[VIDEO] Skin Care + Concealing Routine for Flawless Skin

I previously asked what you guys wanted to see in terms of my next video tutorial, and I got a lot of questions about my skin care routine. I got a lot of compliments about my skin, and while I'm terribly flattered, I need to set the record straight: I do not have flawless skin.

Having said this however, I am quite happy with how my skin is now because I used to suffer from acne. I have to stress that I am not a doctor, and everyone's skin is different. The products that I use may not necessarily work for you. However, in this article I talk about the basics for getting healthier, clearer looking skin.

Cleansing

I cannot stress enough, how important this step is. No matter how much makeup you put, if your skin is not fresh and clean, you are basically just slathering make up on dirt. Make up is not supposed to be used as a mask - it's supposed to be used to enhance your features. All you'll be doing is enhancing dirt.

I use Purity by Philosophy, and I can't begin to tell you how this product has become my savior. Not only is it great for all skin types, it also acts as a Toner and a Makeup Remover. It is strong enough to really dissolve all that dirt, but gentle enough to use around the eyes - and therefor, I don't need a separate makeup remover for my eye makeup. It truly is a dream!

Please do not use cleansers on your eyes that do not specify that you may do so. They may be too harsh. Remember, the skin around your eyes is the most delicate part of your face and is prone to wrinkling and sagging. If your cleanser says "Avoid using around eye area", you had better listen.

For day time, I like to use this product while in the shower. The steam from the shower opens up your pores, allowing the product to really get into your skin and do its job.

I know sometimes it can be a hassle to wash your face before bed time, especially after those late nights out. Keep a batch of cleansing cloths by your bed for times like these. That way, all you have to do is grab one of these babies and wipe away the grime of the night. Invest in a good brand that also doubles as a moisturizer. You now officially have no reason to be sleeping in your makeup!

I use Off-Your-Face by Soap & Glory, a UK company. It can be found at Boots drugstores or Shoppers Drugmart for those of you living in Canada.

I absolutely adore this brand, for its great packaging, great product and last but not least: its amazing prices. Their line is truly amazing, and you'll see me mentioning their products a lot in this article. But rest assured, I am not affiliated with them in any way. I just happen to be a huge fan of their products!

Exfoliating

Over time, you may find that you get a build up of dead skin cells on the surface of your skin, which causes a dull, uneven complexion. Something that is definitely not conducive to that healthy, inner-glow look you're aiming for.

I tend to exfoliate about twice a week, more during winter months when my skin goes dry and I find my skin is shedding quite unattractively.

For exfoliating, I use another product by Soap & Glory called Scrub Your Nose In It. You have got to love their packaging! What's so great about this particular product is that it's a 2-in-1 (why yes, I do love products that can multi-task). You can use it as an exfoliator and a masque. I tend to only use it on just my blemishes and not all over my face because it does dry the skin out but if you've got oily skin this might just be your next favourite product!

I dab it on my blemishes and leave over night for an instant zip-zapping effect.

However, I have to say this now: Do Not Over-Exfoliate. Please, Please, Please, be gentle on yourself and on your skin. I understand that sometimes (I used to be plagued with acne remember???), temptation is to just slather on the exfoliator and scrub your face off. Please. Do NOT try to scrub your skin off. Be gentle. Over-exfoliation irritates your skin leading to more blemishes, irritated skin and quite possibly, scarring.

Moisturizing

Everyone, and I mean it when I say it, everyone needs a good moisturizer in their arsenal. Yes, that includes you guys with oily skin.

Why? Simple. People with oily skin tend to use products that dry their blemishes and skin out. If you don't follow these treatments up with a moisturizer, your skin is alerted to the sudden dryness and will try to overcompensate by producing excess oils. You see, your skin just reacts to how it's feeling. It doesn't know that you don't want those excess oils. It thinks you need it. That excess oil, along with all that dirt you didn't wash off from the night before is just going to come together in perfect harmony producing pimples and blackheads.

So yes. You need to moisturize, no matter what your skin type.

I use Catch A Wrinkle, an anti-wrinkle cream. I know I'm only in my early 20's, but I believe that the best cure is prevention.

Concealing

Like I mentioned in the Video above, we can all be tempted into just smothering our faces with concealer and foundation when we break out.

Stop. Put that concealer down for a second.

Make up is used for enhancing. You shouldn't be using it as a mask to hide behind. Having said this, let your natural skin really shine through. If you have blemishes, cover those up. Not your face. You're gorgeous. Let's all see it.

There are several types of concealers, but those that come in stick or pot form are best for concealing huge blemishes.

I use Hide the Blemish Concealer by Rimmel London. Find a concealer that is close to your skin colour or foundation colour, if you're using foundation. You will be using it after foundation. This way, you'll be using less concealer - you won't be left with that cakey-too-much-make up look.

And that's about it! If you've got any questions or any more requests, feel free to leave them below.

Thanks for all the support guys!

Have a great one! x

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Disclaimer:
I am not affiliated with any of the products mentioned above in any way. I have not been paid by them and all products I mention have been bought by me.
Sources:
Images - All images were taken and edited by me