Going foundation-free is a daunting idea. But lately, influencers and beauty gurus have been tossing aside their trusty base makeup and baring it all. Some say that in doing so, the chance of breakouts will be lessened and it also helps us refocus our priorities to skincare. Instead of covering up our skin troubles, it’s time to work on improving what we’re trying to conceal in the first place. Here are the steps you can take so you can look fresh without foundation.
Identify your problem areas
Whenever we use foundation, we tend to dismiss breakouts and hyperpigmentation. After all, they can just be covered up, so why bother? The thing is, concealing is just a band-aid solution and the better route is to address our problem areas. So first things first, you have to assess your skin condition. Does it tend to break out on the T-Zone area? Are you prone to developing dark spots? These are the things you should consider so you’ll know what products you should incorporate into your routine.
Explore the power of facial oils
Not long ago, facial oils were ignored in favor of astringents and oil-free formulations. But now, they’re finally getting the recognition they deserve. Whatever your skin type is (yes, even oily-skinned gals), you can benefit from the power of facial oils. They can even regulate sebum production as facial oils help lock in hydration, meaning our skin won’t produce as much oil because it’s already well hydrated.
There are various facial oils on the market and some of the most popular ones used for skincare are rosehip, tea tree and tamanu oils. If you’re looking for one that can diminish scarring or dark spots, the rosehip oil is your best bet. It has the formidable combination of vitamin A and C which work together to stimulate cell turnover. While tea tree and Tamanu oils can help with acne because of their antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Aside from these two facial oils, you’ll also find unique blends that combine different complementary types of oils. These formulas can be very powerful in strengthening the skin’s defenses against damaging free radicals and other environmental aggressors while also treating other areas of concern at the same time. Talk about hitting two birds with one stone! With continued use of facial oils, you can expect the skin to be healthier and more radiant.
Load up on Vitamin C
Topically applying vitamin C can do wonders for the skin. It minimizes the appearance of pores, prevents the formation of fine lines and boosts skin rejuvenation. Look for products that use stable forms of vitamin C like L-ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Glucoside or THD Ascorbate which are great at preventing fine less and are less likely to irritate sensitive skin. For those with deep-set dark spots and discolorations, you can try products with potent vitamin C derivatives to help with hyperpigmentation. You should also take note of the packaging. Vitamin C skincare products should be stored in opaque bottles to protect the formula from light exposure and preserve its potency.
Just a word of caution, don’t mix vitamin C skincare with niacinamide and retinol products as they will cancel each other out. To be sure of product combinations, visit any Kiehl’s branch to have a personalized skincare consultation.
Hydrate
It takes more than exfoliation to maintain smooth skin, you’ll also need to hydrate regularly. For best results, pick a retexturizing moisturizer that can penetrate the deep layers of your skin to seal in moisture. Some of the best hydrating ingredients are plant-based glycerin, hyaluronic acid and dimethicone.
Use skin tints
When it comes to achieving a healthy glow, there’s really no substitute for a good night’s sleep and balanced lifestyle. But sometimes, we can’t help but be lost in the hustle. When this happens, stress can cause our skin to look lackluster and we may even experience breakouts. Before you reach for another bottle of foundation, try using skin tints first. It may not give you a full coverage but its lightweight consistency can still camouflage some imperfections without blocking pores. Just stick to good skincare habits and your complexion will bounce back eventually.
