Beauty Boss: Look after your skin and emerge from lockdown looking fabulous

Staying indoors? Skincare expert and make-up artist Stacey Whittaker says it’s vital to look after your skin.

Looking after our skin should be our main priority when trying to look good. The better the skin, the better the make-up application.

The skin is also our largest organ and in most cases it is the first thing that people see.

It is also a protection against infection so ensuring it’s in tip-top condition is a must.

Routine

“We should use a regular skincare routine to improve skin quality and prevent any damage to skin,” skincare expert and make-up artist Stacey Whittaker said.

“Maintaining a regular skincare routine can be something that people find hard to stick to.

“You may find that you get a new cleanser and use it everyday for a week but then slowly start to miss a few days and before you know it you are back to your old ways.

“Time is always a contributing factor to maintaining a good skincare routine, however I think you should treat it just as important as brushing your teeth!

“At the moment, you will be using products to help your skin type suited to the environment you are in, however this environment has now changed as we spend more time indoors. You may now start to see changes in your skin.

“Your skin can become more dull, dry and dehydrated. But upping the skincare game can have a dramatic effect.”

Stacey recommends following a skin schedule in the morning and at night. “At the beginning of the day, use a cleanser to clear the skin of anything that shouldn’t be there, tone to balance the overall appearance, then apply a brightening moisturiser with spf over your face and neck.

“Don’t forget to keep your lips hydrated, and use a lip balm with SPF.

Exfoliate

“Before bed, use a cleanser, apply an eye cream and massage around the eye area in circular motions to stimulate the blood flow, and exfoliate the skin twice a week both face and body.

“Apply a body-firming cream all over, especially on dry areas such as elbows and knees.

Try a face mask, which suits your skin type, at least twice a week (more if your skin is really dry).

Most importantly, drink lots of water.”

Coconut oil

You don’t need to spend a fortune on products though. Stacey recommends soaking a face cloth in coconut oil and laying over your skin to create a hydrating face mask.

“As we are currently spending a lot of time indoors, it’s a good idea to use this time to rest your skin from makeup and any harsh chemicals.

“Using this time to perfect your skincare routine will mean that you will come out of lock down looking and feeling amazing.”