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Ok, so you’re all set when it comes to the steps in your skincare routine, but have you ever thought about how you’re applying your cleanser, toner, and face cream? If the answer’s no (we won’t judge!) it might be time to go back to basics, to make sure you’re getting the most from your skincare favourites. If you’ve got all the gear, we’ve got the ideas on how to give your skin, and your skills, a feel-good refresh.
First, wash your hands! Clean hands mean you’re not transferring extra dirt or bacteria back onto your face while you wash - well, when you put it like that. If you feel like getting foamy with a face wash, a blueberry-sized blob is all you need to get fresh on that daily grime. Massaging in circular motions is most effective for dislodging dirt from pores – just don’t forget that hairline when rinsing to avoid product-built up and, yep, you’ve guessed it, spot breakouts.
If it’s a no-rinse kind of day, apply just enough cleanser for the cotton pad to glide easily over the skin’s surface, to avoid rubbing or upsetting your delicate skin. Keep cleansing until both sides of the cotton pad shows up clean, working outwards from T-zone and cheeks, to the hairline and neck. Done!
Oil? To cleanse? Yes, it does seem a little odd, doesn’t it? But cleansing oils are having a moment, and for good reason. Surely enough, oil cleans oil, and everyone – yes, even those with oily skin, can benefit from using one. Ready to give it a try? Firstly, turn off that tap for now, as cleansing oil goes onto dry hands, and a dry face.
Warm the oil between your palms to help it glide on, smooth it on and begin massaging it into the skin. Use the flat of the fingers on cheeks to keep pressure gentle and even, before switching to fingertips to work the oil into the T-zone and over make-up. When you’re done, simply rinse with warm water, or gently wipe away with a warm, wet face cloth.
Hands up, who’s got a bottle of toner collecting dust in the bathroom cabinet? Toner may be one of the most misunderstood of skincare products but, applied in the right way, it has great benefits for our skin. Not only can it remove any last traces of dirt and it also helps to rebalance the skin’s pH post-cleanse.
So, how to use a face toner? If you’ve cleansed, but not yet moisturised, it’s time to tone. Start by soaking one (or two!) cotton pads in the toner. Start at the T-zone, working in gentle, outward, sweeping motions, before moving onto the jawline, neck, and hairline to catch any lingering build-up. Use a toner once or twice a day – whichever works best for your skin, and your schedule!
Eye cream is great for reviving tired eyes at the end of a long day. For them to work their best, apply between cleansing and moisturising - and if you’re toning today save your eye cream ‘til after. Pat the eye cream gently onto skin, working from brow to cheek bone, and out to your temples. The skin around your eyes is delicate, so go easy by applying with your ring finger – it’s the weakest so keeps pressure to a minimum. Why not keep your eye cream in the fridge to pep up tired eyes?
Timing is everything, so apply moisturiser within a few minutes of cleansing for optimum absorption. For an extra hydration boost, massage moisturiser into damp skin, to help keep retain moisture on the skin’s surface - and don’t forget your neck! Don’t be tempted to add extra layers of moisturiser to dry skin. Your skin is only able to absorb so much. If skin feels dry after moisturising, swap your usual cream for a richer formula, like Simple® Kind to Skin Protecting Moisturiser instead.
When you apply your products in the most effective way, they’ll work extra hard to make sure your skin feels vibrant, glowing, and ready for the day, wherever it may take you.
