How to Wash Your Face Properly

Many people think that washing their face is a simple task. However, what they don’t normally realize is that if the face is not properly washed, it could do the skin more harm than good. A proper face wash does not only get rid of dirt and excess sebum, but it also helps improve complexion and prepare the skin to absorb the nutrients of the skincare products that should follow.

Even though it might sound simple, here is our easy five-step process with tips on how to properly wash your face.

1. Remove your makeup
If you have applied makeup, remove it before washing your face, because many facial cleansers do not take off foundation or eye makeup completely. Make sure you wash your hands first, as we don’t want all the grime, dirt and germs from the hands on our face.

2. Use the right face wash
Is your skin dry, oily or normal? It’s important to choose a face wash that suits your skin type, because the right cleanser can restore water and oil balance to your skin. If you have oily skin, you’ll want a cleanser that contains sebum-regulating and clarifying ingredients. Sensitive skin benefits from hypoallergenic and fragrance-free cleansers. We suggest avoiding using soaps, which are too harsh and can easily dry out your face.

3. Wet your face and gently massage
Wet your face with water at room temperature. Hot water will strip the natural oils off your face and could even cause broken capillaries, resulting in unsightly red spots. Next, squeeze a small amount of cleanser onto the palm of one hand, and then rub both palms together. Massage the foam into your skin in small and gentle circular motions, starting from the forehead, nose, cheeks, chin and down to the neck. 

4. Splash with cold water
Rinse your face with cool water to close your pores, and then pat dry with a clean towel. Remember, a clean towel is really important! Unless your face has been exposed to dirt and heavy pollutants during the day, washing it twice a day (in the morning and evening) is enough.

5. Apply toner and moisturizer
Toners help remove leftover makeup, excess oil and dead skin cells after cleansing. They also help minimize your pores and refine skin. Finally, apply moisturizer to lock in moisture and provide nourishment to your skin.

Remember, healthy looking skin starts with simple steps like a thorough and regular wash. What are your favorite face washes? Let us know in the comments!

9 Easy Steps to a Perfect Makeup

Have you ever wondered how you can use your makeup to get a natural and glowy look? Knowing a few basics can help you create that flawless style  

1. Start with a clean face

Cleanse and tone your face. It will make your skin look perfectly clean and help rid it of dead skin, blackheads, sebum, and dirt. It helps prepare your skin for applying makeup – this is a really important step!

2. Apply a SPF moisturizer

Choose a good SPF moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type. It helps keep your skin hydrated. If your moisturizer does not have SPF, apply a sunscreen on top.

  

3. Choose a suitable primer

Applying a primer before foundation can help seal pores, correct red and dull skin, and cover imperfections. It also softens your skin and makes your complexion smooth and glowy.  

4. Foundation is next

If you already have flawless skin, you can use a tinted moisturizer. If you want a bit more coverage, use a foundation. You should pick a shade which is closest to your skin color.

Put a bit of foundation on the back of your hand, dab it with a foundation brush or your fingers and smooth it onto your face. Make sure to blend along the jawline so you don't have that tell-tale line. Tips: foundation is meant to even out your skin tone. Don't apply too much to avoid a caked-on look. 

5. Next up: Concealer

Choose a concealer that is close to your skin tone, one that is not too dark or too light. Apply concealer on any blemishes, red spots or dark circles. You can use a brush or fingers to apply it, and then blend it in with fingers. 

6. Set your makeup

Set your face with a light dusting of translucent powder. Gently dab the setting powder all over the face with a powder brush. 

7. Color your cheeks

Apply blush on the apples of your cheeks. If you want to appear sun-kissed, apply a bronzer on the forehead, nose and cheeks as well. 

8. Apply eye makeup

Apply a dab of eye shadow primer first to make your eyeshadow last. For a simple eye makeup, apply a base shade on the lid of the eye, and then apply a darker contouring shadow in the crease. Make sure to blend the colors well.

Next, apply eyeliner to upper eyelids. For an intense look, apply eyeliner to the lower lash line too and smudge it a bit. Then, curl your lashes with an eyelash curler and apply mascara. Place the mascara wand at the roots of your lashes, slowly wiggling it from left to right while bringing it up to separate lashes.

9. And finally, the lips

Depending on the look you opt for, choose a suitable lip product. For a simple day-to-day look, just wear a lip balm or gloss. For an elegant evening look, fill in your lips with lip liner and apply a lipstick in the same color, then finish with a gloss.

Once you get the hang of these easy steps, you are bound to achieve that natural and glowy look. Do you have any important steps to your make-up routine? Let us know!

How to get the au naturel makeup look?

Less is more when it comes to the latest trend in makeup. There is even a growing hashtag – #nomakeup – on Instagram.

Last summer, Hollywood star Jennifer Aniston uploaded a picture of herself and her hairstylist on the social media app, looking sun-kissed and relaxed. The bare-faced look soon became a trend among celebrities and models worldwide.

The au naturel look is all about fresh, radiant and natural-looking skin with minimal makeup. Foundation is normally abandoned. Just a touch of concealer and a dab of highlighter are applied to make the skin look luminous.

Here are some great tips to get a natural glow without using a ton of makeup:

1. Moisture, moisture, moisture
The key is hydration. Our skin is constantly in need of moisture so if we give it the right boost, it will plump up immediately. Use a 3-step skincare routine that is suitable for your skin, plus brightening products, then your skin is ready to glow.

2. Exfoliate
Exfoliation is the best way to brighten dull skin as it removes dead skin cells. Scrub at least twice a week to keep your face looking fresh.  

3. Apply a brightening mask
Many people think that serum is enough to hydrate skin and often skips using facial masks. Actually, face masks complement the skincare regimen by providing the skin with essential nutrients such as antioxidants and vitamins. Apply a mask once a week and it will give a natural glow to your skin instantly.

4. Dab on a highlighter
To give your face a dewy boost, apply a highlighter after concealing skin imperfections. Swipe and dab onto the contours of the face: bridge of nose, cheekbones, brow bone, and chin.

5. Drink green tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants such as Vitamin C, which helps reduce wrinkles and get rid of free radicals that damage skin. It also gives a boost of collagen and elastin to keep your skin radiant. 

So there you have it. All it takes to achieve that perfect natural look are a few simple steps. What are your beauty tips to achieve the very popular au naturel look? Let us know in the comments!