreading. Also, when looking for a skin exfoliator, make sure you are purchasing one that does not have harsh, blade-like beads (St.Ives). These will only lead to micro-tears in the skin, which will later give bacteria access to get into and lead to breakouts.

      4. Serum

Now that you have gotten rid of all of your dead skin cells and have freshly exposed skin, this is the time that products are most effective and allow the deepest penetration into the skin. The serum is the most potent out of all your skincare products with tons of active ingredients, with the smallest molecules for deepest penetration. Again, there are different types of serum for your skin type so make sure you choose the right ones. It looks like this blog is going to be leading into another one. 

     5. Eye Cream

 The skin around the eyes is the most sensitive skin on your face, so we always want to make sure we are very gentle, applying products in this area. Avoid any tugging, which will only speed up the process of wrinkles. I suggest using your ring finger to apply eye cream because it uses the least amount of force. Use eye cream for ageing signs, crows feet, wrinkles, sagging, and dark eye circles. Again, make sure you get the eye cream that's most suitable for you. 

     6. Moisturize

 Every morning and every night, I moisturize. Think of your moisturizer as a shield protecting your face from pollutants and debris. Not only is it a shield, but it reduces the chances of skin problems, reduces the appearance of blemishes, helps your skin stay young and reduces wrinkles. There is a face moisturizer for day time, which is a lighter formula, and there is a face moisturizer for night time which tends to be heavier. Don't think because you have oily skin that moisturizer isn't for you. It's still a must. Did you know that there are mattifying moisturizers? They aid your skin AND reduce the oily shine. There are tons of moisturizers out there, so again, make sure you get the right product that best suits your needs.

My skincare routine is great for me and MOST skin types, but if you have any major skin problems, always be sure to get looked at by a dermatologist so they can put together the best skincare routine for you.

Below is a list of the products that I use, with links if you are interested in purchasing them. I have normal skin, but Vivier Skin is a great site that caters to all skin types. This luxury skincare brand offers something for everyone with fast results.

If you are brand new to skin care- check out these Vivier Skin Care Programs that contain all of the items you need, at a discounted rate. 

Vivier Hexam Cleanser 

Vivier Refreshing Toner     

Vivier Vitamin C Scrub Exfoliator

Vivier Serum-10 Serum    

Vivier Radiant Contour Eye Cream

Daily Age Defying Moisturizer

Nightly Age Defying Moisturizer

In conclusion, it cannot be emphasized enough that the foundation of any successful makeup look is a solid skincare routine. No matter how skilled you are at applying makeup or how many tips and tricks you've mastered, neglecting your skin will ultimately hinder your desired flawless finish. While I can guide you through a skincare routine that generally works for most skin types, it is crucial to consult a dermatologist if you have specific skin concerns. They will be able to tailor a skincare regimen that suits your unique needs. Remember, each person's skin is different, and what works for one may not work for another. The key is to prioritize skincare so that you can achieve a vibrant, healthy canvas for your makeup and maintain the long-term health and vitality of your skin.