Gone are the days when using a single soap bar (from head to toe) would suffice as your grooming routine. Today, there are face washes, beard oils, shaving balms and everything in between to think about.
Don’t know where to start? No problem, here at Cult Beauty, we’ve got your complexion covered with our guide to building the best grooming routine – think
BEST SKIN CARE ROUTINE
Following a simple yet structured skin care regime is an essential part of any grooming routine. From targeting your common concerns (we’re talking everything from blemishes to redness) to leaving your face feeling soft and smooth, these steps are primed to keep your complexion happy, healthy and hydrated.
STEP ONE: CLEANSE
A key stage for both morning and night, cleansers allow you to melt the day away, diminishing any leftover dirt, debris, make up, SPF and more. Creating a clean canvas to optimise the results of the rest of your skin care products, they prevent clogged pores while balancing and maintaining your complexion’s pH levels.
How to use: dampen your face and rub a small amount of the formula onto your skin. Then rinse with lukewarm water.
STEP TWO: TONE
While toning isn’t always necessary, it’s highly recommended. Taking your grooming routine to the next level, the featherweight formulas dissolve dead cells that your cleanser can’t always reach. Available in a variety of textures – from mists to waters – they also work hard to banish blackheads, balance skin tone and protect your barrier function.
How to use: soak a cotton pad or spritz the mist in an upwards motion from your nose to your forehead and across the brow line.
STEP THREE: EXFOLIATE
Fun fact incoming… Did you know that on average humans shed around 50 million flakes of skin? With that in mind, it’s essential to keep your complexion looking fresh. How? By using a manual exfoliator two to three times a week to help remove the top layer of your epidermis. Opting for a manual formula rather than a chemical solution not only unclogs pores but also keeps blemishes and irritation at bay.
How to use: apply the exfoliator to a wet face using a gentle massaging motion, avoiding the eye area. Then rinse thoroughly with water. Use 2-3 times a week.
STEP FOUR: SERUMS
Serving up some serious potent, problem-solving solutions, serums are made up of small molecules that target specific skin concerns – from fine lines and pigmentation to dullness and dryness. Plus, concentrated with active ingredients (such as vitamin E and hyaluronic acid), they protect from daily pollution to shield your complexion.
How to use: softly pat the serum into your skin, starting at the centre of your face and moving outwards to cover all areas.
STEP FIVE: MOISTURISE
No matter your skin type, moisturising is a must. Why? Well, firstly, they quench your complexion’s thirst, flooding it with hydration. Secondly, these nourishing creams replenish the nutrients you may have lost through the previous steps of your grooming routine. And, last, but by no means least, they’re infused with barrier-building ceramides to enhance a subtle all over glow. Our top tip? Choose a moisturiser that suits your skin type – if you have oily skin select a light, matte finish moisturiser or if your face feels tight and dry, opt for a thicker, richer texture.
How to use: smooth all over your face and allow your skin to naturally soak it in.
STEP SIX: EYE CREAM
We know what you might be thinking… If I’ve moisturised, why do I need to use an eye cream too? Well, it’s because the skin around your peepers is more delicate and thus requires more attention. Oh, and if that’s not enough, it works hard to hide last night’s antics too – getting rid of dark circles, puffiness and fine lines.
How to use: lightly pat the cream with your ring finger until the formula fully soaks into your skin.
STEP SEVEN: SPF
And for the final, and arguably most important, step, it’s time to slather on the sunscreen. Shielding your skin from damaging UV rays, SPF should be applied at least 15 minutes before being exposed to sunlight – whether that’s heading out the front door or sitting by the window at home. Want to know about the importance of applying SPF? Head over to our Ultimate Guide To Sunscreen for everything you need to know about keeping your complexion protected… Come rain or shine!
How to use: using the three-finger rule spread the sunscreen out evenly over your face (avoiding your eye area). Use before exposure to the sun and reapply daily to maintain protection.
