Basics of a Good Skin Care Routine
It is fantastic that you are all so inspired by the great makeup tutorials that Marlena and the many other Makeup Geeks have done for us all, but what is just as important is taking that same great care of your skin.
Especially with all the fabulous makeup products we are trying, it is important to make sure our skin is in prime condition to cope with the demands that these products will put on our skin.
Here are some basic steps for us all to look at with our daily and weekly routines – I am not going to talk about using specific brands but I will talk of product types that are widely available in most parts of the world…
Step 1 – Cleaning
Use a good quality cleansing product that will remove any remaining traces of makeup from the day/night before. Make sure that the cleanser is one designed for your skin type, as using the wrong type can cause as many problems as it solves.
Makeup Remover
For the most stubborn waterproof makeup, I recommend an oil based makeup remover. There are lots on the market and you don’t need to spend a lot of money in this area to get an effective makeup remover.
Step 2 – Tone
Most toners will help to remove any last traces of makeup and cleanser and will also restore the natural PH balance to your skin.
Step 3 – Exfoliate
Exfoliation is a process that removes dead skin cells from the top layer of skin, allowing new rejuvenated skin to surface and may help improve the appearance of fine lines and mild acne.
Step 4 – Moisturize
This is the final step of your daily routine and getting the right moisturizer is cornerstone of good skin care. Moisturizing forms a barrier between the skin and environmental conditions. It also helps to form a fine, protective layer that enables the skin to retain the moisture it requires. Moisturizing is essential for all skin types including oily skin.
Points to Remember:
Each of us has different and unique skin. so what is right for one person may not be the best for another person, so we need to identify the right product for us.
Please see the full version of this article “Basics of a Good Skincare Routine” where you can post questions and see further recommendations and tips for each step.
I have done lots of research on many different brands so if you do have specific question on individual brands give me a shout.
Many Thanks,
Beauty by Theresa
What do you think about the Clinique Three Step Skin Care System? I’ve been using it for several weeks now, and my skin has evened out and cleared dramatically.
Why this is very detailed…. thanks marlena..
i used to do the clinique 3-step skin care system… but since now i’m on a budget, and i’m running out of ‘em.. i’m just using clinique dramatically different moisturizing lotion along with sisheido cleanser and toner…
i have never exfoliate my face before…. what brands do you recommend??? does neutrogena have one?? drugstore brands will be better, seeing the condition of my wallet..
Hiya – which products are in your clinique 3 step routine? They are a good quality brand and as long as you are using the right ones in the 3 step line for your skin then you should see good skin improvement.
Dea – neautrogena do several exfoliators – depends on your skin type as to which is the best for you.
What about MAC skincare products?
I use the Green Gel Cleanser and the Microfine Refinisher and the Oil Control Lotion, but I use the Gently Off Eye and Lip Makeup Remover before the cleanser. In the morning I use Fast Response Eye Cream and follow the same routine but with out the exfoliater. Can you let me know if these are good products? Thanks : )
Hi Brenda – you sound as if you have a good skin care routine. I havent used the mac skin care products but if they are working well for your skin then stick to them.
How are you finding your skin is with these products?
Hi Beauty by Theresa-
Actually pretty good I have kind of oily skin so this products are working great!
My skin feels sooft and makeup stays on longer that only thing that I reapply is lip gloss.
The only thing is that I dont use a toner would you recomend any?
HI Brenda
As you are using the MAC Green gel Cleanser it reads as if it has the natural balancing effect in it which is what a toner is mainly designed for so is probably the one step you can do without.
Thanks for the info and feedback Beauty by Theresa !
Hello! thanks for your advice, it’s great especially since there are so many products out there with many different uses.
I was wondering if one should exfoliate everyday? and if so, can you recommend a scrub for combination skin (more oily than dry), with a couple of blemishes ( I am 17). Thank you!
I just bought the Clinique 3 Step Skin Care System a couple of weeks ago and I LOVED IT!!!! Before this i had been using some products from OLay and my skin was alright i guess…i dont have acne or much blemishes but i did have a lot of black and white heads around my nose..well…those are GONE!! i couldnt believe it my nose is completely clear!!!!! Even others noticed the difference…im soo happy with these products…I definitely recommend them!
Anggie – there are some exfoliators you can user everyday – it depends on the type of exfoliator you use.
For skins that suffer from oilyness you are better off using the gentler daily exfoliators that work on dissolving the dead skin cells as opposed to the scrub based ones which actually can have the effect of producing more oil on the skin with the scrub effect and shouldnt be used any more tyhan twice per week.
It does depend on your budget and the ranges that are available to you where you are – what range do you use now?
Hey Beauty by Theresa!
Can you reccomend any good products that can even out and brighten my skin tone while eliminating acne scars?
And one other question.. My schools homecoming dance is coming up, and im going to end up dancing for hours and getting sweaty! What do you reccomend to do so my skin doesn’t get all oily and my makeup all rubbed off??
Thanks!
Hi Erica
Is your acne still active or it it the scars that remain? If it is no longer active then I recommend a good professional dermabraision or facial peel treatment (not as severe as the dermatologist ones) as they will have a quicker effect at making your skin smoother.
Once you have done the course of those I would then recommend using AHA based skin care line to keep your smoothness at bay. What product lines are you used to?
As regards your schools home coming dance it is down to the right skin care routine together with the right steps in your makeup application, including a good mattifying primer. Lots of the makeup geeks will have good advice on keeping your makeup looking good for the occasion so why not post your question on long stay makeup on the main forum. Personally I would recommend using mineral based makeup in your routine as they will also help to keep any acne at bay as well as having a longer lasting effect through out the day, as long as your use the correct application techniques and steps.
HTH
Well right now I am in Spain, so there aren’t probably as many as in the States, but I’ll be in the US soon. Umm price range doesn’t really matter as long as it works! lol, but of course not some thing over $100 because I am a very broke student!
All in all, you are suggesting a daily exfoliator
right? and also you are explaining that we should tone and then exfoliate?
P.S.
and I know you don’t like mentioning brands, but it would be extremely helpful if you kinda sorta hinted. I mean you can even e-mail me or message me. Thanks again
hi Anggie – I dont mind mentioning brands that I know and like at all, but there is lots of choice available.
As you are in Spain then I will definitely mention the professional brand that I use which is Germaine de Capuccini which originates from Spain. I personally prefer the daily exfoliating type products as they are more gentle on the skin and actually work deeper into the pores. The scrubby types with grains in them are more abrasive on the the skin, which is fine for occasional use but can promote oily skin to produce more oil so I tend to stick to the AHA types which dissolve the dead skin cells instead.
The cleanser that I use contains the AHA (called Sequence from Germaine so you would tone after but if you are using a separate exfoliator then you could use it before or after or even both. http://www.germaine-de-capuccini.co.uk/view/product.do?id=31
Aww thank you so much!
Theresa, I was wondering… which step comes first? applying the sunscreen or the facial primer for makeup?
hi,i have a big problem with skin,I have a lot of dark areas ,i have dark lines surrounding my mouth and a dark area next to my eyes ,what do you recommend ?,please help i’m desperate,I am currently using Coverderm luminous skin whitening
multi-valent system for 3 weeks and i don’t see a difference ,
I also use to have acne but not any more but there are still small spots,how do i get rid of them?
help me please i’m desperate.
Ive been using the Mary Kay Microderm Abrasion set now for almost three months and I absolutely love it…. I do have the 3 or 4 step kit from Mary Kay as well but wasn’t satisfied with it. It made my skin oily and that’s not good when you already have oily skin…your just adding more oil to your skin as it is
Hello Ladies.
Check out my youtube page on Monday, September 29 for a detailed tutorial using a Mary Kay skin care regime.
Charmaine,
Did you use the oily/combo cleanser and moisturizer from MK? I thought I had combination skin, but not by their standards. lol! It did a great job of drying out the oily areas, but it also dried out my normal areas. I’ve since switched to the normal/dry set and have no problems.
HI Amanda – in response to your question I woud say your SPF needs to go one before your primer as your makeup needs to sit directly on top of your primer.
Hope that helps.
Charmaine – I understand your feeling about oil just adding more oils to your oily type skin, but if the oil is light enough, like vegetable based oils then they will actually help clean your skin and to regulate the oil that your own skin produces. Honest.
Aisha. To be able to do a better suggestion I need to see a picture of the dark areas you mention are on your skin. it all depends on what is causing those darker areas. Have you seen a dermatologist?
I do feel for you as I have dark pigmentation on my skin too but I need to know more about your skin.
Ok, so I’m feeling a bit like a proud mother (eventhough I don’t have any kids yet) but I just added my first few videos to a youtube page! Please check it out and let me know what you thing.
http://www.youtube.com/user/ohsoswt79
Thanks in advance!
hi i cant send pictures because i’m not allowed,but i will try to be useful, i have been to a dermo…and it was useless she gave me a cream called “Coverderm luminous skin whitening multi-valent system” which didnt make a difference and i have noticed the the lines around my mouth get darker if my skin is dry, but when my skin is oily the lines are a little bit less dark so i tried to moisturize as much as possible but again no difference.
The lines around my mouth are under my mouth and above, there are two line which are from my nose to the end of my lips. I dont get exposed to the sun at all. I have 2 fine lines between the end of my eyebrows to my ears and so from my eyebrows and ears and up its dark.,and its very obvious.I will try to send a diagram but i dont no how?
i true if i used a scrub the acne scars will go eventually?
please help
thanks
Im sorry, i mean is it true if i used a scrub the acne scars will go eventually?
If you exfoliate everyday that can lead to over drying of the skin… I would recommend using an exfoliating scrub and mask once a week. then a steam facial once a month. the cleanser, tone, moisturizer setup is accurate though.
Hi Makeup Geeks!
I recently began to watch Marlena’s amazing tutorials on YouTube and starting reading this great advice. I am so glad this is up here because I need help!
Ok my skin has always been really clear and I only got a very rare pimple once a month, I have always just washed with bar soap and moisturized with regular day cream… I am only 18 but I know i must start taking better care of my face now before it is too late!
I have no idea what to buy but am willing to spend as much as needed to keep and maintain gorgeous skin!!!!!!!
Thank you! Amanda Jo.
Hi beauty by Theresa
Im a swimmer and because im in the watter all the time it causes my skin to get very irritated and dry. what product would you reccomend that i use for my situation? and one more thing:) whenever i find myself taking breaks from swimming my skin is perfect, i have no acne. but when i have swim (which is everyday) my skin gets broken out. i was just wondering if there is something i should put on my skin before getting in the water.
Hey Marlena,
I wanted to know if you can recommend me good brands that are safe for acne prone skin type? I break out easily and so for my skin I have been using. Dr. Wexler from bath and beauty and it has worked wonders for my acne skin and it a bit pricy. But as for exfoliating I don’t do that. Since I don’t know when I am supposed to do that? Like am I to do it once a week or everyday? And which once are good for oily skin that breaks out? So far I am using Nutrogena acne cleansing wash that removes dirt and makeup away. and following that I use a toner from Almay for oily to normal skin, and then I am using a serum that take away the acne scars and after that I use Acnescription™ MMPi.20™ Anti-Aging Acne Serum that does wonder for my skin which I think they are discontinuing and that is a bummer if you ask me since it great but price at $45. But it works and that’s all it counts really. and if I sill have blemish somewhere on my skin I use clean and clear spot treatment in cream since it not so harsh on the skin. I wanted to know a good exfoliator that I can use and if it daily routine? When should I fit it in my routine? What I mean is should I use it after I wash my face then tone? I still am very confused for that. And one more thing what I wanted to ask was can you suggest a good eye cream for dark circle and fine line that are now appearing my skin. I am only 21 but I look 30 if you ask me. If you can answer any of my questions I would be in heaven.
Thanks a bunch.
P.S please don’t say to go to a dermatologist since they gave me stuff that makes it worse then better.
P.P.S i use a lotion that from Boscia that has spf 15 before i put on my bare minerals that also has spf15 so i think i am coverd. but let me know if i still need more. and i dont hang out in the sun at all but still you never know.
Hi! K, here’s the deal. I have a friend who has dry skin, especially on her forehead. She uses the dramatically different moisturizer from Clinique, but she is still dry on her forehead. I’ve told her to use a scrub or some type of exfoliator to minimize the look of the dryskin. Which type would you recommend, if you do recommend one, and what kind of foundation do you advise that she use? She is using a cream-to-powder one right now.
I using shiseido is this good brand
Thank-you for your writing . Not a bad article . To naturally clean your
face , I think that you may like this article on taking care of your skin http://www.betweenclosefriends.com/2008/10/28/herbal-cosmetic-treatments-cleansers/
Hi,
I’m very surprised you recommend toning. Most toners are alcohol-laden and have next to nothing in them good for the skin. One of the only remotely affordable toners that you can’t say that for is Clinique’s Mild Clarifying Lotion and M.A.C.’s Lightful Softening Lotion is ok if you don’t have oily or acne-prone skin.
Considering allllllllll the toners out there, the good ones are incredibly few and far between.
If one cleansing doesn’t get my makeup off, I cleanse twice or thrice. Because I have clogged pores and prefer chemical exfoliation, I swab with a product including salicylic acid with a low pH level (or else the salicylic acid won’t work!).
Happy skin caring!
Hey,
I was wondering what I can do about my blemishes …I havent really tried anything because i have no idea what to even look for. It is right along my checkbone ..and heads toward my nose and I find that it is dry as well.
I do have a second question, I have dark circles around the eyes…and i hae tried everything to get rid of it or even try to make it non noticable but I cant seem to get it right. What tricks or solution do you have ?
Hey Theresa,
I wanted to ask you for some advice. After i wash my face i don’t put moisterizer on because it makes me break out.. and i have tried many different brands.. I have really good skin, barely ever break out, except when i put on moisturizers which im guessing clogs my pores.. do you have any recommendations?? I can feel that my skin is dry, so its either dry skin or break outs =(
Hi!!
(( besides drinking lots of water what else can i do to improve my skins health?
i wanted to ask for some advice and basically a couple of questions i have regarding skin and skin care.
about 3 ago i went to an aesthitician and got a facial. I asked her what she thought my skin type was and she said that it was dry. A couple of weeks ago i visited another girl and she said that my skin was a combination type (oily t-zone and dry on the sides). So my question is: can skin types change over the years??
oh… she also said that i have dehydrated skin
today i went out and purchased a cleasing gel by Korres it’s all natural and very gentle on the skin.. has anyone else tried this line of products? are they any good?
Thank you sooo much for your time!!
Merry Christmas to everyone and a happy happy healthy loving new year!!
Melinda
hi does anyone recommend a cheap facial regime products as im 30 n dnt use nothing on my face and it about time i did but cant afford the exp products so need sumthing really cheap i hope sumone can help thxs x
what products do you recomend?
Hello!
I was wondering if anyone had any cheap skin care routine recommendations for slightly oily skin with acne. I do not use anything now,but I desperately need to!!!
Thanks in advance!
try dermalogica….you will never use anything else EVER again..it is a bit pricey..but the medi bac range cleared my acne in a week flat. i swear by dermalogica!
I use the AcneFree skin system and it has evened out my skin tone and acne really well. I also use the maybelline expert eyes for a makeup remover
I know im posting this a while after its been put on the site but i just want anyone to kknow if your having any issues with major blemishes (or if like me you have a burn on your face
) honey works really well to clear up issues on your face and it works really well on cuts too
Hi Theresa,
Firstly I found your information very useful and it really helped me out. but I do have a doubt on my skin as there are soo many products out there and i am soo confused!!….
Im indian ..so i have a wheatish complexion that tans really easily.My face skin is pretty toned bt I have an oilt T zones and around my nose but dry cheeks. I started using Proactiv a year ago as i had a mild occasional acne around my forehead and nose and chin. It really helped but didnt stop occasiaonl stress pimples from coming which have left 2-3 marks on my forehead and around my nose which i really want to get rid of. I also feel like proactiv is very chemical and harsh as the skin below my eyebrows flakes out using it and I really want to find a good regime for my skin. What brands would u recommend for me? I dont mind the price as long as its not above 100$!…
I do use mineral foundation occasionally as well.
Regards,
Shree