After being in lockdown for over a year, getting ready and out of the house looking somewhat presentable seems like an impossible challenge. With many of us being used to rolling out of bed last minute and spending the day makeup-free, a regular skincare and makeup routine is a distant memory. We've put together the simple step-by-step routine to jog your memory of what order you should be applying products in and the hacks and tips to use to speed up the process so you can get to work on time looking and feeling fantastic.
Step 1: Cleanse
Whether you're a morning shower person or not, washing your face in the morning is a must. This get's rid of any sweat and build up that has formed during the night and leaves your face fresh for the day ahead and creates a smoother surface for your other skincare products and makeup to be applied to. The CeraVe Smoothing Cleanser uses a blend of Saliscylic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid that exfoliates, cleans and hydrates, removing dead skin and build up from deep within the pores and replenishing them with moisture. Super effective at clearing blemishes, the cleanser leaves your skin looking clearer and feeling smoother, setting it up for the day.
Step 2: Tone
Close and refine the pores after cleansing using a toner. A good toner can also help to exfoliate the skin and remove any left over dirt or oil that may have been missed whilst cleansing. A twist on their iconic AHA Tonic, the REN Clean Skincare Limited Edition Daily AHA Tonic is a refreshing and lightweight formula that closes the pores and gently exfoliates dead skin cells and dirt to prevent breakouts. The anti-oxidant rich cucumber shields the skin against external aggressors throughout the day, keeping it supported and balanced.
Step 3: Moisturise
Moisturising twice a day helps to keep the skin's natural barrier healthy, allowing it to protect itself from any external aggressors and harsh weather conditions. Using a moisturiser also keeps the complexion more smooth and even and helps to prevent excess oiliness due to dryness and soothes irritation. The Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream is suitable for all skin types and offers a lightweight formula that sinks into the skin quickly without feeling heavy or greasy. The glacial glycoprotein in the formula helps to retain water to keep the complexion hydrated for longer and protected against harsh weather conditions.
Step 4: Prime
Using a primer creates a perfect canvas for makeup application and also helps to blur any imperfections if you are going makeup-free. Not only can a primer even out the skins texture, it can also help to balance skin tone and deal with skin concerns such as oiliness and dullness. All based of their iconic Photo Finish Foundation Primer, Smashbox offers a range of primers, each suited to a specific skin type. The Smashbox Photo Finish Reduce Redness Primer uses green pigments to even out redness in the complexion, whereas the Smashbox Photo Finish Oil and Shine Control Primer helps to mattify unwanted shine using a combination of zinc and Salicylic Acid.
Step 5: Base
If lockdown has taken a toll on your complexion, you may be looking for a new foundation that will offer comfortable coverage without feeling heavy all day. If you're not a fan of wearing foundation on a daily basis, a BB cream is the perfect option. The Note Cosmetics BB Cream not only helps to balance the skin tone and provides natural coverage, but also helps to guard against blemishes and aggressors using a combination of wheat germ, citrus, grape extract and Vitamin E. The cream offers a luminous finish that doesn't feel heavy on the skin.
If you do want a fuller coverage, the Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF15 is ideal for everyday wear. The lightweight foundation contains SPF that keeps the skin protected throughout the day and lasts up to 16 hours, both concealing and nourishing the visage. The foundation comes in a wide range of shades to match every skin tone and is buildable to match your desired level of coverage.
You may not want to go full glam with contour, but blush is a great way to add a healthy pinch of colour to your complexion. Apply a small amount of brush along the top of the cheek bone to lift the face and give a more awake impression.
Step 6: Eyes
Open up your eyes and create subtle definition by adding mascara. By giving the impression of wider and more open eyes, this makes the face look more awake. Apply your mascara to both the top and bottom lashes for fuller volume and a finished, fluttery look from corner to corner. The Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara coats every lash from root to tip with the intense black formula that leaves lashes looking longer and thicker. Infused with Bamboo Extract, the formula nourishes the fine hairs and doesn't weigh them down.
If you're heading out straight after work, go from day to night with a defining eyeliner such as the 3INA Makeup The Colour Pen Eyeliner. Available in 5 different shades, create a bold, dramatic look with a classic black wing or express your creativity with the eye catching purple.
Step 7: Lips
No look is complete without a lick of lipstick. Whether you like to go bold with a classic red lip or prefer to keep it subtle with a nude, the iconic MAC Love Me Lipstick offers a variety of different shades to suit your mood, skin tone and personality.
Step 8: Set
Don't let your work go to waste! Set your makeup in place using a setting spray such as the Pixi Glow Mist or a hydrating setting powder like the award-winning By Terry Hydra Powder. Designed to prolong the wear of your makeup, the best-selling powder creates a soft-focus finish, blurring any visible imperfections and mattifying the skin to eliminate unwanted shine. Made with 70% mineral based ingredients along with Hyaluronic Acid, the powder intensely hydrates and nourishes the skin, keeping it supported and glowing.
