Makeup is meant to enhance not create

From a very young age we are shown on magazine covers beautiful, successful women looking perfect. What isn't shown is all the work leading up that the moment that photo was taken. Regular facials, painful facial peels, diet restrictions and an extensive at home regiment. That is just the prep for her face! AND on top of all that is still photoshopped to look "flawless" 

It is downright unrealistic to put pressure on yourself to look perfect everyday. Doesn't mean you can't do a couple of those prep steps to feel your best. If you are having troubles with your skin being unbalanced then whatever makeup you use won't perform as well as it could if you skin was in good balance. Good skin will lead to good makeup or maybe even less makeup. There are days I only wear concealer and mascara and it's so freeing. 

 

Be sure to drink lots of water

If you are experiencing crepe like dry texture your skin could be dehydrated rather then dry. (Dehydrated skin is lacking water whereas dry skin is lacking oil). So drink some extra water and it just might help. 

 

Exfoliate twice a week

Your skin cells are replacing each other constantly and if you don't remove those cells either chemically (I promise that isn't as scary as it sounds) or physically (be careful with this one it is scarier then it sounds). Chemical exfoliants can be used as treatments which means they are typically rinsed off after a certain amount of time. Common products used to accomplish this include AHA's (alpha hydroxy acids), BHA (beta hydroxy acids) and enzymes. My suggestion for starting out in products like this is to go to Sephora and get a sample of something to try out for a week or two. If you like what you tried..yay! And if you liked it but don't want to buy the expensive stuff then research drug store competitors with similar ingredients. sometimes it is worth it to pay the big bucks, so go ahead, treat yo self. 

Quick note about DIY acid masks. Just don't do it. Most of the recipes will tell you to put some kind of citrus in the mask and most citrus is far too strong for the skin. 

 

Physical exfoliants! Your skin can get damaged and scratched if your physical exfoliant is too rough. Not good! So avoid micro beads and scrubs with big pieces of things. If I'm out of product at home I prefer using brown sugar vs refined granulated sugar as an exfoliant. If physically exfoliating is new to you start with just a warm wet wash cloth. The fabric is abrasive enough to slough away dead skin cells without being too rough. This will also feel really nice. Otherwise, once again go to Sephora and ask for a sample. And if you feel uncomfortable with all of this? Find a facialist and go in for a treatment and recommendations.

A little heat is your friend

Heat will open your pores and allow cleansing products get a little deeper. I like to boil some water and breath it in with a towel over my head. It's relaxing and will really help revive your skin. You can do this with a clean face or with a cleanser on your face that you will work into the skin after the steam treatment. 

Always read about what you are putting on your skin. I started feeling more confident the more I learned about skincare. Hope these tricks help you feel as beautiful as you are.