photo aztec-mess_zps0a762b67.png

Friday 11 September 2015

The Skincare Guide: Multi-Masking


Trends come and go with skincare, such as Clarisonics, Sleeping Masks, etc. But when I heard of this one, that actually sprung up on Instagram, I was very much on board! Mainly because I had thought of the idea on my own almost a year ago and loved the results, but now it actually has a name and is being practiced by the thousands! I thought it was sort of a no-brainer idea, but apparently not. So today I'll go into the magical details of what is now known as "Multi-Masking".

There are several different types of skincare masks out there. The standard approach to them is that you apply one all over your whole face. However, that's not the case with Multi-Masking, and you know what, it makes a lot of sense as to why. Take for example clay masks.

They are known for clearing out blackheads and dealing with breakouts. So why would you apply that kind of mask, which is typically slightly drying, all over your face rather than just the trouble areas (usually the T-Zone)? If your cheeks don't have issues with blackheads and breakouts, don't apply the clay mask to them.

Boscia's examples using their masks

So what is Multi-Masking then? Well, it's essentially just applying more than one mask onto your face. Each mask has its own designated area, depending on your personal needs. For example: clay mask on nose and chin, hydrating mask on cheeks and forehead, and depuffing/cooling mask under eyes.

However, your needs change on a daily basis. You need to listen to your skin and act appropriately.

Here's another example, this time using the Peter Thomas Roth masks pictured above:

I have Rosacea and occasionally it flares up and my cheeks burn, so in that kind of situation I would apply the green mask (Cucumber Gel Mask, which I keep stored in the fridge to keep it cool) on to my cheeks and under my eyes for some depuffing. Then let's say I've just popped a couple of spots on my chin and forehead. I will then continue by applying the Pumpkin Enzyme Mask (an AHA mask) onto the spotty areas, and perhaps my nose if it's in need of exfoliation. And as a final step, I'd apply the Rose Stem Cell mask onto any areas that have redness/scarring from a healing spot/spots that I want to fade and heal faster.

It's as simple as that! So go forth and give this new skincare approach a try! Happy Multi-Masking ;)

Wednesday 2 September 2015

The Skincare Guide: Night Time Routine

It seemed only natural for the next post to be a Night Time Routine since I've already written a Morning Routine (read here). So without further adeu, let's get cracking!

Just to clarify: this routine is to be administrated the moment you come home. As I mentioned in my last few posts, there is absolutely no reason to keep on wearing your makeup until bed time. Clean your face asap, not during the last minute before crawling into bed. Your skin will thank you for this. This way, it has more time to properly absorb ingredients before you smear it all away on your pillow, as well prevent spots by decreasing the amount of time dirt, sebum, spf, and makeup is on your face.

Step 1: 1st cleanse/remove makeup & spf.
This is typically done with a cleansing oil or cleansing balm. I know some people prefer micellar waters to remove their makeup, but they're really not as effective as an oil, nor do they remove sunscreen properly.

Step 2: 2nd cleanse/cleanse your face
Once your face is free of any gunk, you can proceed to actually cleansing the skin itself. Typical products to use would be a cleansing balm or cleansing cream.

Read here for recommended cleansers.

Step 3: Retinol OR Acid Toner
If you're not using retinol that evening, then step 3 would be an exfoliating toner. If, however, you are using a retinol treatment that evening, then you skip the exfoliating toner and step 3 becomes instead your retinol product.

Read here for recommended retinol treatments and here for acid toners.

Step 4: Serum
This is when your skin gets some lovely active ingredients, such as peptides, niacinamide, vitamin E or C. Serums are designed to penetrate the skin quite deep, unlike creams that just sit on top of the skin and hold moisture in.

Read here for recommended serums.

Step 5: Moisturizer
Self-explanatory. You need to keep your face hydrated and plump.

Step 6 (optional): Sleeping Pack/Mask
this is for those with veeerry dry skin, those who wake up with dry skin, and need an extra oomph of moisture.

Recommended Sleeping Masks:


Laneige - Water Sleeping Pack
Origins - Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask
The Body Shop - Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask

Next time on The Skincare Guide: Multi-Masking