Wintertime leaves my skin feeling itchy and dry. No matter what I do, it never seems to be enough to survive the winter havoc. The drier my skin the more apparent the wrinkles. I’m not an expert, but I am old enough to know through years of experimentation, what helps my skin look hydrated.
One sure thing that helps is exfoliation. Flakes of dry dead skin will never allow your skin to glow. Getting a professional facial is such a treat. It’s not just the products that they use, it’s also the massage that helps plump your skin and attribute to the healthy looking glow.
Hands down, professional facials are helpful with improving the appearance of your skin, however that’s not always an available option we have. It can get costly and sometimes you need to set up your appointments months in advance.
I know that we all have different skin types, but I will share with you some of my personal favorites and what I found works for me to prepare my skin for a night out.
I try to give myself a weekly mini facial especially when I have a special occasion to attend. I’ve done this for years and it’s become part of my beauty routine. There are several products available and I’ve probably experimented with quite a few.
First, let’s be clear that great skin starts from the inside out. What you eat, medications you take, your overall health, drinking alcohol, and stress levels will affect our skins appearance. If you think your skin may have issues because of any of these it’s best to speak with a professional.
Sharing a few of my favorite products for an at home facial
How to give yourself a facial at home
Step #1 | Cleanse
Cleanse your face. I apply a creamy cleanser and then use my Clarisonic Brush. I’m very careful to not press to hard or vigorously and only go around my face and neck once.
Step #2 | Use a Peel
It’s very important to apply a new peel a few days before a special occasion as sometimes they will cause redness. If you have a product that you have already used without a reaction or redness, then go ahead and do it the day of.
Step #3 | Exfoliate your lips
Exfoliate your lips After you apply your peel, exfoliate your lips. I like to use a sugar scrub, but if that isn’t available, just take your washcloth and rub it across your lips a few times. You can also make your own at home lip scrub using a little bit of Aquaphor and mixing in sugar and a tab of Vitamin E Oil. Afterwards rinse off and apply a lip balm.
Step #4 | Rinse
Rinse off your peel with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel
Step #5 | Apply Mask
Apply your mask. As I apply my mask, I try to massage in a circular motion and leave this on your skin per the directions.
Step #6 | Rinse & Tone
Rinse off the mask and if you like, you can lightly spray a light alcohol-free toner. I like to use rosewater toner.
Step #7 | Moisturize & Apply eye cream
Finally, apply the richest creamiest moisturizer you have. Let it sit about 5 minutes and then pat on a hydrating facial oil and gently message that in.
Not sure which oil? You can read my previous post on facial oils. I would not apply a serum right after a peel, as I think it may cause redness. Serums are very beneficial but most have several age fighting ingredients and you would not want to interfere with what you’ve just done. I would use your serum before your moisturizer on days when you aren’t doing a peel.
I usually do my facial in the morning and then only lightly rinse my face with water (no cleanser) before I apply moisturizer and makeup for my night out. Skip the oil before you apply your makeup, because it will not allow your foundation to go on smoothly.
My personal beauty secret to keeping glowing skin on late nights
I have a little sample bottle of facial oil that I throw in my cosmetic bag and as the evening goes on, if my skin looks dry and dull, I will take a few drops and pat that on my face. As I mentioned, my skin is dry and that radiant appearance I may have had when my makeup was first applied is gone. Applying a couple drops of facial oil brings back a little glow.
Don’t forget to wash your face before you go to bed
Make sure you wash your face before you go to bed. Never leave on your makeup when you sleep no matter how tired you are. Brittany has a package of face wipes in her nightstand along with an overnight moisture mask. When she’s really tired, it’s easy to do a quick cleaning, and the overnight facial mask provides the moisture you need, especially after a night of cocktails with friends.
Enjoy your holiday parties and gatherings and I hope this DIY information helps you get that healthy glowing look.
Cheers!
Leave a Reply