Wash the Day Away

I have been so overwhelmed lately with work, with catching up with friends, with keeping up with life, that I have let one of the most important routines in my life suffer. Cleansing my skin. Can you believe it!? I am horrified. For days on end I have gone to bed without washing my face. I am so ashamed!!

Sometimes life can get ahead of us, but do yourself a favor and take care of one of the most important things: your face. It is the greeting card to the world and definitely deserves some TLC.

Washing your face only take a few minutes and is certainly the most important part of your beauty routine. Cleansing gets rid of oils, makeup, debris, bacteria, and anything else that will cause problems for your gorgeous face. Proper cleansing also preps the skin for serums and moisturizers and allows the products to work at their very best. As a makeup artist, I find it a must to only apply color on a perfectly cleansed palette. I always say, "The makeup is only going to look as good as the skin you are applying it on." 

How to achieve a perfectly clean face (so that you and I both sleep better!):

1. The first step to a properly cleansed face is to pick out the right cleanser. For normal to oily skin, I suggest a gel cleanser that foams. For drier skin, I recommend a lotion or cream cleanser that is a bit more gentle. A gel wash will typically rinse away oils, while a cream cleanser will replace nutrient oils that the skin is lacking, therefore bringing harmony to your precious skin.

Bonus: Many washes on the market now work both as a face cleanser and an eye makeup remover.

2. I have found that it is most important that you cleanse at night, therefore removing the makeup and debris from the day. This will help stop the pesky breakouts and allow you to wake with a purer complexion. In the morning, I recommend those with dry skin rinse with just a splash of water or toner, those with oily skin, give your face a quick rinse with the proper cleanser before you apply your skincare products and makeup.

3. If you wash with a brush or cloth, make sure that it is clean and soft enough to use on your face (aka your most valuable asset). If you wash with your hands, make sure that they are thoroughly clean—otherwise, you will just add dirt and bacteria back to your clean face. Remember, the goal is to be perfectly cleansed.

4. In terms of water temperature, I suggest using lukewarm water that is comfortable to the touch. Cool water may not be effective and hot water can be too harsh and may actually damage the face’s gentle.

5. Now let the cleansing begin. Start by splashing the water on you face, neck, and décolletage. (That's right... do not neglect the neck. So many women worry about their faces but not their neck, which tends to show signs of aging first). Add a dab of the chosen product to your preferred method of cleansing (i.e. your hands, a brush, or cloth), then massage in circular motions. Be very gentle around the eye area and pay special attention to the cheeks and forehead. Give your face a thorough wash, but be gentle—after all, your cleanser should be the one doing most of the work.  

6. Gently blot the skin with a dry, soft towel—do not rub. The towel, like your washcloth, should be fresh and clean so that you are not adding any dirt or bacteria to your cleansed face.

7. Remember to be smart when it comes to keeping your face and your pores clean and clear. Try to avoid exercising in makeup, exfoliate at least two to three times a week (don’t worry—we’ll cover this in later section,) and, most importantly, don't let the face hit the pillow without taking a few seconds to wash it.

I have discovered that cleansing is like exercising—you have to form the habit. Honestly, sometimes I just want to crash, but I have to say, if I take a few minutes to wash my face before I go to bed, I not only wake up with a clearer face but also with a clearer conscience. 

Sweet dreams,

XOXO

Andrew