10 Commandments Of Highlighting and Contouring!

1. THOU SHALT NOT USE BRONZER AS
CONTOUR.
Shadows are not tan, they have not been to the Bahamas.

2. THOU SHALT TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THE TIME AND PLACE WHEN CONTOURING.
Pageant? Drag show? CNN? Tear it up…go full Kardashian Class?  Church? General Public? Go easy and remember that actual people are looking at your actual face (with their actual eyes) Unless you want them to actually laugh at you, you should not look like you fell asleep on a Snickers bar.
SNICKERS FOR A SNACK, NOT ON YOUR FACE

3. THOU SHALT STEP AWAY FROM THE
SPARKLY SHIT WHEN IT COMES TO THE
HIGHLIGHTING STEP.

4. THOU SHALT BLEND.
And blend again. And, Sweet Cosmetic Jesus, blend again. Especially on your damn nose…it looks like you rolled an Oreo down the thing for fun.

5. THOU SHALT NOT USE INSTAGRAM,
PINTEREST OR YOUTUBE AS REFERENCE FOR HOW TO CONTOUR YOUR FACE.
Call a pro, ask them how to best YOUR “bring your best face forward” and take some serious notes. And maybe some video. These girls know how to contour their own faces, not yours. Hire a pro!

6. THOU SHALT REMEMBER TO ADD COLOUR TO YOUR “SCLUPTED” FACE WITH A LOVELY SHADE OF BLUSH TO BRING IT ALL TOGETHER.
And then thou shalt BLEND. ONE MORE TIME, BLEND.

7. THOU SHALT STEP INTO THE GLORIOUS
SUNLIGHT WITH A MIRROR AND TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION WHETHER OR NOT YOU’RE ACTUALLY PULLING THIS OFF.
And then thou shalt BLEND.

8. THOU SHALT ALWAYS CONSIDER THE TONE OF ONE’S OWN SKIN WHEN CHOOSING THE PROPER CONTOURING AND HIGHLIGHTING PRODUCTS.
One shade does NOT fit all. Ever.

9. THOU SHALT REFRAIN FROM TELLING
THINE PROFESSIONAL MAKE UP ARTIST HOW TO PROPERLY DO THEIR JOB.
Especially when it comes to Highlighting & Contouring, lest their eyes become permanently lodged in the backs of their skulls rendering them unable to finish your ridiculous face.

10. NEVER DRAW A PENIS ON YOUR NOSE.
EVER.

LET IT BE SO.
What other commandments of Highlighting & Contouring should be added to this list?

8 Rules Of Layering Your Skincare Products

Instead of just slapping on five creams—then washing your face because, seriously, that stuff is heavy—follow the lead of the pros.

1. Start light. Serums—the thinnest products—go first, Plus, they're easy to customize. Pick two or three serums that each treat one of your concerns: formulas with peptides for wrinkles (we like Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum), salicylic acid for oily skin.

2. Add an antioxidant. Vitamin C is one ingredient every skin type needs. "It brightens, protects against sun damage, and promotes collagen production," says cosmetic chemist Ni'Kita Wilson, who
recommends using a potent serum (such as Obagi Professional-C Serum 15%).

3. Take a coffee break. "If you give each product a minute to dry, it won't pill," . "I flow my skin care in with the rest of my morning routine. For example, put on a product, have coffee, then put on a second
product, then brush my teeth."

4. Lock it down. Moisturizer is key to any layering routine because "it seals serums on your skin, which can make them more effective,". Feel free to keep it basic: Try Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15 for normal and oily skin and Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturizer for dry skin.

5. Know when to go in reverse. If your sensitive skin reddens at the thought of using even one treatment product, try putting on a simple, fragrance-free moisturizer first and then serums on top. "The cream will reduce the potency of the serums," but they'll also be less likely to cause irritation."

6. Add an oil. In small doses, oils make skin radiant. Put them on dry areas after creams—as a rule, oils can penetrate moisturizers, but not vice versa. Like L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Glow Renewal Facial Oil,with sunflower-seed and jojoba oils. Skip the oil if you're wearing more than two serums under your moisturizer, though—at some point, you can't avoid looking greasy.

7. Don't forget protection. "Sunscreen is your last step in the morning," It sits on top of your skin, so if it goes on first, it prevents
other ingredients from penetrating." Coppertone ClearlySheer Faces for Sunny Days SPF 30 is lightweight enough to layer over multiple products.

8. Have a nightcap. It's not as sexy as a snifter of whiskey. But ending your nighttime routine with a retinoid makes you look a whole lot younger. (Every dermatologist recommends this anti-aging
super ingredient.) "I put my retinol over a serum and a cream— moisturizing helps retinol to penetrate better with less irritation," says Brandt, who uses his own Dr. Brandt Do Not Age Transforming Pearl
Serum and Time Reversing Cream.

How To Use Coconut Oil In Your Skincare Routine

DIY Skin & Beauty Care with Coconut Oil by Alabi Haleemah

Coconut oil is often praised for its many health benefits and its versatility in cooking and baking. While these many benefits may have gotten you to commit to always keeping some coconut oil in your pantry, coconut oil has a big place outside of the kitchen as well. Coconut oil’s healing, antibacterial, and cleansing properties take on an entirely new personality when used topically, making it the ideal multiple-products-in-one item to add to your skincare and personal grooming regimes. Since coconut oil is gentle on the skin and not laden with chemicals and ingredients you have to watch out for (like most of the skin and beauty care products sold today), this is a safe and easy oil for anyone to use and experiment with. Here are 4 popular ways coconut oil can be used to replace the dozens of pricey, and often ineffective, products sitting in your bathroom.

1. Cleansing with Coconut Oil
Many facial soaps and cleansers on the market are made with harsh chemicals and an overabundance of alcohol that will strip your skin of its natural oils, causing an overproduction of oil that can lead to skin
issues such as acne and clogged pores. Coconut oil is the perfect cleanser for any skin type, even oily, as it will gently wash away all dirt, impurities, and even the toughest makeup, but not every last bit of your natural oils. This will leave your skin soft and moisturized but clean, with enough of your own oils left to stop your skin from going into panic mode.

How to use coconut oil as a cleanser: take a small, 1/2 measuring teaspoon amount of coconut oil and emulsify between your fingers and massage gently into skin and wash off with warm water using gentle
circular motions until all dirt is washed away. Pat dry. Adjust coconut oil amount used as needed.

2. Waterproof Makeup Remover Using Coconut Oil
Removing waterproof mascara and eyeliner can be one of the most irritating things about the end of your day, and even worse, good waterproof makeup removers are pricey and the knockoffs with reasonable price tags just don’t do the job well. Not only that, but if you take look at the ingredients list, you will find a plethora of
ingredients that you cannot pronounce and definitely wouldn’t eat. So why let you skin eat it? Coconut oil, however, will wash off even the most stubborn, clingy, waterproof makeup with ease, as well as moisturize and condition the skin and lashes.

How to use coconut oil to remove makeup: for eye makeup, coat and cover lashes and eyelids with coconut oil and gently massage for a few seconds to loosen makeup, or apply and wipe with a cotton pad. Wash off in warm water and repeat steps for skin.

3. Moisturizing with Coconut Oil
Coconut oil makes a great skin moisturizer on its own, with a blend of other oils, or as a carrier for essential oils. Additionally, this can also be added to lotions and creams that need extra moisturizing properties. For the same reasons that coconut oil makes a great cleanser for all skin types, it also works as a moisturizer for any skin type. The key is to know how much your skin needs and how. Oily skin may need drier carrier oils such as argan or olive, while dry skin will probably drink coconut oil all up.

How to use it to moisturize your skin:
Face: rub a small amount between fingers and pat on to freshly washed skin, adjusting amount used as needed. If you’ve used the
coconut oil cleansing method and have plenty of oil left on your skin after washing, you can simply pat dry and skip the additional moisturizing step.
Body: emulsify oil between palms until warm and melted and apply to skin, or melt down and add to your favorite lotions and creams before applying.

4. Shaving with Coconut Oil
Shaving creams, foams, and gels all have an alarmingly long list of ingredients and are full of toxic chemicals that you do not need on your skin. These products may be extremely convenient, but there are
healthier alternatives that work just as well and are safe for highly sensitive areas, namely coconut oil. This method is best used with wet shaving after the skin has been run under warm water to soften the
skin and hair. Not only will coconut oil give you a smooth, close shave, it will also save you a lot of money on pricey cans of shaving gels that run out so quickly with daily use.

How to use coconut oil for shaving: apply enough oil to coat skin and shave as usual.

Summary
Using coconut oil as a facial cleanser, makeup remover, moisturizer and shaving “cream” are just small samples of all the harmful (and expensive!) beauty care products you can replace with coconut oil. If you’ve been fighting skin issues, have highly sensitive skin, or just need to cut back on the spending, give coconut oil a try and see if the results aren’t worth it for yourself.
Note on type of coconut oil: use a high quality virgin coconut oil. Refined coconut oils (non-virgin) could have chemical residues.
Bye!!!✌

How To Minimize Pores!

Did you know you can’t actually shrink your pores? But don’t stress, because it is possible to minimise their appearance. Arm yourself with a bit of know-how and a hard-working skin care product, and you’ll be
on on your way to a smoother, more even-looking complexion. Read the
tips below :

TIP #1: Cleanse day and night. Steer clear of harsh scrubs or cleansers that strip your skin of its natural moisture barrier, as they
can trigger more oil production.

TIP #2: Use an exfoliating toner. After washing your face, swipe an exfoliating toner across your face. It will help to rid your skin of any natural debris, stopping that build-up from expanding your pores.

TIP #3: Don’t squeeze your blackheads – this can stretch or damage the pore and make it more visible. No, thanks! Cleansing the skin
properly is a much better option.

TIP #4: Consider starting an anti-ageing routine. When skin ages, it loses elasticity, which results in pores increasing in size. To make your skin more resistant to this, keep it nourished and protected from the sun.

TIP #5: Apply a base that helps to improve skin’s texture while providing coverage. Using tailored products make the world of
difference.

Do You Really Need To Use A Face Serum?

Cleansers, moisturisers, facial oils, exfoliators, cleansing oils… I get it – skin care can be pretty overwhelming! But if you want to keep your skin looking youthful and glowing, you need one anti-ageing product on your side: a facial serum.
So, what does a serum do?
There are zillions of different types of serums out there, but they all aim to deliver the same thing: a concentrated dose of hydration and skin-loving ingredients to plump out lines and help to give your skin a
natural glow. Many facial serums are rich in active ingredients as well as antioxidants, vitamins and oils to penetrate skin, making it feel softer. They also tackle those fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, dullness and large pores that can make us appear older. So, how does it differ from a facial oil, you ask? Well, serums can vary in texture and serve many different purposes. They can be oil-based, oil-free, and pack a punch when it comes to targeting the signs
of ageing. Facial oils are perfect for giving your skin intense hydration and nutrition, so try adding them both to your skin care
routine to reap the benefits of both.

Can’t I just use my moisturiser?
Well, yes, but using a serum, oil and a moisturiser will reap the most benefits. As serums are water-based, they’re easily absorbed into the deeper layers of the skin, while moisturiser is vital for hydrating the
outer layers of the skin. To give your skin the best chance of soaking up that anti-ageing goodness, it’s definitely worth adding a serum to your skin care routine.

How do I use a facial serum?
After cleansing, toning or using a facial mist, and applying any spot treatments, your skin’s ready for serum. Pop two to three drops on your fingertips, then massage them together and smooth over your face, being sure to focus on areas of concern like crow’s feet, forehead lines, and lines around the mouth. Follow with your facial oil or moisturiser, then finish with sunscreen.

Check out our cheat’s guide to layering your skin care products like a pro HERE , or briefly below:
Layering your skin care products:
Step 1. Cleanser
Step 2. Tone/mist
Step 3. Correcting/spot treatment
Step 4. Facial serum
Step 5. Facial oil
Step 6. Moisturiser
Step 7. Sunscreen

Product picks: Sanctuary Spa Active Reverse Power Peptide Serum , Indeed Labs Fillume Volumising Serum, Puretopia Pure Nutrition Anti-Oxidant & Omega Oils Essential Facial Serum, Vanessa Megan
Resurrect Anti-Ageing Serum

Do you use a facial serum? What does your skin care routine consist of?

How To Tackle A Tired Complexion?

Sometimes, getting a solid eight hours of sleep just isn’t possible, but a lack of sleep doesn’t only make you feel tired, but look it as well. Thank the beauty gods for skin care and make-up! If you want to come across perkier than you actually are, take advantage of brightening and illuminating products and try these five tricks for tackling a tired complexion…

STEP 1: DITCH DEAD SKIN CELLS

When your skin looks tired and sallow, your face is probably harbouring loads of dead skin cells. You can’t really see them, but these cells are major culprits for hiding fresh, healthy, and bright new skin. The trick to getting rid of dead skin cells is to exfoliate. Once or twice a week, massage an exfoliator over the skin using circular motions. Rinse it off to reveal healthy, fresh and glowing skin. Try Peter Thomas Roth Anti- aging buffing beads.

STEP 2: GET YOUR GLOW ON

If you’ve been relying on your facial moisturiser to give you a glorious glow, it’s time to up your skin care game with some radiance-inducing must-haves. After cleansing and exfoliating, apply a few drops of facial oil (like rosehip) to your fingertips and press it into your skin. It’ll give your skin a hit of long-lasting hydration and leave it with a bit of a glow. Follow with your moisturiser to lock in the oil and all that hydration. Dry skin is dull skin, so once a week, apply a face mask packed with skin-brightening ingredients. Try out Palmer’s Skin Therapy Oil - Face , Innoxa Restore Brightening & Even Complexion Crème SPF 15 , WONDERSTRIPES Booster Mask

STEP 3: ADD A LITTLE RADIANCE

Now your skin is brighter than before, it’s time to arm yourself with a few illuminating make-up weapons to capture the light in all the right places. An illuminating pen is your new BFF – swipe it down the bridge of your nose, above your eyebrows, and underneath your eyes and dab it in using your ring finger. This will help to conceal dark under-eye bags and subtly reflect light off the ‘high’ points of your face, instantly giving your face more structure. Try Natio Pure Mineral Concealer , Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Correcting and Highlighting Perfector

STEP 4: BRIGHTEN UP WITH EYE MAKE-UP

It may sound a little odd, but using a combination of black-as-black eye make-up and light reflecting hues can actually help to widen and enhance your eye area. Start by dabbing a shimmering taupe cream eyeshadow over your eyelid and up into your socket, then open up your eyes with lashings of a lengthening and volumising mascara. Finish by lining the inner corner and lower waterline of your eyes with a white eyeliner. Hello, bright eyes! Try Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup PurePressed Eyeshadow Single in Taupe , Eye of Horus Goddess Mascara , Lancome Le Crayon Miracle

STEP 5: SLEEP IT OFF

This final step might sound pretty obvious, but nothing is more effective than gettingg a solid night’s sleep. Not only will a good six to eight hours of shut-eye boost your energy for the day ahead, but it’ll also allow your skin to regenerate new, fresh cells and repair skin tissue. All this means less dark circles and bags, brighter eyes, and a healthy complexion.

Do you have a tired-looking complexion? What are your brightness- boosting tricks?

SunBurn Treatment

Everyone knows that prolonged exposure of the sun for our skin is extremely bad. It’s even worse if you don’t partake in any severe sunburn treatment. However, many of us still go outside tanning for hours at a time without any protection (sunblock or sunnscreens).  You see, the sun is so detrimental to our skin and it can lead to severe sunburn which ultimately can result in permanent damage.

But many people still forget to put on sunblock or even or purposely refuse to use it. If only they knew that failure to use protection from the sun can lead to severe skin damage, nausea, chills, fever, dehydration, swelling, or worse, skin cancer. These are all signs of sun poisoning, also known as severe sunburn.

If you’ve already been exposed to the sun and are already a victim of severe sunburn (sun poisoning), there’s nothing you can do to reverse the damage. However here are few tips for severe sunburn treatment which ultimately help you relieve the pain. But first… How do you know if you have severe sunburn?

Here are 9 symptoms of severe sunburn, also known as sun poisoning.

-Skin redness and tightening

-Severe Blisters

-Pain and tingling

-Swelling

-Headache

-Fever and chills

-Nausea

-Dizziness

-Dehydration

Severe Sunburn Treatment Tips:

Here are the 8 Ways to Treat Severe Sunburn

-Stay out of the sun no matter what. Be a night owl for a few days, until skin is healed.

-Take a cool shower.

-Apply a cold towel or ice pack over affected area for effective severe sunburn treatment.

-Drink extra fluids for a few days.

-Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve pain.

-Use aloe gel or a moisturizer.

-Completely cover you areas that have been severely sunburned whenever you are going outside into direct contact with the sun.

-If your skin begins to peel, it is very important to keep the area cleaned while also applying moisturizer to the area.

You can also try some home remedies for sunburn treatment. Seek Medical Assistance If You Are experiencing:

A sunburn that forms blisters, covers a large area, or is very painful, Any form of facial swelling, Fever and chills, An upset stomach, Severe headaches, Confusion, or faintness and Any signs of dehydration.

Preparing Your Skin For Your Wedding Day

In the months, weeks and days leading up to your wedding prepare your skin by using a good skincare regime which will ensure your skin glows on the big day. Having healthy, clear and radiant skin is the best base for makeup and means you can do away with a full coverage foundation and concealer for the most natural look.

The type of skincare you use will depend on your skin type and concerns. On counter beauty advisers can help you find the right skincare. Here is the kind of skincare regime they'll advise you to follow from six months prior to the wedding:

6 MONTHS BEFORE

Many women use a daily 3 step skincare regime – cleanser, toner and moisturiser. Depending on your skin type, a daily routine conditions your skin, maintains healthy hydration levels and reduces excess oil production. All these factors can reduce the occurrence of spots and open pores as well as flaky, dry and dull skin. Moisturising daily will also protect your skin from the environmental elements which cause premature ageing (pollution, smoke, UV rays, air conditioning and stress). If you are not yet using a daily skincare regime, 6 months prior to your wedding day is the best time to start as it will take a couple of months for your skin to adjust to the routine and reap the rewards.

If you already have a daily skincare regime, you may wish to have it reviewed if you still have some problem areas. If you have been doing the same skincare regime for the last two years or more, it is worth having a change because your skin gets used to the products and their benefits which won't be able to do any more for the appearance of your skin than they are already doing. Seasonality is also a key factor in choosing a skincare regime particularly for combination skin types which may need more hydration in the colder, winter months. If you are getting married abroad in a particularly hot or cold country, your skin will need to adapt quickly to the change in temperature and the skincare you use can help protect it from the changes.

1 MONTH BEFORE

Start using a hydrating, radiance or deep pore cleansing facial mask (depending on your skin type) once a week prior to your wedding day to target its most urgent needs and give your skin a boost.

2 WEEKS BEFORE

Visit your local salon for a gentle facial peel, or do an at home kit. A facial peel will help remove a layer of skin to reveal brighter, more radiant and more youthful skin. (If this is your first ever facial peel it is advised to do it one month before your wedding day in case of any adverse effects).

1 WEEK BEFORE

For a groomed look, visit your local salon to have your eyebrows shaped. Shaped eyebrows have a slight arch which opens up your eyes and creates a better base fo eye makeup on your brow bone.

THE WEDDING MORNING OR THE NIGHT BEFORE

In addition to your daily skincare regime exfoliate your skin using a gentle exfoliator and use a stress relief face mask to add radiance to your skin. This will help your skin look flawless and photogenic all day.

Choosing A Makeup Artiste For Your Wedding

CHOOSING A MAKEUP ARTIST FOR YOUR WEDDING

Getting a professional to do your makeup on your wedding morning will save you time and give you one less thing to worry about. A makeup artist will also make sure you feel and look beautiful on your special day.

Professional makeup artists know exactly what makeup to use to make the most of your natural features and the colours which best suit you. They have a wide range of luxury cosmetics and use the most photogenic makeup.

Many makeup artists have their own website and others advertise on bridal directories such as Just Makeup Artists.  Other places to find them include at bridal fairs, in bridal magazines and recommendations from friends.

When choosing a makeup artist it is best to use someone local as you don't want to worry about them getting stuck in traffic on your wedding morning. Ask to see their portfolio (which may be on their website) so that you can see if you like their style, and ask what their qualifications are. Makeup artists will have different levels of experience which could be a makeup certificate, diploma, NVQ or even degree.

Before booking a makeup artist ask what their prices are. While some offer discounts for large parties (i.e. mother of the bride and bridesmaids), some charge extra for trials, petrol and accessories such as false eyelashes. Overall, it is best to choose someone you feel comfortable with and who best meets your budget.

Many makeup artists offer a complementary trial. It is important to have a trial so that you can try out a few different colours and types of makeup and have time to discuss with your makeup artist the look you are wishing to achieve. A trial will also test that you are not allergic to any of the makeup they use on you. You may also wish to purchase the lipstick they will be using on you as lipstick is likely to need retouching throughout the course of the day and evening.

Alternatively, many makeup artists give makeup application lessons if you want to do your makeup yourself or are getting married abroad. They can also give you advice about how to best look after your skin in the days leading up to your wedding day so that it is the best makeup base it can be. See our article on preparing your skin for your wedding day.

BOBBI BROWN- TINTED MOISTURISER

BOBBI BROWN - TINTED MOISTURISER

INTRODUCTION

Bobbi Brown's Tinted Moisturiser provides light moisture, sheer coverage and sun protection in one.   It comes in a oil free and non oil free formula. I tried the oil free version, which is gel-based, as I have a combination skin type (the oil free version is ideal for combination and oily skin types; if you have a dry to normal skin type you would be better off with Bobbi Brown's non oil-free SPF 15 Tinted Moisturiser which contains skin-conditioning Jojoba Oil to leave skin feeling soft and supple). Vitamins C and E protect skin from free radical damage, while SPF 15 helps prevent sun damage. So if you want to protect your skin in the sun whilst giving your skin a light makeup coverage, Bobbi Brown's Tinted Moisturiser may be just the product for you. It comes in 7 shades from Extra Light to Dark - I tried the Light to Medium Tint.

TRIAL

The first thing I noticed about the tinted moisturiser is its lovely fresh scent. I applied the tinted moisturiser with my hand but you could use a foundation brush. It is very light-weight and glides on smoothly; it provides great coverage for a tinted moisturiser. Often tinted moisturisers can be very fluid in consistency and too light in coverage but Bobbi Brown's is almost creamy in texture and a pleasure to apply. In giving such good coverage only a small amount of product is needed which means it should last a long time. The colour is also lovely and very natural.

So it looked good on application but how did it withstand the day – outside? Well, I'm pleased to say that after a few hours my skin still looked well-covered and shine-free and by the end of the day the product had faded but not completely disappeared. It kept my skin remarkably well matified and I didn't even have any breakthrough shine in the heat. Yet, it didn't dry my skin out like some oil-free products and actually is quite conditioning.

PRICE & PACKAGING

A simple and modern black squeezy tube with white writing. The packaging feels of very high quality.

Priced at £27 this is quite pricey but given that it is more than just a light foundation – a tinted moisturiser with SPF protection – it's not bad value. It is also a 50ml tube (many other brand's are 30ml) and a little goes a long way.

RATING

Texture - 10/10
Results - 10/10
Price - 7/10
Packaging - 8/10
Quality - 10/10

OVERALL - 9/10VERDICT

Light and refreshing, it glides on smoothly, blends easily and provides a great coverage for soft, even and natural-looking skin which lasts all day – plus, it protects the skin! What a super product!


Y'all need to get these!!

CHOOSING A MOISTURIZER

With so many brands and types of moisturiser out there it is hard to pick just one. The first thing to decide upon is your budget and then look at the moisturisers within that price range.

High street brands such as Nivea or Simple will be cheaper and you can buy them off-the-shelf, while designer and prestige labels such as Chanel or Estee Lauder will cost more and can only be purchased over the counter. Middle of the range brands such as No 7 and Loreal offer a good alternative.  Beauty consultants on counters in store will be happy to discuss their company's moisturisers with you and some have samples to give away so that you may try before you buy. You will also need to know which skin typeyou are as many brands sell different moisturisers for different skin types, this is because dry skins require more hydration than normal to oily skin types. Here is a general guide to the different types of moisturiser on the market so that you know which type best matches your skin's needs.

DAY AND NIGHT

The first thing to decide is whether you want a day or night moisturiser or both. Day creams will be lighter, sometimes fluid in texture, and include an SPF to protect your face from the sun. Night creams will be more hydrating and of a heavier substance. There is nothing to say you can't use your day cream at night and your night cream during the day, but they have been designed to best meet different requirements. If you are just going to choose one, perhaps decide on which your lifestyle best suits. If you are outside a lot then a day cream will certainly be more beneficial to protect you against the damaging effects of the sun. Day creams are also great make-up bases. If you have particularly dry skin or are not outside much, you may choose a night cream. The skin repairs itself at night and so anti-wrinkle products can work more effectively at night while you are sleeping.

FLUID AND CREAM

The texture of your moisturiser will not only depend upon whether you are using a day or night cream but your skin type. Lighter, fluid moisturisers are better absorbed by oily skins, while drier skins require more hydration and the extra comfort a cream provides. Most moisturisers will come in three different versions: one for dry skins which will be a thick cream to give the skin maximum hydration; one for normal to combination skin types which will be a lighter cream to maintain the correct level of hydration; and one for oily skin types which will be a light fluid that gives less moisture and is absorbed better by oily skin types.

DECIDING ON WHICH MOISTURISER

When deciding on which type of moisturiser to use, face the facts about your skin's most urgent needs. Whichever type of cream addresses the most needs will be the best choice for you. You may decide to mix and match, i.e. use a firming cream at night and an anti-ageing one during the day, which is actually a very common thing to do.

HYDRATING

(Any age)

If your skin has a thirst for hydration it does not necessarily mean you have a dry skin type as any skin type can be dehydrated. If it feels tight and you can see very fine lines when you pinch your skin together, it is quite likely that your skin could do with a drink. Some people may choose to use a hydrating cream just at night (as many come without SPF's since extra hydrating ingredients outweigh the importance of the SPF) or at certain times of the year such as in colder winter weather. Hydrating ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid which have very powerful moisturising properties are found in hydrating moisturisers.

ANTI-OXIDANT

(Any age)

People who work outside, live in warm countries or with younger skins may decide to go for an anti-oxidant moisturiser. These prevent premature ageing from the environment (the environment is the primary cause of ageing) by including not only a high SPF, at least 15, to protect against the sun but anti-oxidants such as green tea and cucumber extracts, vitamins C and E. From drinking coffee to pollution, we are prone to 'free radicals' that damage healthy skin cells. In the skin this leads to lines, wrinkles and loss of skin tone. Antioxidant ingredients can reduce the activity of these free radicals.

SKIN BRIGHTENING

(Any age)

Skin brightening moisturisers help reduce the other common symptoms of premature ageing -- dullness, discolouration and uneven skin tone. So if radiant skin is your priority, opt for a skin brightening moisturiser.

FIRST SIGNS OF AGEING

Young skins (roughly 20 years plus)

Prevention is better than cure and women in their twenties do well to moisturise daily. At this age, the biggest cause of premature ageing is environmental -- pollution, air conditioning, caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine which all work to dehydrate and prematurely age the skin. Women of this age may therefore choose to use an anti-oxidant, hydrating or skin brightening moisturiser. If fine lines are your biggest concern, even in your twenties, then you can use an anti-ageing moisturiser (see below).

ANTI-AGEING

Young to middle aged skins (roughly 30 years plus)

With noticeable fine lines the best cream to go for is an anti-ageing or anti-wrinkle cream. Not only do these moisturisers target environmental ageing, by incorporating an SPF, but have special ingredients to maintain your skin's natural collagen levels before they start depreciating which happens naturally with biological and chronological ageing. Not only do they work to prevent fine lines appearing, but firm and reduce existing fine lines. While the primary goal of an anti-ageing cream is to prevent wrinkles from appearing, the primary goal of an anti-wrinkle cream is to smooth existing fine lines.

FIRMING

Middle aged to older skins (roughly 40 years plus)

Older skins need firming moisturisers to firm the skin and thus reduce the appearance of existing lines and prevent the formation of deeper lines. When we reach our forties our skin is working against the effects of not only environmental but chronological and hormonal ageing. Firming moisturisers often have collagen boosting ingredients to help encourage your skin to increase its production of collagen and elastin. They also hydrate the skin which in turn helps to prevent fine lines and leave it feeling comforted.

EYE CARE

Why use a separate moisturiser for your eyes? The skin around the eye area is 4x thinner than else where on the face and therefore much more delicate. It has different needs to the rest of your face and is usually where most women see the first visible signs of ageing. You may have dark circles, crows feet, sagging skin or none of these, and different creams target different needs whether skin brightening, age prevention or firming. Your eye moisturiser is unlikely to be serving the same needs as your face cream; for example, you may want an eye cream to firm fine lines, and a face moisturiser to target hydration. See our article on choosing an eye cream.

Your skin's needs can change with the seasons and with time so remember that seasonally, or every few years, you may want to change to a different type of moisturiser. Consult a beauty adviser at your local department store or pharmacy as they'll only be too happy to give your skin a health check.

For advice on cleansing and toning read about 3 Step System.

How To Find Out Your Skin Type!!!

When purchasing facial skincare items, such as cleansers, toners and moisturisers, you often need to know which skin type you are in order to buy the most suitable product. Use our quick fire question guide to determine your skin type.

OILY
-Do you find it hard to get that clean feeling?
-Are you prone to acne or breakouts?
-Do you have a slight shine?
-Does your makeup come off easily?
-Do you have open pores?
If you answered yes to more than two of these questions, you have an oily skin type. Oily skins have over- productive sebaceous glands, but on a positive note, the extra oil in the skin means it is better hydrated and will take longer for the effects of ageing (lines and wrinkles) to be seen in someone with an oily skin.

COMBINATION
-Do you have dry skin in some places or at certain times of the year, but an oily T-zone (across your forehead and on your nose)?
-Do you have open pores in some places?
If so, your skin type is combination. Combination skins must endure a balancing act with their skin care and makeup regime to keep their cheeks sufficiently hydrated and their T-zone matt. Sometimes, such as in cold weather, more hydration will be required.

NORMAL
-Does your skin neither feel dry nor oily?
-Does it feel sufficiently hydrated?
If so, you have a normal skin type. Normal skin types must still use a good skincare regime to keep their skin healthy and balanced.

DRY
-Does your skin feel tight and uncomfortable after cleansing?
-Do you have flaky skin?
-Can you see fine dehydration lines when you pinch your skin together?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you have a dry skin type. It is very important to keep your skin well hydrated with a good moisturiser to prevent premature ageing. Sensitive skins are often dry.

FINDING SUITABLE SKINCARE
To find out how to choose a suitable skin care regime to meet your skin's most urgent needs and the different skincare products on the market, see our 3 step skincare regime guide.

Written By Alabi Haleemah

REPAIR PRODUCTS THE FOURTH STEP

If you are an avid 3 step beauty queen, or are looking to give your skin an extra boost, you may be intrigued to know about the fourth step you can include in your daily skincare regime “repair” which comes after toning and before moisturising.

1. Cleanse
2. Tone
3. Repair
4. Moisturise

Repair products target a particular concern such as dehydration, sun damage and age spots, wrinkles, dull skin or open pores, and are more concentrated than a moisturiser. They do not carry SPFs since unlike moisturisers, repair products do exactly as their name suggests and repair existing damage or problems. (A moisturiser's main purpose is to protect your skin). They can be used morning and evening, although you may choose to address different concerns and therefore use one type of repair product in the morning and another in the evening. Repair products can work very effectively in the long term. For more information on serums and to find out which are some of our favourite repair products are, read Choosing A Serum .

Also see, choosing a cleanser, toner and moisturiser .

3 Step Skincare Regime

Visiting the beauty counter can be a daunting experience especially with so many lotions and potions to tempt you. Knowing exactly what is and what isn't needed is no easy task. However, for a basic skincare regime most beauty advisers would recommend a three step process to be done twice a day, morning and evening.

STEP 1 - CLEANSE
Gone are the days when soap (which can strip natural oils and dehydrate skin) is the only option for women. A good quality cleanser can make all the difference to your skin. Used daily (often twice) you need your cleanser to be refreshing and conditioning, remove makeup and meet Other needs depending on your skin type. Find out your skin type.

CREAM CLEANSER
Cream cleansers do not require water to remove them and instead are tissued off. Cream cleansers are usually best for dry skins because they provide a comforting cleanse without water. They are also ideal for sensitive skins as they are made with comforting ingredients such as camomile.

MOUSSE CLEANSER
Mousse cleansers can be for normal or combination skin types and foam up when wet. They refresh and rebalance the skin.

GEL CLEANSER
Gel cleansers purify the skin and are ideal for oily skins providing a deep clean. They are often made with ingredients particularly refreshing for oily skins such as citrus fruit extracts.

STEP 2 - TONE
Toner's complete the cleansing process and make the perfect base for your moisturiser and makeup. They also remove excess oil, dirt and makeup. Toners work differently to your cleanser by doing something extra. This will depend on which type you use:

HYDRATING TONER
Hydrating toners work to soften and hydrate the skin. They are best for dry or dehydrated skins. They leave skin feeling comforted and soft.

BALANCING TONER
Skin balancing toners are designed for normal and combination skins. The revitalise, rebalance and condition the skin.

MATIFYING TONER
Toners which work to matify the skin often have oil- absorbing particles in them to help control sebum production which leads to shine. Matifying toners are best for oily skins which have over-active sebum glands.

STEP 3 - MOISTURISE
We could go on all day about the benefits of moisturising but, above all, a moisturiser will maintain the hydration levels of your skin preventing patchy and flaky dehydrated areas, protect it from premature ageing caused by the environment (99% of premature ageing is caused by the environment) as well as help to firm existing sagging skin. If you are still questioning the necessity of moisturising remember one statement – prevention is better than cure. Yes ageing is irreversible but, although you cannot stop the ageing process, you can certainly slow it down.
Moisturisers are also the ideal base for your makeup – your foundation will glide on, look more radiant and have greater staying power when applied to conditioned skin. Overall, by moisturising daily you are giving your skin the best chance to maintain a healthy hydration level and it
will look more radiant. Some people choose to use a different moisturiser in the morning than in the evening. It is also advised to use a separate moisturiser for your eye area where the skin is more delicate and may have different requirements. To find out which type of
moisturiser is right for you, read our article . Want to know what step 4 is? If so, find out about repair products.

DIY Facial

    DO IT YOURSELF
If you can afford the time and money to splash out on a regula facial at your local beauty salon
then your skin should be in tip top condition. However, for the majority of us who cannot afford
such pampering, the good news is that you can get healthy, glowing skin - that looks like it's been
treated at an exclusive salon - at home with the right skincare regime.

CLEANSING;
CLEANSER
Whether you are carrying out your daily, weekly or monthly skincare routine, you need to begin the ritual by ridding the skin of dirt and grime with a thorough cleansing session. If you have combination skin, then you are probably better off using a foaming cleanser that can
be washed off with water. Try Kiehl's Gentle Foaming Face Wash (£17.50 from John Lewis ), which gently softens and revives skin for a healthy and rosy complexion. If you suffer from spots and oily skin, use Benefit's You Clean Up Nice Facial Wash (£16.50 from Boots nationwide) as it will root out impurities without damaging or dehydrating the skin. For more information on cleansers see our article on 3 Step Skincare Regimes .

EXFOLIATOR
To rid the skin of dry, flaky skin and to brighten it up, you must exfoliate at least once a week. For regular sessions, massage in a gentle exfoliator with fine particles so as to not to cause any irritations. The massaging technique will also help to stimulate the facial muscles. Clinique's
Exfoliating Scrub (£16.50 from Boots and selected department stores) and also PeterThomadRoth Anti-aging buffing beads (£ 10.80 from PTR) will brighten dull skin by removing dead surface skin and can be used regularly. Ideally your skin should feel soft
and relaxed after its cleansing session. If it is tight or red-looking, you have probably used harsh
products that are not suitable for your skin type or have been over- enthusiastic with the scrubbing.

TREATMENTS;
FACE MASK
You can apply a mask as part of your weekly routine in order to restore radiance if you wish, but
weekly is not always necessary unless, of course, your skin is looking tired. Face masks are generally used just a couple of times a month to give skin an extra boost. Caudalie's Masque Purifiant (£18.00 from selected Boots) is great at ridding the skin of impurities,  with extracts of red clay is perfect for regular use since it cleans out the pores while re-hydrating your skin, to leave it looking radiant. After your mask has worked its magic, wipe it off with a warm cloth for better long-term results.

FACE PEEL
For a deeper exfoliation and brighter skin, use an at-home facial peel once a month after cleansing. With its clinically proven fruit acid ingredients including Blueberry, Goji Berry
and Grape Seed Extract, Origins' Brighter By Nature Peel Pads (£28 from selected Boots and
department stores nationwide) remove dead skin cells to reveal a softer and more youthful
layer of skin. With continued use the appearance of uneven skin tone and discolouration is
diminished. The pads allow for an easy and effective at- home peel.

MOISTURISING;
FACE MOISTURISER
To complete your skincare routine you will need to apply a moisturiser. Remember to massage it in gently so it can infiltrate deep below the epidermis layer, and also press gently around your sinus pressure points to help de-puff your skin. It is also vital to massage moisturiser into your
neck in uplifting movements if you want to help firm its appearance. Neal's Yard's Wild Rose
Beauty Balm from www.nealsyardremedies.com and selected Boots nationwide) are both excellent at hydrating the skin and will keep it looking fresh and conditioned for hours.

EYE MOISTURISER
Finally, don't forget your eyes - dot an eye cream such as Yes To Carrots’ Eye Can C Clearly Now Eye Contour Cream from beautybay.com around the eye area to de-puff your eyes and to help
reduce dark circles. Moisturisers and eye creams should be used daily for best results.

By Alabi Haleemah