Over the years, I’ve realized that there is a better, more efficient way to cleanse your face. As a beauty editor, I realized this through many expert interviews and interactions. Cleaning your face to its best is a process, and many women, not surprisingly, have been doing it wrong.
First, Remember Your Key Factors:
The temperature of the water: should be luke warm, not scolding hot or cool.
How often you should cleanse your skin: a daily morning and night routine will do. A good cleanse before a workout is also recommended as well.
The basic products you need for a proper cleanse: make sure you have an understanding of your skin type, and to find your best makeup remover, cleanser, toner and moisturizer.
Now, let’s get to it:
Step 1: Remove your makeup
For eye makeup, use a cotton ball semi-saturated in a makeup remover such as Sephora’s Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover. Hold this against your eye for about 5 seconds, and wipe off your eye makeup.
For face makeup such as concealer and foundation, use your favorite makeup wipes or cotton balls doused in makeup remover until the wipes or cotton balls come up clean.
Step 2: Now, wash your face
Dampen your skin. Then add a few pumps of your makeup cleanser into your hand (I use bareMinerals Mineralixirs Facial Cleaning Oil) and apply on your face. Using both of your hands, specifically your index, middle and ring fingers, start at the corners of your mouth, massage the cleanser into your skin in a circular motion, going towards the middle of your face.
Using the same motion, go up over your nose, then your forehead, gently around your eyes and then hit your cheek area. After that, come back down to your chin. Really get a good message in, about 2-3 minutes.
#BB Tip: If your skin feels super gross, double up on cleansing, or look into purchasing a skin cleansing device.
Step 3: Rinse with lukewarm water
Using both of your hands again, cup as much water as you can, and gently rinse off your cleanser.
Step 4: Pat—don’t rub—your skin to a semi-dry state
Use a clean, dry towel only. Pat your skin until it’s semi-dry.
Step 5: Use your toner
Everyone should be using a toner. My favorite is the fresh Rose Floral Toner. It’s gentle and infused with rosewater that helps prevent inflammation and aids in my healthy glow. Douse a cotton ball in your favorite toner, and swipe away any residue.
Step 6: Layer on your skincare products
If you use eye creams or serums, layer those on first while your pores are still open. After that, add your face cream or oil, using the same motion you used to cleanse your skin—make sure your fingers are always messaging inward, not outward on your face.
#BB Tip: Don’t forget your neck! Using a small pump of your moisturizer or face oil, message upward on your neck, to help prevent sagging and wrinkles.