Start with proper cleansing, Part 4

Exfoliate

1. Frequency. How often should I exfoliate?

Our skin has its' own metabolism but exfoliate will help to make sure the top layer goes away and reveal a brighter looking skin. The frequency of exfoliation varies. It depends on skin type, weather, area of the skin... etc.

If you have dry or sensitive skin, try not to exfoliate too much because you need that layer of protection. Therefore, 1 time every two weeks is enough. Only make exceptions for important events such as a big date or a party. If you have oily skin then once every week will do the trick. (Never exfoliate more than once a week.)

Reduce frequency of exfoliation during winter when the skin is more sensitive.

2. Types of exfoliation. Which one should I use?

One common type of exfoliation is a scrub. It usaully has beads or crushed wall nuts as the medium for scrub exfoliation. This is more ideal for rougher oily skin.

Another type is gel. This is more ideal if you're looking for a gentler exfoliation. Good for dry and sensitive skin. (I'm using a gel exfoliation myself.) However, it might not give you the usual exfoliation "texture," but it's still working!!! The gel exfoliation usually has ingredients that help metabolize the skin quickly then make the corneum into little bits then simply wash it away with water. (Dry face before use.)

Last but not least, creme-based exfoliation. It's not that common, at least I don't see them that often, but they're out there. I've never try one before so can't really comment on it. However, I think it will be for the most gentle exfoliation.

3. Area. Where should I exfoliate?

T-zone is definitely the targeted area. Avoid eye area, and if you have dry and sensitive cheeks avoid those areas too. I usually exfoliate my T-zone once a week (once every two weeks during crazy NY winter) and my cheeks around once a month. Find what works for you but remember not to exfoliate more than once a week.

Exfoliation helps reveal a healthier and brighter skin. It is a neccasaty but don't overdo it! Remember to always hydrate and moisturize right after, because skin absorb the best right after axfoliation.

Start with proper cleansing, Part 3

Process

1. Remove makeup.

- First, remove your eye makeup with eye-makeup remover. To throughly remove mascara and eye lineran eye-makeup remover is a must whether you use waterproof makeup or not. Get a piece of cotton pad and pour the eye-makeup remover on it. Close your eyes and press the cotton pad onto the lashes then stay put for at least 30 seconds. Again, do not rub. Allow the eye-makeup remover to dissolve the eye liner, mascara, and shadow. Gentely pull downwards and you'll see the makeup on the cotton pad. Use the other side to clean off the rest. Remember, press then pull gentlely downwards, no rubbing!!! It creates wrinkles.
(note: Choosing the right eye-makeup remover is important. I suggest those two layers remover. One layer of water based and another layer oil based. Shake well before use and it works wonder! I use Boots' botanics line Soothing Eye Makeup Remover. You can find it in Target. It's gentle and doesn't dry the eye area after. However, it's best to use it right before shower, so you can wash off the residue.)

- Secondly, remove your face makeup. Normal cleansers don't really take away all the concealer, foundation, powder...etc. Therefore, using makeup remover is the right way to do it. Here in the U.S. i suggest Shu Ueruma's cleansing oil (http://www.shuuemura-usa.com/Products/ProductDetails.aspx?CategoryID=1011&ProductID=689) It's my all time favorite. Most makeup-remover oil has to be used with dry hands and dry face. After apply it on face and message for about 30 seconds, wet hands and keep messaging. The oil based makeup remover has to turn "white" once on contact with water, this tells you it "cream-lize" (can't find another better English word)easily and is easier to remove; hence, doesn't clog pores. Then just rinse 3 or 4 times with water.
(note: Most oil-based makeup remover can be used to remove waterproof eye makeup. However, it will require massive rubbing which by now you all know how I'm against it. Therefore, once in a while if you're just really tired and lazy then it's ok, but not on a daily bases.)

2. Wash

Then just wash your face as you would do normally. Just remember, be gentle and soft to your skin. Use the bubble the cleanser creates and water to clean your skin, not your hand. When rinsing, try to pat not rub your face.

Why proper cleansing is so important?!

There's a famous saying in my culture is "do half of work, get twice result."

This is what proper cleansing does. You can buy great products, but if your skin is not well-preped for them. That's why all beauty processes start with clean skin.

Therefore, when you wonder why you're spending all that money and not getting desired result, start examing if your skin is actually well prepared for those products.

Start with proper cleansing, Part 2

Techniques

There are a lot more than you think when it comes to washing your face. So let's do it properly!!

1, Wet your face

2, Put cleanser on one hand and add a little bit water then rub hands gentlely to create the maximum amount of bubble.

3, Apply on face and GLIDE your hands very GENTLELY. DO NOT RUB YOUR FACE. Treat it with care and be patient. Rubbing and pulling can actually create wrinkles. Remember to be extra gentle arround the eye area, because skin arround the eyes is 1/6 of the thickness of other areas on your face.(see picture above for hand directions)

4, Let water, not your hands, rinse off your face. Again, be gentle and don't rub your face. Rinse more times instead of rubbing to remove cleanser.

Water temputuer, the water temputure should be no more than 20C/68F. Other words, warm to clod water. Using hot water can remove the natural moisture of the skin and leads to dryness, sensitivity, and early aging.

Wash your face over the sink, not in the shower. The water pressure from the shower head is too harsh on the face. Moreover, you could accidentlly use hotter water. Therefore, wash your face over the sink, and you can look into the mirror at the same time. (then step in the shower, come on, we're not that lazy, right?)

Start with proper cleansing, Part 1

Well-cleansed skin is the start to being pretty. Never go to bed without cleansing your skin, especially your face! Dirt, makeup, and oil get stuck in your pore and can lead to aweful black heads and acnes.

However, never over-cleans your face. A while ago I ran out of my beloved Shu Uemura makeup remover oil. To save some money I decided to use makeup-removing wipes. It was cheap and convinient especially for someone who wears makeup everyday like me. After a week or so, I started to have serious acnes and pimples mostly on my forhead. Then I learned that the friction between the wipe and my poor skin was taking away all the corneum on my face and made it very sensitive and defenceless. After calling doctor back home in Taiwan (yes I do that a lot) I got back to using mild makeup remover oil and facial cleanser plus locking moisture in by using moisturizing masks and my best friend hyaluronic acid. Two weeks later, my skin went back to normal and healthy, and I finally had some peace~

So meninas, appropriate cleansing without over doing it is a must for healthy skin and staying pretty!

Introduction

My overly developed curiosity has drawn me to test all different things in beauty care, makeup, fashion, and life. I began my journey of beauty with a BLUE mascara at the age of 14.... Thank goodness I've improved over the years. Just that simple desire to be pretty started this road of no return. Buying, trying, and comparing all kinds of skincare and makeup products had become the fun thing that lights up my boring Taiwanese school life.

The first skin care set I had was from YSL. It was a perfect example of "price does not equal result." I had very young skin and the luxurious (both formula and price) YSL skin care just gave me little acnes on my T-zone. That was when I realize finding the right products is the key to skin care.

Over the next couple of years, I'm proud to say my skin had endured and survived a various of skin care brands out there, from bargain brands like Pond's, OLAY, and L'OREAL to pricy brands such as Dior, Chanel, and La Mer. Also Taiwanese, Japanese, Korean, Hong Kong brands, even some made from my mom's friend's kitchen. Therefore, I want to share my experiences through this blog with all of you meninas (Portuguese for girls) who want to be pretty and stay pretty!!!