How to: Be a Beauty Clean-Freak

Mon, 3 September 2012 11:11AM

It’s spring-clean time! Here’s how to take the beauty broom to yourself and polish up your look…

The Super-Cleanse. For spanking-clean skin, you may need to do a pre-cleanse. You could use a product specifically formulated to do this (try Dermalogica PreCleanse, $65.50, Dermalogica), or even just a cleansing oil, which is fabulous at dissolving heavy makeup, such as mineral mixes. Double-cleansing is great for not only dealing with makeup, but also getting rid of other skin-suffocating residue, like pollution and general day-to-day city grime. If your pores clog up for internal reasons – say, an excess oiliness – try a cleanser that’s mixed with hydroxy acids. This gives an exfoliating action each time to you wash and helps keep breakouts at bay. Check out Neutrogena’s Deep Clean range. Whatever type of cleanser you use, you’ll likely need to also add in a regular exfoliant weekly. Keep in mind, removing any cleansing with a flannel will also work some effective exfoliation benefits.

Banishing Blackheads. Okay, they’re not dirt, but they sure don’t make you feel clean. Look, we know we’re not meant to tell you to squeeze … but on the down low, facialists have advised us that it’s fine to squeeze blackheads (but definitely not the bigger, whiter or redder varieties of blockages). So in the spirit of freedom of information, here’s how … Firstly, steam skin and then, with a tissue wrapped around the tip of each pointer finger, ever-so-gently exert pressure at each side of the pore. The blackhead should easily wriggle out. If it won’t budge, don’t push the love. Leave it, make sure skin is well hydrated, and try again a few days later. Hydroxy acid cleanser and treatments, along with oil-control products, will help keep future blackheads under control. And, of course, you could also benefit from seeing a facialist for monthly deep-cleansing sessions.

The Body Blitz. Before you start layering yourself in summer’s must-have fake tans and body shimmers, give yourself a mini spa session. Dry body brush to invigorate the lymph system. Massage in salt scrub to get circulation going and to make yourself top-toe-toe baby-soft. And slather yourself in body mud to brighten and purify skin. Try Ahava Dead Sea Mineral Mud, $20, 1800 824 282. It’s the ideal way to banish ‘bacne’ and get yourself ready for those pretty spring frocks.

Makeup Make-Over. Now’s the perfect time to check out those expiration dates of products – you should see an expiration symbol (which indicates the number of months a product is good for once opened) on the packaging or on the box. If not, be aware that it’s especially important to change your mascara after three months, and liquid eyeliner after six months. If you’ve been using your liquid foundation for over a year, it’s time to restock. Anything powder-based is generally fine for around two years of use. Also, throw out any sunscreens from previous seasons – they lose their effectiveness over time.

Brushing Up. Makeup tools can also get germy, so commit to keeping them clean, too. For synthetic-bristled brushes, use a little makeup remover, facial cleanser and then water after each use. Natural-bristled brushes can be tended to every few weeks; to do so, wash with gentle shampoo, then gently blot-dry and leave lying flat on your bathroom bench, with the brush end hanging over the edge, to completely dry.

Hair Note. So how often should you wash your hair? The answer is different depending on whom you speak to, but daily washing is fine if you’re using the right shampoo and conditioner – it’s also necessary if you’re using lots of styling product, or exercising intensely, as both styling residue and sweat can cause breakouts. Make sure to cleanse your face and body after washing hair – this way you’ll wash away any haircare residue that could also block pores and lead to pimples.

 

Happy spring, Primpers! What spring-cleaning beauty tips can you share?

Posted by: Katrina Lawrence

Google Profile

• Previous //
• // Next

Comments (11) Print Send to friend Share

Tags: alpha hydroxy acids, bacne, beta hydroxy acids, blackheads, cleansing oil, dermalogica, exfoliation, featured, makeup brushes, makeup expiry dates, neutrogena, simpleskincare, spring clean