Proper Skin Care

 Step 1: Cleansing

The first step is the part most people appear to get well but its not what they are doing that can be an issue but the product with which they clean their skin. It is best to select a skin cleanser that is effective for your skin type. I personally like Aveeno products but many drugstore and department stores offer great selections of cleansers. 

To determine the best cleanser for your skin type:See the best cleansers for your skin type.

If you enjoy eye make up as much as I do you may want to also use a separate eye makeup remover. Common removers are moisture based which is good for skin in general and more effective for that delicate eye area.

Step 2: Exfoliate

Exfoliation is the step most people skip in their weekly skincare routine. However, it is helpful to slough off the extra dead skin and reveal your new beautiful layer. Exfoliation must be done sparingly, I recommend no more than 1x per week and with products that also meet your skin care needs. Exfoliation can be done cheaply with olive oil and sugar, baking soda and water or an over the counter product. 

Should you use a toner? Some people swear by toners, but many beauty experts do not. Toners are reported to complete the cleansing process and restore the skin's ph balance. I am NOT sure and thus would leave this step up to you. 

Step 3: Moisturize

Moisturizers are basically lotions for the face, and while I DO NOT advise body lotion for the face (it can clog pores) I  would like to recommend moisturizers for 2 main reasons. 1. Reason you need moisture, it slows down the aging process by deterring dryness. 2. It helps provide protection from the sun.

Are eye creams necessary? Well maybe. Some beauty experts strongly recommend eye creams. Why? The skin around the eye contains no fatty tissue and is therefore very thin and susceptible to wrinkles. Special eye creams are formulated to "thicken" this area. Yet other experts (including the beauty editors of Allure in their new book) claim your daily lotion works around the eyes just as well.

However, as a make up artist, I have seen results from companies such as Shiseido and Estee Lauder.

Step 4: Apply Serum

Serums are relatively new when it comes to the beauty industry but there is truth to benefit. Serums can range from anti aging, brightening or just plain beauty boosting. I recommend Lóreal's Youth code for anyone looking for results without breaking the bank, and Estee's Advanced Night Repair for skin brilliance that is worth the expense. In general there are a number of products that work well for everyone but serums in general boost the effects of the entire cleansing process and skin in general. 

Step 4: Apply Sunscreen

SPF can help fight a lot of agents that damage the skin. SPF can be moisturizing and can protect you from the damaging rays of the sun and environment.