It's simple, love your makeup, love your skin! I cannot stress the importance of skincare. As a makeup artist, working with clear, healthy and subtle skin always makes for better makeup application. The smoother the skin, the smoother the finish. Debatable amongst makeup artists however, every artist should be able to work their technical skill to correct problematic skin; creating the illusion of health and natural tones that occur in the face with makeup.
Skincare is mostly emphasised by aestheticians. It can be a time consuming process treating the skin depending on condition or facial skin disorders. In order to heal, improve subtlety and have a glowing complexion, it's best to keep the skin free from makeup product and stick to a strict skincare routine.
Each individual is different and working with clients is usually a one time appointment. Prepping and cleansing the skin with an oil-free, alcohol-free product and priming the face offers instant results for cleaner skin to apply makeup. Unlike the fashion and media industry, artist's have time to discuss their actor's or model's skin routine to get the best possible complexion for HD video and digital photography.
There are many industry standard products on the market that can be used on the skin. Embryolisse and Cetaphil. All tested products that are approved and work.
So what do we look out for when buying our own? You don't want to overpower the skin with too many chemicals that can strip the skin's natural oils. Alcohol for example dries the skin so always check the list of ingredients. Many cheap drugstore branded products can be deceiving, with images of nature on the label and statements such as 'contains plant extract'. Never be convinced by what the product claims, when in doubt, check the ingredients.
In my honest opinion and from personal experience, the best products to use on the skin are from natural sources, all organic and pure. The purer the ingredients, the healthier it is for the skin's pH balance. Our skin needs to be protected from external and environmental factors in winter and summer. Sunblock is crucial to protect from sun damage. I'll avoid going into detail; you all know the risks of skin cancer and premature wrinkles etc from UVA rays. In winter the skin can become very dry so it's important to use a product that provides a protective barrier.
I personally don't believe in toners, because they can be an irritant for sensitive skin. Instead, cleanse, treat and moisturise the skin morning and night. Let me explain the functions of this simple routine.
Cleanse: Removes dirt and excess oil from the skins surface. Important to deep cleanse to get under the pores of the skin.
Treatment: This could be a hydrating natural oil or serum to nourish the skin and add instant moisture back into the skin. This helps long-term to keep the skin consistently hydrated. Supporting the pH balance of the skin.
Moisturise: Goes without saying. Don't just moisturise the face, include the neck and décolletage. Protects skin from environmental factors and prevents ageing.
My favourite skincare brands include Salcura (very dry to eczema prone skin), Neal's Yard (purest products on the market), Loccitane (pure products, good for body) Lush (good for shower and hair), Clinique (for sensitive skin, no fragrance and dermatologically tested) and Holland and Barrett (for pure, organic oils).
These are a few ingredients you'll find in my daily skincare routine. It varies depending on the time of year but you get the general gist.
- Sweet Almond oil - I use this religiously to cleanse and remove my makeup mixed with clean water. Rich in Vitamin E, balances moisture in skin. Literally improves skin's appearance, you will glow!
- Coconut oil - skin and hair treatment. Same benefits as above. Good for dry skin. Contains fatty acids also found in fish.
- Shea butter - found in almost every moisturiser, penetrates the skin to deeply moisturise and soften.
- Honey, Beeswax, Royal jelly - perfect combo. The beeswax acts as a protective barrier from external damaging factors, like cold winds in winter.
- Olive oil - another natural moisturiser.
- Tee tree oil - a natural antiseptic.
- Zeolite, Borage oil, Jojoba oil, Lavender oil, Geranium oil, rose oil - Ingredients found in Salcura's Zeoderm Skin Repair Moisturiser. Filled with anti-oxidants which defends against skin damage and also detoxifies the skin which repairs the skin, eliminating toxins. (This product was perfect for me when I suffered from facial eczema).
Tip: Always do your skincare routine an hour before makeup application to allow for absorption. Also anti-oxidants can also be found in fruits such a blueberries and strawberries so always eat well too!
This is a basic explanation of the benefits of using pure ingredients in your daily skin routine. Keep a photographic diary of your skin before and after treatment. Avoid makeup for a while and you'll begin to find confidence in yourself. Try it for yourself and see what nature has to offer!
One final tip for anyone out there with a skin disorder; this is important for me to address because of my personal history of facial eczema. If you suffer from a skin disorder like acne or eczema, NEVER use a steroidal cream on the face! Even if a doctor prescribes you one they never explain the side effects, the long-term effects can cause thinning of the skin and red skin syndrome. Steroid creams are a quick fix only and should never be used as a long-term treatment. Addiction to steroid creams can cause damaging effects and serious emotional and mental suffering. Trust me when I say, use the purest ingredients from plant extracts on your skin! Consume fruits and veggies. Be healthy. Our bodies are designed to live off nature.. and nature loves you.
Embrace your beauty,
Charlotte Louise
