The Perfect Complexion

There is a first time for everything and this is my first blog.  I would also like to say that these are just my personal opinions and I'm not paid by any brand or company to express my views about their products.  I have been lucky enough to work around so many lines and have had many opportunities to try a wide range of products.  If you have any specific questions on any of the products I've listed, please ask away.  I can do smaller, more specific posts later. So let's start with your skin.  


How well can an artist paint if his canvas isn't pulled tight?  How nice would your living room wall look if you painted over the holes and marks without sanding or primer?  What if you never fully removed old nail polish and just painted over old polish...?


You cannot achieve a perfect looking complexion with your makeup if you don't take care of your skin.  Washing, exfoliating and hydrating your skin will help you get the most out of your makeup and maybe even go makeup free....NAH! Makeup is too much fun!  


Cleanse: You should wash your face daily even if you're not wearing makeup that day.  There is dirt and oil that collects throughout the day can clog your pores just like makeup.  Some of my favorite cleansers are Kinerase - Gentle Daily Cleanser; Peter Thomas Roth - Anti Aging Cleanser; Boscia - Purifying Cleansing Gel and Make-up Break-up Cleansing Oil; and DDF - Brightening Cleanser.  I have found that these don't dry your skin and they remove all of my makeup!  They all work great with the Clairsonic.  I'll cover that in another post :)

Toner: Toners bring your skins ph balance after washing.  They shouldn't be used to take off what your cleanser missed.  If that is the case, you need to find another cleanser.

Treatments/Serums:  This is when we treat our skins specific problems like fine lines and wrinkles, acne, hydration and discoloration.  I use a daily serum that brightens and tightens so I look for Vitamin C and glycolic acid.  I like to use a weekly exfoliating mask with active enzymes to remove the dead skin cells revealing new skin.  Serums are lighter and more concentrated to penetrate beyond your epidermis. 

Moisturize:  Moisturized skin is different from oily skin.  Many people that have an oily skin type will not use moisturizer because they think that their skin is already hydrated.  That is what you should NOT do.  Your skin produces even more oil because it thinks that it is dehydrated.  If you are oily then look for moisturizers that are oil free.  They will feel lighter and some even have mattifiers that will help control shine (Ole Heneriksen - Sheer Transformation is awesome!)  If you are on the dry side then you'll like something a little more rich.  I use different moisturizers for different seasons and at night (thats when your skin works its magic.)  I'm oilier in the summer and dryer in the winter.  Also, makeup always looks better on hydrated skin!


Sunscreen:  Everyone needs to use sunscreen year round!  You can get it in your moisturizer or add an extra one on top.  Sunscreen needs to be reapplied every 2-4 hours to be fully effective.  Not only do you need to be protected from the sun but also from indoor lighting and computer screens.  I know what you're thinking; who can really do that?  There are great products that offer sunscreen in mineral powders and sprays.  My entire family (an 11 year old son and husband) uses the Peter Thomas Roth - Instant Mineral Powder Spf 45.  Its in a translucent mineral powder that goes on easily and doesn't feel like you're wearing sunscreen.  My son doesn't fight me on this one!


This a lot of information and a lot of products but if you can narrow down your skin concerns and establish a daily routine, you will see a difference in your skin's texture and appearance.  The products don't have to be from a high end department stores as long as they have active ingredients that treat your concerns.  We take the time to take care of so many things on our lives so why not 5 minutes a day on our largest organ, our SKIN!