Makeup: Many of us tend to use it to cover up ‘flaws’ or to give tired skin some life. But with masks having become the new fashion accessory that none of us have asked for due to the rise of the Covid-19 pandemic, many of us ditched makeup entirely. Of course, that meant that we got used to ditching the fancy makeup looks in favor of baring natural skin. But many of us struggle to feel polished without it. Here are some tricks and tips that will help your skin to glow and look and feel great even without makeup.
Your skincare regime is vital
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Of course, most of us know that whether we’re ditching makeup or not, it’s the skin under the makeup that matters. However, if you decide that it’s time to ditch the makeup, your skincare routine will become even more vital.
Ultimately, most of us want an even tone that isn’t blotchy or red. In order to do this, it’s hugely important to find a skincare routine that works for you and then stick to it.
Makeup artist Mrignaina Kumar told NDTV Food that, to achieve great skin, you need to “stay true to your skincare regime”. She recommends cleansing regularly (twice a day) and using a toner to restore the skin’s pH balance.
Try an exfoliator
Dermatologist Dr. Rahul Nagar recommends exfoliating at least once a week. This will help remove any dead skin cells and will ultimately leave it glowing. However, Dr. Nagar does warn that you shouldn’t scrub it too harshly. This could result in red, irritated, and blotchy skin which, let’s be honest, isn’t what we’re after. If you don’t have an exfoliator, Harpers Bazaar recommends using “a cleanser mixed with a pinch of plain granular white sugar”. You can simply massage this onto the skin when you’re in the shower.
Moisturised skin is always better
The most important thing is a healthy moisture barrier. The moisture barrier is the “outermost layers of skin responsible for holding in water and nourishment and repelling irritants in the air”. Essentially, it protects the skin. According to Austin-based celebrity facialist Renée Rouleau, dry, red, or flaky skin is a sign of a damaged moisture barrier.
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When this moisture barrier is damaged, the skin develops “tiny, invisible cracks that allow moisture to escape and light to penetrate”. When the light penetrates, it no longer bounces off the skin and creates that natural radiance that we all want.
Repairing the skin’s moisture barrier
Even if your moisture barrier is damaged, it can be repaired. The most important thing to do is to stop using any retinoids or exfoliators until the skin is no longer dry or irritated. Instead, use a day cream that contains hyaluronic acid. This is good for the skin because it boosts moisture.
Hyaluronic acid holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, which also plumps and gives a subtle dewiness. At night, you may want to use a cream that contains ceramides as they form a core component of the moisture barrier.
Facial massage is great
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Make like Victoria Beckham and give your face a bit of me-time. Of course, Beckham goes to her personal celeb facialist Sarah Chapman but there are ways to get the same results at home.
Celebrity makeup artist Monika Blunder says just a few minutes of gentle facial massage can increase blood circulation and drain excess fluid. This can help make the skin appear tighter, firmer, and rosier.
However, before you get to massaging, you need to apply some facial oil or serum. Otherwise, you’ll simply be tugging at your skin, and that won’t be good for it at all. Blunder says that you can use facial tools if you have them, but it’s not entirely necessary, and using your hands will work just as well.
Also, watch out for how you massage. You need to massage upwards and not down towards the ground because this is what creates that lift Blunder says. The pressure should be anywhere from gentle to moderate but not harsh.
References
https://www.prevention.com/beauty/skin-care/a37026837/look-pretty-without-makeup/
https://food.ndtv.com/beauty/how-to-look-beautiful-without-makeup-1224170
https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/makeup/advice/g2130/how-to-look-good-without-makeup/?slide=1
Wow this is very interesting, thank you for sharing. I will definitely gonna give this a try! xo xo