What your skin really needs - an article from dailymail.co.uk, Liz Earle’s secrets of a fabulous complexion.
My opinion is type written in red
Your face should still be silky smooth, but fair skin that hasn’t been protected from the sun may show the beginnings of sun spots and crow’s-feet.
Those who drink too much or smoke may see the beginnings of broken blood vessels, bags and a dull, spotty complexion.
The core products for your face are a cleanser, an alcohol-free skin tonic, light daily moisturiser, slightly richer night cream, facial oil and mask – plus suncare for face and body.
Whatever your skin type, start exfoliating very gently. In the mornings, buff your face with a soft muslin cloth (or fine towelling flannel) wrung out in warm water.
Gentle but regular exfoliation is the key. I like Clinique 7 days scrub cream ( rinse off formula ).
Follow with a sweep of alcohol-free skin tonic and a light dab of daily moisturiser. Useful ingredients in both skin tonics and moisturisers include antioxidants to protect against free-radical damage and essential fatty acids to help keep skin smooth. I also like echinacea for its skin-toning properties and calendula or camomile for their mildly anti-inflammatory benefits.
Calendula balm is essential for soothing your eyes. I like to mix calendula ointment with arnica ointment ( check out your local drug store / healthfood supplier ) to get rid of bags & dark circles. The lipids in balm also acts as an excellent lash nourisher.
Oily and combination skins can benefit from the same light daytime moisturiser at night. But normal or dry skins may lap up a slightly richer, more hydrating night cream with ingredients such as avocado, borage seed or evening primrose seed oils.
A secret is to massage in a facial oil last thing at night, as plant oils help balance and regulate the skin. Dry or normal skin responds well to avocado, argan and rosehip oils. Lightweight plant oils such as peach, apricot kernel and rosehip suit oily or combination skin.
Argan oil suits most skin type, while greasy skin is more likely to benefit from grapeseed oil. I loves Amanda Lacey range of face oil. Ila also has an exceptional face oil.
Make-up
For shiny faces, use a water-based foundation and carry shine-absorbing facial blotters. Translucent powder blots shine and also sets foundation, giving it more staying power. I like Laura Mercier’s Translucent Powder, which isn’t cheap but lasts for ages.
My London-based make-up artist and friend Kerry September swears by Guerlain’s Teint de Matte foundation.
MAC also make excellent oil-free bases, including Studio Fix Fluid SPF15 and Select SPF15, plus a water-based tinted moisturiser, Select Tint SPF15.
If you have spots, leave your face bare of make-up for a couple of days so it can heal; draw attention to your eyes and lips instead, with mascara and a little shimmer on the eyelids, plus a gorgeous lip gloss.
When you really must conceal spots or other blemishes – including dark circles – remember, the aim is to make the concealer look like a second skin, not a mask.
Bobbi Brown Foundation Sticks may do everything you need, or try mixing a tiny amount of Yves St Laurent Radiant Touch (Touche Eclat) in your palm – to warm it – with the same quantity of a liquid/cream foundation; Chanel Teint Innocence is a wonderful light fluid base for any skin. Ruby and Millie’s Concealer Duo, which you apply after a base, is brilliant too.
Whatever you choose, dot it on very lightly with your ring finger, building up thin layers to cover.
Chanel Teint Innocence rocks, as it’s sheer enough to let your natural youthfulness radiates through yet; if you need more concealing, Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick has an adjustable, medium to full coverage. YSL Radiant Touch is a must the night before & the day after.
A ‘pop’ or dot of pure colour, blended well into the fleshiest part of cheeks gives an instant lift and glow when you smile. NARS blusher in Desire – a super-bright fuchsia which tones down on the skin – looks amazing.
Orgasms – if you are lucky enough to have the authentic one daily; otherwise NARS has a powder and a cream version for that oh-so-lovely glow.
MAC Face and Body Make-up is an excellent, lightweight liquid foundation. It comes in an array of shades.
Experiment with colours & falsies, before it’s too late to be rebellious.
Artwork by Shiori Matsumoto, Marion Bolognesi.
