preparing the perfect canvas

I'm a firm believer in taking care of your skin, after all you only get one skin, one shot! If you want good makeup application, complexion and healthy looking skin you need to take care of it and it's not always easy. Let me start off by saying I am in no way an expert on skin and these are only my opinions, recommendations and things that have always worked for myself. Skin is a tricky thing, everyone's skin is different whether it be dry, oily, or a combination ect.. Or maybe your skin is sensitive and reacts to many products and ingredients. My skin is more normal to combination with the occasional dryness in the winter months and occasional oiliness in my T-Zone. My first tip for you is WASH YOUR MAKEUP OFF. I cannot stress the importance of this enough. I know at night when your tired it feels like a chore but it's a really important step in healthy younger skin. Not washing your makeup off will age your skin faster, dull your complexion and create a perfect medium for bacteria, breakouts, blackheads and textured skin. Second tip I have is to drink lots of water! That's right, WATER! This is such an easy step to help your skin feel more hydrated and plump! This will as well help those puffy dark circles under your eyes if you have them and make your skin look more awake and supple. Now for skin care products--this is where your homework comes in place. What works for me may not work for you due to different skin types, so just use this as a guide and really find what works for your skin needs. I like to try different products out all the time (my obsession besides makeup). When I wake up in the morning I'll cleanse my face with something light and then apply my toner, oils, under eye cream and moisturizer of choice for day time--usually something light and refreshing. At night first thing I do is take off my makeup--I like to use a makeup melting balm the best to avoid tugging at my skin and skin around your eyes(which is most sensitive). After I lather my face with that I'll go in with warm water and rinse it all off. I then use a cleanser and really work it into my skin for a few minutes to make sure I get all that makeup off and whatever else that may be on my face like dirt, sweat ect.. I will use an exfoliating cleanser once or twice a week to get rid of dead flacky skin off my face and create a smooth canvas--feels amazing! After cleansing I like to go on with my favorite toner to help tone, firm and tighten the skin as well as removing excess dead skin cells. Finally I apply my favorite moisturizer for sleeping, usually something thicker and hydrating, oils to my face and neck ect.. Fourth and finally my favorite part, MASKING! Masking is a great way to meet your specific skin needs. I don't mask everyday, but I usually will use a sheet mask once or twice a week as well as some sort of clay mask. Depending on the concern you have with your skin you can buy masks to target to specific needs whether it be hydration, texture, blemishes, redness, dullness, firming, aging and the list goes on! Its a fun relaxing way to give your skin a little extra self love. And there ya have it, my four tips for healthier looking skin. I hope this was helpful in figuring out your own skin care routine.

Until next time, xo