How you prep your skin before make-up, how you remove your make-up, along with the ingredients in your colour cosmetics are all factors that will either positively or negatively impact your skin. Let’s discuss some top tips on how to keep your skin clear and healthy whilst wearing make-up.

You want to ensure you have a clean, hydrated and protected skin prior to applying your make-up. If there is a build-up of dirt on your skin, your colour cosmetics are only going to push this further into the skin, a sure-fire strategy for congestion and breakouts. Take a thorough cleanse further by exfoliating your skin. Not only will this provide a deeper clean for your skin, but it will help create a flawless, smooth and luminous skin canvas. You can use a gentle daily exfoliant such as Dermalogica’s award-winning Daily Microfoliant. This rice powder-based exfoliant gently polishes and brightens the skin, and can be used once a day and therefore, every time you wear make-up.

Topping up your skin’s moisture levels is not only essential for a healthy functioning skin, but it’ll leave your skin plump and minimise fine lines. It will also prevent your foundation from drying out. When your skin’s thirsty, it drinks up the moisture in your foundation, leaving your make-up looking patchy. First things first in skin hydration is to tone. You may be surprised to learn that the toners of today are much more about hydration as opposed to stripping oils from the skin. Dermalogica’s Multi-Active Toner delivers a light mist of moisture, helping to not only increase hydration, but also improve the absorption of any skincare applied afterwards. You can even spritz Multi-Active Toner throughout the day to boost hydration and refresh your make-up – the travel size is ideal for your handbag!

After toning, come serums. Skin Hydrating Booster is a make-up artist’s favourite. This ‘tall glass of water’ for the skin is oil-free and rich in ultra-hydrating, Hyaluronic Acid. Either apply under make-up or mix in with your moisturiser if you’re pressed for time. If you have more of a drier skin or love the ‘dewy look’, then you’ll love Phyto Replenish Oil. This feather light oil is rich in antioxidant plant oils that leave a radiant, healthy complexion. It too can be layer or mixed in with your moisturiser or even your primer!

On the subject of primers, be sure to have one in your skincare/make-up collection. Not only do they help to give a flawless finish and promote make-up longevity, but they also provide a protective barrier between your skin and your make-up. Primers that double-up as skincare products are ideal, as they also work to improve the condition of your skin. Choose from Skin Perfect Primer SPF 30 or HydraBlur Primer. Skin Perfect Primer SPF 30 is a serious multitasker: it smoothes fine lines, protects against harmful UV ray and has a subtle tint that leaves the skin naturally radiant. HydraBlur Primer, on the other hand, is the go-to for reducing the appearance of pores and for those who prefer a matte make-up look.

It's a 'skin-sin' to sleep with your make-up on. And avoid working out with make-up too. Sleeping in your make-up or working up a sweat with your face on will not only increase the potential for breakouts, but it can create inflammation and consequently, age the skin.

A double cleanse is recommended by professionals. Begin your double cleanse with an oil-based cleanser, then use your skin specific cleanser for the second cleanse. Oil or balm cleansers act as a magnet for all oil-based debris on the skin, including long-stay and waterproof make-up, without disturbing the skin’s protective barrier. For a normal to oily skin, choose Dermalogica’s original PreCleanse oil. Alternatively, for a dehydrated to dry skin, or for cleansing on the go, PreCleanse Balm is your best option.

Using a pre-cleanse oil or balm is simple. Massage a small amount of the oil or balm onto a dry face and neck, then add water to make a milky emulsion before rinsing away. Not only will your skin feel ultra clean, but it will be left feeling softer and more hydrated too.

Both PreCleanse oil and PreCleanse Balm can be used on the eyes and lips – just avoid the eye area if you have lash extensions.

The good news is that most of us can get back to seeing a professional skin therapist. Having a professional skin treatment is a great way to keep your skin looking its best, as well as providing some mental TLC. What’s on offer in the treatment room is truly incredible. You’ll find the latest and greatest in ingredient technology, as well as higher levels of actives that can only be used by trained professionals. These days, you’ll likely find machinery accompanies your treatment too.

Dermalogica professional skin therapists have a reputation for providing results driven skin treatments tailored to your individual skin. They’re the most highly trained professionals in the industry and undertake ongoing training to evolve their skill set and knowledge. So how often should you have a skin treatment? Well, it's down to your skin concerns and lifestyle, but ideally every 4 - 6 weeks.  

Make-up doesn’t have to ruin your skin. If you’re committed to properly prepping your skin and being diligent in removing your make-up then you can relax and enjoy the confidence that comes from wearing make-up. As a final point, pay attention to the ingredients that are in your make-up. Common ingredients found in make-up such as artificial fragrances and colours, SD alcohol and acrylic have been linked to breakouts and sensitivity. Look for make-up that is labelled ‘noncomedogenic’, meaning it won’t clog your pores. If you need any about which products are best for you and your skin, let us know!