TLC for Your Skin

Hello Peepsies,

I was never the kind of person, who looked after my skin or cared much for it, and with all the heavy stage makeup I wore for dance shows and competitions and so on you would think I would pay attention to my skin - but nope - I didn’t.

It was only when I started watching makeup videos on YouTube and really getting into the whole beauty thing that I then started to look after my skin.

I was lucky though - I never really had bad skin to begin with, it was just bad because I didn't care for my skin. The normal breakouts during that time of the month would also pretty much be it. Ever since I have been really taking the time to look after my skin - it has never looked this good.

You still need to look after your skin and protect it because I’m pretty sure none of us want to look like a worn out leather couch by the time we hit 40 and older.

I am going to share with you my routines with the products that I use to keep my skin looking like a baby's ass and clearer than....something that is super clear.

I wash my face every single day, obviously because I wear makeup everyday, but more importantly because you need to. Another important thing to remember is to never ever go to sleep with a face of makeup on, it’s so bad for your skin and as a makeup artist - I can safely say that I can tell who cleans their skin and who doesn’t when it comes to customers and clients.

I got back and forth between cleansers but the two I use the most is the Charcoal Detox Cleansing Stick from Physician's Formula and the Face Wash from Isabella Garcier.

Physician's Formula Charcoal Detox Stick:

This is literally a stick of charcoal cleanser and I love it. It is a deep pore cleansing stick with purifying charcoal. It helps to remove dirt and oil deep in the skin.

How I use it: I wet my skin with lukewarm water and then I just run the stick in circular motions over my face until it begins to lather up. I actually leave this on for like 3 mins max and treat it like a mini mask. I will then clean my skin with lukewarm water again, to rinse off everything.

I bought mine at Dischem and it is R95.00

Isabella Garcier Face Wash:

It is a foaming facial wash that has PH balancing properties. It helps to remove stubborn makeup while protecting your skin's acid mantle.

How I use it: I wet my skin with lukewarm water and then I massage the cleanser in, in circular motions over my face until it begins to lather up. I will then clean my skin with lukewarm water again, to rinse off everything.

I order mine online with Isabella Garcier and it is R234.00 for 200ml.

I exfoliate my skin 3 times a week. If you over exfoliate your skin you strip your skin and that causes more skin concern rather than actually trying to clean and look after your skin.

Some exfoliators are gentle enough that you can use everyday but even then I wouldn't use it so often - especially if you have sensitive skin. It makes your skin vulnerable to the elements.

I will only exfoliate my skin in the evenings though, I just prefer it that way.

There are three exfoliators that I bounce between, Mineralize Volcanic Ash by MAC, Pure Sugar Scrub by L'oreal and the Face Scrub by Isabella Garcier.

I have a whole blog dedicated to exfoliating an in that blog I also discuss these products so I will link that blog right here for you to check out if you are keen.

I use a toner after washing my face each and every single time - morning or evening.

A toner is there to further remove makeup, dirt or grime that may still be lurking on the skin - especially in the pores.

A toner is beneficial to use because it helps to minimize pores and has skin tightening properties.

The only toner I have ever used is the one from Isabella Garcier.

Isabella Garcier Toner:

An alcohol - free toner that contains Witchhazel that assists in the optimization of the skin.

*Witchhazel is an ingrediant that helps to tighten skin and repairs damaged skin.

How I use it: I take a cotton pad and run it under cool water first. I then decant the toner onto the pad, then i run the pad along my face, gently, making sure I cover the surface area of my skin. I will also take whats left on the pad and run that along my neck as well.

I order mine online with Isabella Garcier and it is R234.00 for 200ml.

I try and do a face mask at least once a week.

I do this to really give my skin a boost, to pamper myself and get in really deep into all the layers - even though a face mask doesn’t necessarily do that, I still like the feeling of it.

I've gone through various masks and foaming sheets but my favourite mask is my Glam Glow Gravity Mud, which I will sometimes alternate with my Charcoal mask the Mineralize Revive and Reset mask by MAC.

The Glam Glow Gravity Mud:

The mask is there for firming and tightening the skin. It contains mega - targeted Licorice and Marshmellow extracts that helps to firm, tighten and lift skin. It is a peel-off mask which is super fun and I love the feeling.

How I use it:

The mask comes with a small paddle brush to apply the mask on. I apply an even coat on my face and wait around 20 mins for the mask to turn from White to a Chrome Silver. I then begin to slowly peel of the mask, taking care not to rip the damn thing off my face entirely. Any small traces that are left I just remove with my makeup eraser and warm water.

I have the Mega-Size tube which is 100g and it is R1 475. You can order on-line or purchase through Edgars.

MAC Mineralize Reset & Revive Charcoal Mask:

This mask helps to purify pores and eliminate impurities and excess oil deep within.

It also assists in minimizing blackheads and prevents blemishes, smooths out skin​. All skin types can use it especially if you have oil skin.

How I use it:

I have a paddle brush of my own that I use to apply my mask with. I apply this mainly on and around my nose - going up slighlty on my cheeks as that is where I have enlarged pores. Once it has changed colour from a dark grey to a white grey - I rinse it off with warm water and I will use my makeup eraser again to assist me in the removal off the excess.

A 100g tube is R470ml from MAC Cosmetics.

After all of this I will apply a serum and roll it in with my face roller. I don't use a lot of serum, only a small amount but I have noticed a difference since using my serums.

It has taken me forever to get on the band wagon with this product but now that I have I can see what all the fuss is about. It is a serum from Estee Lauder and it is the Advance Night Repair Serum. So many girls that worked with me on counter were using this and I was always so against it because I didn't think something like that worked until one of the ladies mentioned her age and she of course looked far from her age. It was all thanks to this serum so I was instantly hooked. Now, I am 25. I don't necessarily have wrinkles and things but it is always good to invest early, to prevent early! That's exactly why I am using this - all in the good name of prevention.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Complex II:

So this serum claims to maximize the power of the skins natural nighttime renewal. It contains a whole lot of good ingredients like Anti oxidants and Hyaluronic Acid which is actually natures moisture magnet - so this helps to really grab onto and lock in that moisture that our skin needs. This is why I love it because I have oily skin but with my skin being dehydrated too, it needs all the moisture it can get. Estee Lauder claims that this will: Reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. 75% of woman say that their skin feels smoother and looks more youthful within 4 weeks of using it. Skin is more hydrated and stronger. Skin is more radiant and even toned. I love that it is fast absorbing so that it doesn't leave a sticky residue on your skin and it doesn't feel oily at all so Oily skin types can use this product too.

How I use it:

I use this every night after I have cleaned and exfoliated my skin. I apply my eye cream first and then use two drops of this on my face. That is a pro for me by the way - is the fact that you can co troll the amount of product you use because of the dropper system. I love it.

The bottle comes in varying sizes and I purchased the biggest bottle which is 100ml and it costs R1 225.00.

I bought this in December and it's basically the face massager and it comes with a neck massager as well.

The stone is Rose Quartz set in a Rose Gold handle which of course caught my attention because I love Rose Gold.

I bought this because I saw Jeanie Mai use it in her skin care routine ( I will link that video here for you) and ever since then I have seen so many people using it and I wanted to try it out for myself.

I have been using it for about 3 months at this point and it honestly is worth it. My skin feels tighter and more lifted. The overall appearance of my face is more glowy and healthy looking which is aces in my book.

Any time I travel, I blow up like a balloon - for ages and in using this it has helped my skin majorly in reducing the puffiness in my face, especially under my eyes.

What is a Face Roller:

Face rollers and Derma rollers have been around for centuries but have only become super popular the last couple of years. Facial rolling helps to firm up the skin whilst gently massaging your face. It also helps to de-stress and relax the user whilst helping to achieve clear skin.

Essentially a face roller helps to support the lymphatic drainage which is your body's main detoxification system by draining excess fluids in the face. It helps to reduce puffiness and combats the appearance of wrinkles. Your products are better absorbed into the skin which is a major plus. Rolling you skin increases oxygenated blood supply and collagen production which means firmer, plumpier looking skin.

My stone is a Rose Quartz stone and apparently Rose Quartz, corresponds to the Heart Chakra, which is the energy center of love.

How I use it: The way I use my roller is, I wash my skin and exfoliate and do all the cleany things first. Then once I'm out the shower or bath and have dried off I will go in with my serum and apply it to the skin. Then, using my roller, I will massage the serum into my skin. You have to use this roller with a bit of serum or moisturizer because using it on dry skin will pull and tug at the skin which will do quite the opposite and that's when crow's feet and burst capillaries start showing. BE GENTLE to your skin. I store my roller in the door of my fridge because using a cool tool will help to further tighten the skin and de-puff the skin.

I got my face roller set from Cotton On - Rubi and it was R345.00. Takealot.com also has millions available if you want to grab one.

Moisturizer is my saving grace when it comes to my skin. I use a moisturizer that’s of a gel consistency because it’s fast absorbing and good for oily to combination skins.

When I apply moisturizer my makeup sits much better on the skin too and that’s really important for me. My moisturizer saviors include the Clinique Moisture Surge Intense and for quick fixes either Fix + from MAC or the Bare with me spray from NYX.

Clinique Moisture Surge Intense:

This moisturizer is a rich and oil free cream that actually kind of feels like a gel rather than a cream, that plumps up the skin for 24 hours of hydration. It instantly dehydrates and repairs the skin's moisture barrier over time. I love this because not only does the product give me what I need now but it helps me over time as well. This product is great if you have dry or dull skin and when you apply it - it feels wet - like super liquidy but it's also very creamy which gives me all the feels. It gives my skin a super natural, healthy glow and my makeup sits wonderfully on top of this.

How I use it:

I have a brush that my previous manager gave me from Miniso, that use to apply my moisturizer and massage it into my skin, but we will get into that in a minute. A big tub like this which is 50ml goes for about R545.00 but there are other products in this line that are super amazing that you should have a look into as well if you you are keen to explore.

Fix + MAC:

It is a hydrating mist with Vitamins and Minerals that give the skin an instant boost of hydration. This too can be used to refresh and set your makeup but more importantly it can be used in your skincare routines to moisturize and soothe tired skin with the help of Caffeine and Cucumber extracts.

NYX Bare with Me spray:

This is fairly similar to Fix + which is why I got back and forth between the two. The spray Primes, Sets & Refreshes. It is infused with Aloe & Cucumber Extracts which is great for our Sensitive Skin ladies out there. The spray provides 8 hours of hydration. It gives the skin a dewy finish and minimizes the appearance of pores. It is a cruelty free product. The only con I will give this product is the actual nozzle of the spray - it's super fine so you have to get quite close to the skin to actual feel any mist whereas if I compare this to MAC Fix + the nozzle provides a much stronger but still fairly fine spritz.

How I use these sprays:

I just hold the bottles at arm's length and give my skin a spritz and then just fan my face down to settle the spray.

Fix + comes in 100ml and 50ml bottles for R355.00 and R195.00.

NYX comes in a 130ml bottle for R150.00

To finish off my skincare routine I apply my eye cream and lip treatments. Pretty simple but this is my favourite eye cream of all time! Literally life and i have everyone in my family hooked on it. it's called fast because it really is fast acting - 30 seconds tops and you can see the difference.

MAC Fast Response Eye Cream:

It is a super fast acting cream that contains caffeine and optical diffusers to tighten up the eye area while de-puffing, and dimishes the appearance of lines and dark circles. It is super hydrating as well might I just add and can double up as an eye primer if you don't have one with you.

How I use it:

I will apply the tiniest blob on my cheek bone under my eye (putting this directly under your lash line could be too heavy on the skin around the eye) Then using my ring finger I circle the eye cream around my eye 8 times - this stimulates blood flood and drains the eye, similarly to the face roller for you face.

The cream is a 15ml tube and is R480.00 from MAC Cosmetics.

Elizabeth Aarden 8 Hour Cream Skin Protectant:

I love this stuff and use it for everything. I have two full sizes (one for myself - one for my kit) and a sample size (handbag) I love this stuff so much. This gel or jelly like product helps to soothes, restore, calms and relieve chapped, cracked, dry skin. It also assists in soothing roughness, redness and minor skin irritations.

A little secret - you can totally use this as a clear brow gel set for your brows - it does wonders and looks super natural.

How I use it:

I take a small amount because this cream is super rich, and juts pat it into my lips. When I wake up in the morning - it is still lingering on my lips that is how potent this stuff is - it's great.

A tube is R330.00 for 50ml - Elizabeth Aarden.

I thought I would also just share my favourite makeup removers - especially for stubborn makeup. For eye makeup and lipstick I use the Pro Eye Makeup Remover from MAC.

This product is discontinued but when your purchase online you can choose a free sample with your purchase and I always go for this remover. It removes all the waterproof and stubborn eyeliners/mascaras from the eyes along with all the long wearing matte liquid lipsticks. It still conditions the skin once you have removed all the makeup so that your skin doesn't feel dried out afterwards.

The other remover I swear by these days is the Makeup Eraser. I use this for my face because it is quick and easy and acts like a makeup remover wipe. It is so easy to use. The cloth has two different sides - one to erase makeup the other exfoliate. Wet the cloth under warm water - the wetter the better. Move in circular motions, using the erase side to clean off your makeup. Flip the cloth over onto the exfoliate side and again move in circular motions.

The cloth is machine wash safe and you should clean your cloth at least twice a week.

I did say I would come back to this.

I use a brush to apply my moisturizer and for most of you who don't know yet - applying or doing your skincare routine with specific brushes is definitely a thing.

I was sitting in a meeting with all the brands - at my Head office - when I was still working under Estee Lauder with MAC. The discussion was about trends and products and the host of the meeting mentioned that she applied her skincare with a brush because she saw Kylie Jenner doing it. I thought everyone had lost their mind and I could not believe that this was a thing.

I went home that night and checked it out and there is Kylie - telling the world that she uses a $72 brush to apply her skincare.

Look, you don't have to use a $72 dollar brush to do your skincare but using a brush or brushes do have their benefits - I did some research at the time and literally ever since that day, I have been using certain brushes to do my skin care.

The reason why brushes are great tool to use for your skin routines at home is because it is more sanitary than using your hands, the amount of germs, dirt and bacteria that sits under finger nails alone is pretty gruesome at most and that is how blemishes move around on your face or accumulate in one specific area is because we constantly touch our faces.

Skin care brushes are extremely effective for the ladies who have acne prone skin because it is more of a precautionary step, to further prevent the flaring up of the acne.

Brushes are great because it acts similarly to the face roller and has the same sort of benefits in the sense that the massaging action is good for the skin.

Brushes apply and distribute your product evenly on the skin.

If you are keen on investing in a brush set - the best type of brush to purchase would be a set that is antibacterial, synthetic bristle, non-absorbent bristles and non-abrasive on the skin. The last thing you want to do is agitate the skin.

I happen to come across a blog that spoke about a particular brush set that is designed skincare and of course it is from one of my favourite brush brands - Real Techniques. I went onto their website and checked it out for myself.

It is a four brush set and the brushes cover everything from de-puffing to exfoliation. The brush set is R395.00 which is nothing for a set of brushes.

The brush set consists of:

1. Prep Brush (similar to my Miniso big brush) - This is for your moisturizers, serums, primers & masks.

2. Dry Facial Brush - Exfoliation

3. Under Eye Reviver - Eye Creams and to de-puff eyes.

4. Lip Brush - Lip Exfoliation.

I am super interested in this set and if I get the chance - I think I might purchase it and test it out.

As I mentioned I have a brush from Miniso that my previous store manager gave me - and it works well for what I use it for. It has two brushes - a small dense brush and a big - bumpy brush. I have been using the big brush to apply my moisturizer and my small brush to exfoliate around my nostrils because I have a super deep scar there that get affected if I have to use my hands to exfoliate the area? It is weird that my scar flares up the way it does, but it is temperamental like that.

One last tiny thing is another great find. I found this on Belle Jordan's IG a while back and now I so desperately want one. A skincare fridge. A small fridge designed to keep all your skincare products at the right, cool temperature. This also extends the life span of your products - they won't expire as quickly as they do.

These are my skin saviours and of course everyone needs a good skin regime - find products and routines that best suit your skin type. I have a few rules I live by to ensure my skin looks its best:

1. Don’t sleep with makeup on - always wash your face no matter what.

2. Drink plenty of water.

3. Give your skin a chance to breath. You will not catch me dead wearing makeup on an off day - no matter what (unless it’s a fancy dinner or whatever) but I always allow my skin a chance to breath.

4. Just one thing to remember - Makeup will look good if the skin under it is good. Good skin equals good makeup. If you aren’t looking after your skin, your makeup won’t lay or sit properly, which makes the makeup look bad.

5. Sunscreen is your best friend. Protect your skin - otherwise you will end up looking like a leather couch before your 30’s.

Love your skin, you only have the one!