Getting Down to Basics…

OK….Now that I’ve shared my blush secret (whoa…big share!), let’s take a step back and start with the basics.  I know that I said we’d talk color, but we haven’t even cleansed the palette yet.  Makeup is accessory to the face!

Please! Please! Please! Wash! Cleanse! Exfoliate! Scrub! Lather…Rinse…Repeat. Clean. Your. Face. Exclamation. Point.  I don’t care if it’s a makeup wipe or a bar of soap (probably a little too drying, but better than nothing)…you MUST start with clean and moisturized face.  Makeup only gives you a fresh and glowy look when you start with a clean base.

Photo by Eleonora Ghioldi, Makeup by MoWoolley

Everyone needs a skin regimen and they’re not all the same.  Your regimen has to be customized for you and that begins with you knowing your skin type (normal, oily, dry, combo, sensitive, acneic, rosacea, etc.).  This will help you break down your must haves.  I also don’t believe that a regimen needs to be extensive (with 77 steps) or expensive….just make sure you have what’s necessary to achieve your best look.

Consistency is key.  Your makeup regimen can only work if you give it time to do its job….you should start to see the effects in 3 to 6 weeks (of consistent behavior).   Know that you skin type can change over time as well as between seasons…know your face!

A couple of key elements to get the flawless look you want from your makeup bag of tricks: a cleanser/toner, moisturizer/serum, eye cream, and makeup remover (can be as simple as makeup wipes for some).  I have a three year old so I know that taking the makeup off can be extra work…but don’t worry about me…I actually keep makeup wipes in my car.  I’m always ready!

AND AND AND WATER!! H20!  Bottled! Tap! Sparkling! Carbonated! Lemon Water! Cucumber Water!  Just drink it!!

So….I definitely want you to check in with an esthetician…they will help you determine your skin type and needs.  Don’t know an esthetician?  Get a facial and your diagnosis!

As for me, I tend to go from normal to combo skin…depending on the season.  Some of my faves?   Ole Henriksen’s On the Go Cleanser, Bobbi Brown Hydrating Face Cream,  and Cetaphil Cleanser & Moisturizer.  As for serums, I like Ole Henriksen’s Truth Serum  and Origin’s  Plantscription (organic).  Finally, for eye creams…. Ole Henriksen’s Visual Truth and Bobbi Brown’s Extra Eye Repair…just to name a few.  You have to find what works for you!   One of my favorite skin care items that you can add to any regiment is Buffing Grains by Bobbi Brown.  It’s unique because you can add it to any cleasner…this covers my need to exfoliate!  Work it!!

Tags: bobbi brown, cetaphil, clean skin, Eleonora Ghioldi, make up, makeup, ole henriksen, skincare

This entry was posted on June 10, 2011 at 4:22 PM and is filed under Feature Stories.... You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.