Flawless makeup starts with a good skin before any makeup can even make sense. There are various skincare regime that can help one to achieve a flawless makeup. This includes exfoliation, steam towel treatments, and the CTM technique. In this article, BEBE AFRIKANA brings to you how to prepare the face for flawless makeup.
SKINCARE REGIME TO ACHIEVE A FLAWLESS MAKEUP
EXFOLIATION
Exfoliation sloughs off dry dead surface cells which enables the skin to work more efficiently looking fresher and younger. It makes the skin more receptive to moisturizers and it keeps blemishes away.
Exfoliation which means to scrub or peel off dead cells should be done between one to three times a week depending on the skin type, that is , oily skins should be exfoliated more often than normal and dry skin. It should be done preferably at night.
Here are few points to note while exfoliating: don’t run too hard as this will cause the skin to go sore and stimulate more oils glands to secret more sebum than before. Excessive exfoliation will cause a red and stripped look on the upper cheek area. At this point, exfoliation should be stopped until the skin recovers totally. If you have a combination skin, exfoliate areas like the T-zone two or three times a week and the dry or sensitive area once a week.
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How To Exfoliate
- Start by cleansing the face, spread exfoliator over the face avoiding the eyes and lips.
- With the pads of your fingertips, rub exfoliator gently concentrating on areas of acne and make sure you don’t rub vigorously.
- You are exfoliating too hard if your skin starts feeling sensitive or when you start seeing dry patches.
- Finally rinse face thoroughly to remove all traces of exfoliator with tepid/lukewarm water.
- Tone, moisturize and wait a few hours before applying any makeup; the end result will be a flawless makeup look.
- Try this and you will thank me later!
STEAM TOWEL TREATMENT
With hot water, you can create a home sauna for yourself. This steaming treatment helps to open pores, loosen blackheads, draw out pimples and remove deep-down dirt and toxins to leave skin completely clean. This way, the skin can at least breathe.
It is suitable for all skin types, can be done once every week to supplement daily cleansing and more frequently for those with oilier skins.
How To Steam
- For an invigorating effect, try adding a tablespoon of fresh herbs such as lavender, thyme and rosemary.
- Fill a clean bowl above half but not full with water. Add a few drops of rosewater to moisturize the skin.
- Position face about 12-18 inches away from the hot water and cover bowl and head with a towel.
- Ensure that you cover properly with the towel so that most of the steam from the hot water doesn’t escape.
THE CTM TECHNIQUE
A young skin should be naturally firm, plump and resilient. To achieve this look, a good skincare routine should be adhered to and a smooth and clear skin can be achieved following the CTM technique which means Cleanse, Tone and Moisturize.
Cleansing
Cleanse, this is the first stage of the CTM technique, and an important step towards achieving a flawless makeup. It should be done first thing in the morning and last thing at night in order to remove deep down dirt and makeup pores. It is a treatment that helps fight against wrinkles and aging and makes the skin more receptive to moisturizers and anti-aging treatments.
Whatever treatment is giving to the face should also be given to the neck as is usually the first area to show signs of aging. Cleansers should be tested before use in order to avoid damage on the skin.
To test, apply a small quantity with finger tips on the skin behind the ear for 24 hours. If there is no reaction it means it is suitable for your skin but if you notice itching or the skin around there turn red, then its unsuitable for the skin.
Toning
This is the second stage of the CTM technique and also another important step towards achieving a flawless makeup . Tone actually means firmness of the body or muscle. Using a toner helps to remove traces of cleanser, refine and tighten pores and at the same time prevents building dead cells.
If after cleansing your skin feels dull, you can soak a cotton ball in the toner and pat your face with the cotton ball in briskly slapping motion and blood supply to the face will be stimulated.
Moisturizing
This is the final stage. It helps refresh and restore moisture loss caused by sun, cold, central heating and pollution. Everyone can use a little moisturizing, and it is important your insides as well as your outside. How do you take care of those vital organs? Drink a lot of water as it doesn’t only eliminate the natural toxic buildup in all the organs and tissues of the body, but keeps the skin hydrated.
Moisturizer should contain sunscreen that can easily be absorbed into the skin. Moisturizers that leave residue of oil, makes it easy to apply makeup. It is important to know that moisturizer is a very vital part of your skincare regimen.