At my first Art class I learned how to prepare my own canvas. I learned that before I put paint onto the material, I should prime it with several layers of gesso. The gesso helps the paint stick to the canvas and makes the colors appear brighter. I've learned that make-up is the same way. Before I apply any of my favorite products onto my face I need to, in a sense, "prep the canvas".
These are the steps I take in prepping my skin:
Step 1. I wash my face.
I used to think this was the silliest suggestion. Why should I wash my face when I'm just going to dirty it up with different products? However, I found that when I did start washing my face before putting on my make-up, my skin did'nt break out as much. This is because our skin has all kinds of impurities on it and if we don't wash first, we will simply be spreading all those impurities around our face when we apply our make-up.
It is also important to choose a facial wash that works well with your skin type. You don't have to spend a lot of money. There are plenty of quality cleansers at the drugstore. I use the Pond's Perfect Matte cleansing foam. Most Philippine dermatologists recommend Cetaphil which works well with most skin types and does not dry out the skin. Other good brands include Neutrogena, St. Ives, Celeteque and Olay.
Step 2. I use a toner.
Once I've finished with Step 1, I use a cotton square to sweep some toner along my face. I do this to keep my skin safe from any harmful bacteria. (Click here to find out how.) I use Clean and Clear but Neutrogena and Nivea Visage are good too.
Step 3. I apply moisturizer.
I used to have an issue with using moisturizer because I have oily skin. What I recently found out is that moisturizer does not add to that greasy look. What it does is help rehydrate the skin. It restores water, not oil. (Click here for more on moisturizer and oily skin.)
Once again, you do not have to spend so much on a good moisturizer. Check out your nearest drugstore. They're sure to have several for you to choose from. I use the moisturizer by Celeteque. It's water-based, hypo-allergenic and fragrance-free. Other options are Pond's, Olay and Nivea.
Once I've finished all three steps, my canvas is prepped and I am ready to put on my make-up.
I hope this helps other beginners and make-up enthusiasts out there.
'til next time,
Maite
These are the steps I take in prepping my skin:
Step 1. I wash my face.
I used to think this was the silliest suggestion. Why should I wash my face when I'm just going to dirty it up with different products? However, I found that when I did start washing my face before putting on my make-up, my skin did'nt break out as much. This is because our skin has all kinds of impurities on it and if we don't wash first, we will simply be spreading all those impurities around our face when we apply our make-up.
It is also important to choose a facial wash that works well with your skin type. You don't have to spend a lot of money. There are plenty of quality cleansers at the drugstore. I use the Pond's Perfect Matte cleansing foam. Most Philippine dermatologists recommend Cetaphil which works well with most skin types and does not dry out the skin. Other good brands include Neutrogena, St. Ives, Celeteque and Olay.
Step 2. I use a toner.
Once I've finished with Step 1, I use a cotton square to sweep some toner along my face. I do this to keep my skin safe from any harmful bacteria. (Click here to find out how.) I use Clean and Clear but Neutrogena and Nivea Visage are good too.
Step 3. I apply moisturizer.
I used to have an issue with using moisturizer because I have oily skin. What I recently found out is that moisturizer does not add to that greasy look. What it does is help rehydrate the skin. It restores water, not oil. (Click here for more on moisturizer and oily skin.)
Once again, you do not have to spend so much on a good moisturizer. Check out your nearest drugstore. They're sure to have several for you to choose from. I use the moisturizer by Celeteque. It's water-based, hypo-allergenic and fragrance-free. Other options are Pond's, Olay and Nivea.
Once I've finished all three steps, my canvas is prepped and I am ready to put on my make-up.
I hope this helps other beginners and make-up enthusiasts out there.
'til next time,
Maite
