The skincare products to use for your routine

Before even talking about make-up, it is imperative to have a skincare routine that matches your skin type and its characteristics. 

I believe that makeup is used to be used to enhance and not to hide. For this reason, putting on several layers of foundation to reduce the appearance of pimples for example is a mistake. 

A well-executed makeup is, for me, a natural makeup. To do that you have to use each makeup product sparingly but the first step is to take care of your skin correctly and give it what it needs. 

Indeed, each skin has specific needs and to meet them, it is essential to know its skin type.

As a makeup artist, I am always ask what are my tricks to do a beautiful makeup look, it is there, in a good skincare routine.

In order to help you, I will explain the different skin types so that you can find what is yours and then draw the list of skincare products to use in your skincare routine.

The different skin types

Normal Skin 

Normal skin is a skin:

• smooth,

• uniform 

• balanced

• not dry, not oily, not sensitive

• without blemishes

• whose pores are barely visible

Dry Skin 

Dry skin is :

• rough 

• dull

• A skin that produces less sebum (lipids) than normal skin 

• fine

Causes:

• climate (cold, dry weather)

• the use of products that are too aggressive for the skin or unsuitable

• excessive cleaning of the skin

• tobacco

• skin problems like eczema for example

• aging, skin tends to lose its elasticity and produce less sebum over time

Combination

Combination skin is: 

• oily on what is called the T-zone, forehead, nose and chin. This area tends to shine.

• with impurities, pimples and enlarged pores

• dry to normal on the cheeks

Causes:

• high production of sebum on the T-zone 

• lower production on the rest of the face 

Oily

Oily skin:

• produces a large amount of sebum

• in the pores visible and dilated 

• is prone to imperfections (acne, blackheads ...)

• tends to shine 

• is thick

Causes:

• genetics

• age

• climate, skin will be oily in summer for example 

• excessive use of skincare products

• the use of products aggressive for the skin 

• The use of unsuitable care products

Sensitive skin

Sensitive skin and reactive or even intolerant skin: 

• prone to redness

• irritated easily 

• fragile 

Causes:

• allergic reactions to cosmetic products

• allergenic

• stress

• hormonal changes

The good news (or not), your skin type is not frozen and can change over time and thanks to an adapted care routine.

Now that you know how to recognize your skin type, here are the skincare products to use in your routine.

I will not mention a brand here because the composition of the products can have different reactions on people. 

The skincare products to have in your kit 

A cleansing gel or cleanser, without soap 

Choose it according to your skin type. It will clean the surface of the skin and take off the impurities.

It is to be used in the morning and in the evening, preferably out of the shower. The temperature of the water will be too high for your face.

Micellar water

For deep but gentle cleansing.

You can find one for all skin types, for oily skin, for dry skin ...

Micellar water can be applied after the facial cleanser but also to remove make-up.

A toner 

A toner is for for combination and oily skin. It helps tighten pores and for some (eg with vitamin C) to illuminate the skin by making it less dull.

A thermal water sprayer 

Thermal water is known for its benefits thanks to the minerals it contains. 

It brings hydration to the skin (oily skin also needs it) and also helps fix makeup and revive the complexion.

Cotton pads or washcloths

You of course know what they are made for. I would just add that it is beneficial to also use them for cleaning the face to avoid touching your skin, as advised in the article Coronavirus, hygiene and makeup.

Serum

A serum is an intensive treatment that will strengthen the action of your day cream. Apply it before your day cream and choose it according to your skin type. There are serums for different needs, anti-aging, anti-blemishes, etc.

Day cream or oil 

Regardless of your skin type, you need a cream or an oil that will give it the benefits it needs.

Oily skin will need a light cream which will help to mattify it.

Dry skin will need a nourishing cream.

You can also use natural vegetable oils instead of your day cream.

Jojoba oil is ideal because it is suitable for all skin types. Avocado oil will be suitable for dry skin.

A few drops are enough for your face.

Eye cream

Eye cream cream is ideal for the fragile and delicate area around the eyes.

It will hydrate it and some eye creams can even smooth it or help women with darkness around the eyes.

Scrub or exfoliant

A scrub, or exfoliant is used to eliminate the dead cells.

It is particularly beneficial for dry skin.

It is to be used once a week, before your mask.

Mask

After getting rid of toxins and dead cells, your skin needs to regenerate.

To do this, apply a moisturizing or even nourishing mask to the skin, which is suitable for your skin type.

Lip balm

An essential for soft and smooth lips and for a beautiful lipstick application.

Go for a balm based of natural ingredients such as shea butter or cocoa if you have dry lips.

You can also make a scrub for your lips. Apply your lip balm and exfoliate your lips with brown sugar and honey.