Even though we might be convinced that we have a pretty sorted beauty regime, the truth is that most of us have beauty routines that we have comfortably settled into and they might not necessarily be enough. If you feel like your skin isn’t responding favourably to all the care you are showering on it or if you think that your skin needs a boost, it’s time to introspect. Here’s what your beauty routine is lacking and how to update it to have a top notch regime.
Natio Wellness Body Scrub (Rs 1,026) Most girls wonder why they have a hard time in hair removal despite using some of the best tools. This happens because you are missing out on a crucial step – exfoliation. Exfoliating your skin before a shave softens the hair and also opens up the root. A word of caution though, don’t be harsh. Scrub gently in circular motions, and make sure you don’t cause any ulcerations on the skin.1. Exfoliate before shaving
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Oil (Rs 3,775) If you want your make-up to last long and be waterproof, meltproof, etc. be assured that taking it off is going to be nothing short of a task. In my experience, waterproof mascara is by far the most annoying make-up to take off. Instead of tugging at your skin with a normal cleanser and generally struggling to get your make-up off, give cleansing oil a shot. Dab some on a cotton ball let your mascara and other stubborn makeup soak and then melt away. You can then clean up the rest with your regular cleanser.2. Use cleansing oil before cleanser
Forest Essentials Facial Tonic Mist Pure Rosewater (Rs 595) Do you really know if your weekly face mask rituals are paying off or not? While there’s no denying that clay and mud masks are great for oily skin, they generally leave your skin feeling parched and stretchy. Why not start your face masks with a hydrating face mist that will mositurise our skin and also allow your face mask to penetrate deeper into your skin.3. Prime before applying face masks
Kiehl’s Powerful Strength Line Reducing Eye Brightening Concentrate (Rs 3,344) Korean skin care products and routines are not considered the Olympics in beauty for nothing. K-beauty aficionados swear by using serums before moisturisers and we are taking their word for it. Starting your skin care regime with a serum makes sense because it is lighter and thinner, and hence gets absorbed deeper into the skin.4. Serum before moisturiser
Smashbox Photo Finish Blemish Control Primer (Rs 3,990) We have already waxed eloquent about colour correcting concealers. While concealer can only be used as a spot treatment and in smaller areas, for larger concerns use a colour correcting primer before applying foundation to neutralise your skin.5. Colour corrector before foundation
Toni & Guy Heat Protection Mist (Rs 525) This one’s a no-brainer really. But using a heat protectant before you blow dry, straighten or curl your locks is absolutely imperative if you want to avoid getting split ends, and hair that’s as dry as straw.6. Heat protectant before heat styling
OPI Nail Polish Chip Skip (Rs 1,465) Not using a base coat before polishing your nails is downright foolish. It makes your manicure last longer and prevents your nail beds from getting discoloured especially when you are using darker colours.7. Base coat before nail varnish
Forest Essentials Cane Sugar Lip Scrub (Rs 475) Exfoliating lips becomes even more important when you are wearing bold lip colours and lipsticks in matte formulas. Exfoliating your lips will get rid of the dead skin and create a smoother canvas for your lipstick.8. Lip exfoliation before lipstick
VICHY Eau Thermale Thermal Spa Water (Rs 552) We know how important it is to set foundation and concealer with a light dusting of translucent powder. But no matter how much of a light hand you use, at times the effect can be cakey and made up. This is precisely where face mist comes in. A few spritzes of the mist will make your skin look naturally dewy.9. Face mist after loose powder
Maybelline New York Great Lash Clear Mascara (Rs 887) We spend hours grooming, shaping, and filling in our eyebrows. All that hard work is useless unless you protect it with a swipe of brow gel. Use a brow gel or clear mascara to set your brows in place and also to prevent smearing your brow colour across your face.10. Brow gel after brow pencil/powder