Guess what, Belles? It’s officially spring! And if you ask us, there’s no better time to start a new skincare regime. It’s the perfect opportunity to recuperate your skin after enduring the harsh conditions of winter and get it in tip-top condition for summer (aka. party season!) But when it comes to introducing new skincare products, the last thing you want is for them to cause unexpected breakouts. Luckily, there are steps you can take to ensure your new skincare regime keeps your skin looking clear and gorgeous! Here’s what to do:
Clear out your beauty cabinet
Before you stock up on new products, it’s a great idea to have a look at what you already have. Are there any skincare products in your beauty cabinet that are empty, expired or loaded with synthetic ingredients and fillers that didn’t do anything good to your skin? It’s also worth looking at whether you have loads of different brands and types of skincare. While there’s nothing wrong with a bit of mix’n’matching, generally the products in a range are designed to be used together for best results.
Clean your makeup brushes
One extremely common cause of skin irritation and breakouts is using unclean makeup brushes and sponges. As yucky as it is to think about, these collect oil, dust and dirt every time you use them — making them the a breeding ground for bacteria. It’s a good idea to give them a clean at least once a week. Don’t want to splash out on expensive makeup brush cleaning liquid? No problem! You can simply deep-clean them with a cleansing oil, makeup remover or baby shampoo, before rising with lukewarm water. Let them air-dry completely before using them again.
Know your skin type
Now that you’re ready for a fresh start, it’s time for the fun part — buying new products! We know it can be tempting to pick your skincare products based solely on the pretty packaging but it’s important to remember that not all products are suitable for all skin types. For example, if your skin is on the dry side, you may need a slighter richer moisturiser — but this may be too heavy for oily or sensitive skin. Similarly, if your skin is prone to acne or congestion, it’s best to opt for non-comedogenic products that won’t block your pores. Not sure which camp you fall into? We’ve got you covered with our guide to defining your skin type.
Go back to basic
Just like effortlessly cool French girl style or the perfect LBD, sometimes it’s best to keep things simple. This definitely applies when it comes to starting a new skincare regime. You don’t want to shock your skin by introducing 10 new products at once. To reduce your risk of breakouts, start a routine with 2 staple products (a good cleanser and a hardworking moisturiser) for a week to see how your skin reacts. That way, if your skin does break out, it’ll be easier to pinpoint what’s causing it. As you figure out what works for your skin, you can slowly introduce new products in your routine, remember, only bring in 1 new product and try it for a week or two.
Get your skincare order right!
Layering your skincare products in the correct order is very important, they will absorb better and work harder. Speaking of absorption, it's important to apply products from thinnest to thickest formula, as this ensures each product penetrates the skin without interference.
Generally, a great skincare regime includes a cleanser, a moisturiser, a skin booster (facial oil, serums) and, of course, sunscreen. It’s also a great idea to exfoliate with a gentle exfoliator once a week and pamper yourself with a face mask every now and again. You deserve it!
Not sure how to use your products in the correct order? Take a peek at our handy guide on how to layer your skincare for best results:
Stick to natural products
If we were to list all the things we love about natural skincare, we’d be here all day! But one of our favourite things about natural products is how gentle they are on your skin. Many traditional beauty products include harsh, abrasive ingredients such as sulfates, petrochemicals, synthetic colours and fragrances, which can lead to skin irritation and breakouts. By sticking to products that are made from natural and naturally-derived ingredients, you’re more likely to achieve a radiant complexion without your skin freaking out. Our products tick all the right boxes, as they’re natural, effective and come in gorgeous packaging that’ll brighten up your day, and your bathroom! You can check out the full range below:
- by Emma N.
