Are You Washing Your Face Right?
Okay, I know "face washing" isn't exactly something that requires a technique or tutorial, but stay with me here...
It's taken me YEARS (no joke, no exaggeration) to learn how to properly wash my face. And even when I think I've got that sh*t down to a science I will find out, once again, I could be upping my game and doing things better. So, here is what I've learned and what I do, each and every night, like the slave to the routine that I am! (half-laughing, half-crying)
1. Clean your tools - specifically, wash your hands! Some people think this sounds silly because, duh of course, and others think it's a wasted step - which, I assure you, kind sir, it is NOT! You're going to be using your fingertips to massage a cleanser(s) into your dirty skin, so don't contribute any unnecessary hand germs to the mix right off the bat. Chances are high you just had those paws on that slippery germ-block of an iPhone. AMIRITE?!
M - T - W - Th - F
2. Ensure the rest of your tools are clean as well! Do you exfoliate with a terry face cloth or muslin cloth? Grab a clean one each and every time! Do you use a Clarisonic or other face scrubbing brush of some variety? Throw it away! (Haha okay, so that's just my personal preference because I feel like they harbour maximus germus so you do YOU, girlfriend!) Do you pat dry with a hand towel? Again, have a stack of Walmart specials on standby because you are going to use a clean one every dang time you wash that mug. Yes. You are. Alternately, paper towels or those handy little Kleenex hand towel boxes that come in cute patterns (my personal preference) are helpful to avoid germs altogether.
{Also, side note, is anyone using one of those fancy Foreos from Sephora for cleansing? I would love to hear from someone who is using one, por favor!!}
Kleenex hand towels - Betsey Johnson print
3. To double-cleanse or not to double-cleanse - that is your call! I personally prefer the double-cleanse, even if I don't have makeup on, just because I like the feeling of getting any surface grime off before hitting the real top layer of my skin with the good stuff (aka my second cleanser). So if you are double-cleansing, this is the point where you reach for your oil or balm and go to town. Steam/rub it off with your CLEAN cloth, followed by the cleanser that's going to either exfoliate or deliver some acne-fighting benefits or take the years off with anti-aging ingredients.
so fresh + so clean, clean
4. Pat dry with your CLEAN towel of choice and then go full boujee with a spritz of something hydrating to return moisture to your skin. I have a ridiculous collection of various mists + sprays on standby, depending on what my skin needs, but the one I reach for most often is Avène Eau Thermale. I pick it up at Shoppers in the super-size for home and the travel size for throwing in my bag on the daily (funny story: my toddler asks me to spray this on his face + calls it "ocean fresh" - ha!!). Pixi also makes a wonderful selection of mists, also available at Shoppers (seriously, is Pixi not THE BEST addition to Shoppers in 2017, or does anyone else follow that kind of stuff?) and, for the Sephora crowd, you can literally spend hours and all your dollars on the insanely huge selection of facial mists they have. Just make sure you are distinguishing between a facial mist and a makeup setting mist!
Collect 'em all. Like Pokémon for the skincare obsessed.
5. The rest is up to you! Toner, essence, serum, moisturizer, oil, sheet mask - the possibilities really are endless now to customize our skin care routines, which is probably why they interest me so much - no two are exactly the same and you always learn something new!
Leave a comment below with any tips you may have to further help a girl out or to share your nighttime routine! I love that stuff!!
