Hi Everyone 😊

These steps are important for a flawless finish to your makeup. It is also called "prepping the skin". One thing to note is, makeup does not apply well on dry skin that has not been well exfoliated and hydrated. So be sure to prepare for that application for your wedding day/event or every day wear.

Cleanse, Tone & Moisturizing steps should be done whether you apply makeup or not. So these tips can be for everyone.

Firstly, if you already have makeup on, you would need to remove it with a makeup remover of your choice. My go to makeup remover is the Garnier Micellar water as it is gentle on the skin and it is suitable for all skin types.

Step 1: Cleanse/Face wash

The purpose of cleansing is to remove any impurities from the skin. It prevents your pores from being clogged and helps your moisturizer absorb properly. A makeup remover can be used separate from a cleanser but you do get cleansers that do both makeup removing and cleansing at the same time. That all comes down to personal preference. I prefer something that can do both because I am lazy! A great product that does both is the Neutrogena Deep Clean Cleanser.

Choosing a cleanser based on your skin type

Oily Skin/Acne prone: Go for a cream or foam cleanser as you don't want any extra oil entering your skin. Good 2 products I love are the Neutrogena Deep Clean Cleanser, and the Cerave facial foaming cleanser.

Dry/Sensitive: Oil, gel or cream base to add moisture to an already dry face. Cetaphil daily facial cleanser is hypoallergenic and is great for any skin types particularly sensitive skin. Another 2 I recommend are the Neutrogena gentle hydrating cleanser, and the Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser.

Normal/Combination: Cream, gel or foam base can be used for this skin type as it has little sensitivities. Simple facial foaming cleanser is great for this skin type. Or to be honest anything you prefer and already works.

Mature Skin: Oil or cream base to add moisture to lines and wrinkles. I feel they can stick to similar guidelines to sensitive skin.

All of the cleansers I recommended can be used on all skin types and is gentle enough for acne-prone skin and are non-pore clogging!

Step 2: Tone

A toner is an essential step for closing the opened pores from cleansing. It is pretty much doing weights after doing cardio at the gym. It will tighten the skin and reduce redness and inflammation and scrub off left over particles left from cleansing. They have various names which you may see as: Astringent, tonic. They are mostly in a liquid/watery or lotion base and generally applied to a cotton pad to wipe away.

Choice of toner based on skin type

Oily Skin/Acne prone: Something that will kill bacteria and toxins. Ingredients that can contribute to this would be salicylic acid, AHA's, Witch hazel, tea tree and rose water. Alcohol-free is important.

Dry/Sensitive: Ingredients that will hydrate or something that will be lotion based before your actual moisturizer. Alcohol-free as well.

Normal/Combination: Ingredients that will hydrate, balance pH, and is light and refreshing with citric acids.

Mature Skin: Any ingredients with antioxidants which are good for anti-ageing and hydration. Natural ingredients are favored such as: rose, extracts from honey or natural extracts.

Rose water is a great toner to wipe away debri as well as Garnier micellar water! I tend to use those two on my clients before application of moisturizer.

Step 3: Moisturize

You can refer to my ‘How to pick a moisturizer based on your skin type’ if you need help choosing. The bottom line is to always K.I.S.S, Keep It Simple Stupid :D

I hope this helps people who feel overwhelmed with choosing the correct products for your skin and what to look out for😊