When I was at uni I had the pleasure of working for a huge cosmetics company. I absolutely loved it and learned some invaluable tips to get me through my 20’s and ensure my skin was well cared for.  I was thinking of this the other day and wondering to myself, if I have a daughter what beauty tips would I pass down?

Here are a few simple tips that I have found the most useful over the years:

1) Never ever pull or scrape make-up off from your eyes

Too often I see women take their cotton wool or wet wipe and scrape it across their eyes from the middle to the outside.

This sort of action can expedite crows feet as it causes the skin to stretch.

The best thing to do is place the cleanser/make-up remover soaked cotton wool or wet wipe on top of your eye lid. Then using your ring finger just gently apply pressure, then move your finger from left to right in very very small movements so as not to stretch the skin.

Lastly take your wet-wipe / cotton wool and gently wipe the smudged make-up away from under the bottom lid.

2) Always cleanse and moisturise twice a day

I have always preferred to use a foaming cleanser to wash my skin but this is my preference only and is dependent on your skin type. This also eliminates the need for a toner.

Whatever your preference you should try to cleanse and moisturise your skin first thing in the morning and last thing at night.

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3) Exfoliate once a week

Use a gentle exfoliator to get rid of any dead skin.  This will allow the moisturiser to penetrate your skin and do its job properly. I have been a bit slack with this lately and have noticed a difference in how my skin feels.

4) Get to know your skin type

It’s important to match the skin care you use with your skin type e.g. I am combination skin so I am oily through my t-zone (across the forehead and down the face through nose to tip of chin) and dry on my cheeks.

I know this because I am prone to breakouts in my T-zone and my cheeks often feel tight. I use a foaming cleanser as this doesn’t strip my skin of moisture but also cleans my oily areas properly.

Knowing your skin type will help to find the right level of moisturiser for you. Using something that isn’t meant for your specific skin type could cause discomfort (from not addressing dryness or dehydration and/or breakouts) e.g. If I use something that is meant for dry skin for too long I suffer a break-out of red lumps over my face.

This is because the heavy moisturiser is adding too much oil to the oily parts of my skin.

5) Read about what is included in your products

Ever since I learned that some of the preservatives they use in skincare have been linked to cancer, I have been extremely conscious about what products I use.

It’s easy to forget that our skin is a living, breathing organ which absorbs whatever we put on it into our bloodstream. I have found a list of the top 12 cosmetic chemicals to avoid here.

Have you shared your beauty tips with your daughter? What tips have you passed on?

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