Skincare routines have become incredibly popular in the past few years, thanks to beauty gurus. You have probably come across Vogue, Harper Bazaar and other major publications sharing celebrities’ beauty regimes.

Indulging a morning or night beauty routine is so much more than vanity. It’s a form of self-care and a way to decompress at the end of the day. But have you ever thought about becoming more eco-friendly with a sustainable beauty routine?

Sustainability doesn’t just have to be a buzzword that you see all over social media. You can make it a part of your lifestyle by incorporating it into your beauty routine. And here are some ways to do that.

Discover Sustainable Brands

With every brand out there trying to advertise their products as sustainable, it can be difficult to find genuinely eco-friendly products. Do your research to differentiate sustainable brands from greenwashing companies.

Try Homemade Products

Unfortunately, the FDA doesn’t have the legal authority to approve cosmetics before they go on the market. Since the beauty industry is majorly unregulated, it can be difficult to verify a brand’s sustainability ethos.

Whether you are questioning a product’s ingredient list or cannot find an eco-friendly alternative, you can attempt to make it at home. Homemade products allow you to control the ingredients and make the product as natural as possible. With some research and the right tools, you can enjoy your pampering sessions guilt-free.

Don’t Buy Mini Products

We understand the allure of mini products that are artfully placed near the cash register. And not to mention, mini products are incredibly convenient to travel with. However, you are creating a lot of waste if you frequently go on trips and purchase mini products every time.

Why do that when there is a much better and cheaper alternative available? You should invest in a set of travel containers. From lip gloss bottles to dispenser bottles, you can easily get your hands on high-quality containers.

Stop Using Face Wipes

When you’ve had a long day at work or gone on a night out, the last thing you want to do is take off your makeup. And that’s when face wipes come in handy. While occasionally using single-use face wipes is okay, don’t make them a part of your daily routine. They are not only wasteful but also do a terrible job of removing makeup.

Instead, we suggest buying reusable cotton pads and facial washcloths. You can use these with a makeup remover or balm to properly clean your face.

Buy Refillable Products

Several brands out there offer customers the option to refill their products instead of buying a brand new container. In addition to reducing packaging waste, buying refillable products can help you save money.

Recycle or Reuse Containers

What do you usually do with empty containers? Rather than throwing them away without a second thought, you should find ways to recycle and reuse them. Many brands offer incentives and rewards to customers in exchange for empties.

Minimize Water Wastage

Whether you are washing your face or brushing your teeth, be mindful of your water usage. Avoid keeping the water running unnecessarily.

Give Away Unwanted Products

Did you buy expensive lipstick only to realize it doesn’t suit your skin tone? Do you receive plenty of PR products? Rather than letting such products go to waste, you should share them with your friends and family or donate them to women’s shelters and other charitable organizations.

The Bottom Line

Switching to sustainable beauty and skincare is far less complicated than you might think. Hopefully, the aforementioned tips inspire you to take a look at your routine and make environmentally-friendly choices.

When it comes to looking youthful, healthy glowing skin is the key ingredient. Just as you take care of your hair, makeup and clothes, your skin should never be ignored. It is that part of the body that is exposed to wear and tear the most, which is why you need to pay extra attention to keep it in its best, supple shape.

This is why the skincare industry has been booming. Every year it produces millions of products that claim to be the ultimate must-have for perfect skin. The internet is also brimming with influencers and celebrities endorsing different types of skincare routines.

With so much out there, it can become challenging to determine how you need to start taking care of your skin and what products you should use. If you are looking for the ultimate guide to achieving glowing skin, here is a guide from our top experts.

Determine your skin type

Before diving headfirst into routines and products, you need to fully understand the canvas you are playing with – this is your skin type. Not knowing the exact nature of your skin can do you more harm than good because the wrong products can cause damage such as inflammation and breakouts, as well as premature aging.

Oily vs. dry and sensitive are two broad categories, but there is more nuance to it than that. Depending on the type and condition of your skin you can decide what course of treatment will work best. You may need routine dermatologist visits or you could try innovative solutions like Ourself that combine science with convenience to deliver outstanding results for glowing skin. Its unique offering is bound to give clinic-like results at home. But, first, learn about your skin type and then decide on the best treatment plan.

Wear sunscreen every day

When we say skincare routine, it may sound like an elaborate scheme filled with different steps and various products; however, the most basic yet effective thing you can do is start wearing sunscreen every day. This simple tweak will do wonders for your skin and its overall texture and appearance.

Most skincare problems arise due to sun damage which is why 90% of dermatologists endorse the use of sunscreen religiously. You need to find a broad spectrum SPF and apply it generously an hour before leaving your house. If you are exposed to harsh sunlight for longer hours, then you need to reapply sunscreen every two to three hours in order to stay fully protected. This practice should be done throughout the year regardless of whether it is sunny or cloudy because there is some form of sun exposure even in the cooler months.

Keep your skin properly hydrated

Regardless of your skin type, it needs to stay hydrated. This can be achieved both internally and externally. To stay hydrated internally, you need to be drinking enough water on a daily basis. This will allow your body to work better to flush out toxins and reduce inflammation and puffiness. Having enough water in our body is ideal not just for perfect skin but also for overall health.

Apart from water, you should keep your skin hydrated externally as well. Often people with oily skin feel like they do not need moisturizers, but that is a misconception. There are moisturizers available for all skin types and should be used daily, both during the day and night. In fact, there are different moisturizers for different times of the day. Hydration from moisturizers and drinking at least eight glasses of water will build a strong skin barrier and make it radiant and youthful.

Use the right products

Once you have understood the basics of a skincare routine, you can go one level higher by incorporating certain suitable products for your skin needs. You should include these products slowly to see if they are suiting you or not. Remember that certain products cause purging, which goes away on its own, so don’t be alarmed and stay patient.

Start by using exfoliators once or twice a week. We always recommend chemical exfoliants over physical ones as they are more gentle of the skin barrier and also more effective. You should also use vitamins for your skin, such as Vitamin A and C. These are excellent antioxidants that help combat the harmful effects of sun exposure.

Parting thoughts

Taking care of your skin is essential if you want to fight away signs of aging and appear youthful. And there is definite merit to starting early before the damage is done. Listen to what your skin type is saying to you and determine the right products for desired target areas. Start building a routine slowly and see how your skin will transform.

As we age the health of our skin can be impacted by many internal and external factors from pollution, diet to sun damage. Those who are more likely to have dry or rough skin through pre-existing conditions like psoriasis, eczema, or rosacea will also need to find ways to manage and maintain healthy skin. It can be challenging to find a way to restore a youthful complexion, here are a few methods to help with ageing and rejuvenating your skin.

Exercise
If you already maintain a healthy diet with vitamins and antioxidants to boost your skin’s defences and you have enough rest and recovery through your sleep routine you can complete this with some consistent workouts. When you exercise you will prompt further blood to be pumped through your body and vessels on your face, this can help the skin to promote more micronutrients and healing properties for healthy rejuvenated skin over time. Working up a sweat is a great method to get debris out of the pores but it can also help with inflammation and help the skin regulate significant hormones for smoother skin all around.

Skincare
Cleansing the skin daily is vital to remove traces of dirt in the pores, grease, and makeup that builds up over the day and to prevent your skin from drying out. In some cases, you can double cleanse to make sure you get everything off the skin followed by a mild exfoliation.

Regardless of your skin type, dry or oily, moisturising is a key step to keep your skin’s sebum production in balance to prevent any future dry skin and to consistently replenish any moisture that has been lost. Water can help with boosting hydration alongside some moisturisers. Your moisturiser can be combined with active ingredients from, retinoids, vitamin C, or alpha/beta acids. You can discuss this with your skincare consultant or dermatologist. UV radiation should

Non-invasive treatments
One of the laser technologies that are effective to smooth the skin, even out the tone and texture is CO2 laser resurfacing with a range of treatment modes. The CO2 laser can help with skin conditions ranging from scarring, pigmentation, sun spots, and more. The CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser is an ablative laser that removes the top layer of your skin and a small part of your second layer of skin this causes the skin to respond by stimulating its healing process to start encouraging new skin cells and collagen production for all-round smoother skin and any targeted skin conditions.

After the treatment, there will be some swelling and redness which will improve over 7-14 days, and the skin underneath will feel renewed with softer, smoother, and even complexion. The results from a CO2 treatment will progress over 3-6 months as the layers of skin will continue to build new collagen.

There are many lasers on the market from non-ablative, erbium YAG, and Fraxel alongside many facial treatments that may be suitable to help you achieve smoother skin. You can book a consultation with an experienced practitioner or doctor with a range of treatments so they can create a bespoke treatment plan for your skin goals and become a step closer to smoother skin.

Why does my face look gray and ghostly? How do I avoid getting an awkward-looking tideline below my jaw? Everyone who has ever used the wrong shade of foundation has asked these or similar questions. What they should be focusing on is how to pick the right base for their makeup.

We’ve got you (and your face) covered with this easy-to-follow guide. If you find this helpful, check out other beauty tips on Foundation Advice.

Picking the Right Foundation Shade

Choosing the shade that matches your skin perfectly is as important as knowing how to apply foundation. However, things could get tricky with the number of options available in the market. Here are tips to help you pick the right shade.

1. Find Out What Your Skin Tone Is

The first step towards picking the right foundation shade is identifying your skin tone. There are three main categories: light, medium, and deep. However, there is a good chance that you would fall somewhere in between. You can have a very light, light-medium, medium-deep, or very deep skin tone.

To complicate things even more, you might hear about many other sub-categories. There’s alabaster and porcelain for light, warm beige and honey for medium, and almond and chestnut for deep. The list goes on.

If you’re not sure what category you belong to exactly, try going online and finding out how other people describe their skin tones. A good strategy is comparing your skin to celebrities, models, or famous makeup artists.

2. Don’t Forget About Your Undertone

Aside from identifying your skin tone, you need to know what your undertone is. It is the color that comes through from under the surface of your skin and affects your overall hue. If it has a golden, olive, or yellowish quality, then you have a warm undertone. You would also notice that your skin tans easily.

If it has a pink, red, or bluish characteristic, you have a cool undertone, and you burn easily under the sun. If you are somewhere in between, then your skin has a neutral undertone.

3. Test It on Your Face

Knowing your skin tone and undertone would narrow down your options significantly. You still have to test them, but at least you’d only have a handful of foundation shades to go through.

Try three swatches by applying small amounts of different products to your jawline. Whichever seems to disappear into your skin would be a good choice. You might see some apply the swatches on the back of their hands, but this is not a good idea. For most people, the skin on their faces is a different tone from that of other parts of the body.

4. Check It in Daylight

Most shops have ample lighting, but it still would not compare to daylight no matter how good it is. So, once you have applied the foundation, try to look at it outside with a hand mirror. It is a more realistic condition in which to assess your foundation.

When trying a shade, pick the one that blends seamlessly with your skin. Ideally, it should be practically invisible. Remember that you want to achieve a great-looking complexion and not be a walking advertisement for the foundation.

5. Ask the Experts

Talking to a professional when shopping for a foundation would save you a lot of grief. Consultants working for shops have the skills and experience to help you make the right choice. They can recommend products based on your preferred coverage and finish or your skin type.

Aside from having the skills, beauty consultants have access to advanced tools. Some shops even have a digital machine that can identify the right shade and even formula for you. It takes out all the guesswork from the selection process, ensuring that you are making the right purchasing decision.

6. Take It for a Spin

Sometimes, despite all your efforts, you could still fall victim to buyer’s remorse. To prevent this from happening, ask for a sample as much as possible. There are those that offer enough supply to last 10 days.

Once you have it, you can try it out in different lighting conditions. You can even see how good (or bad) it looks in photographs. The problem is, this is not an option for some brands. If you find yourself in such a shop, do not be rushed into a decision. Ask the counter staff to put the product on you, then go out in the daylight before choosing a foundation.

7. Use Virtual Try-on Tools

If you feel uncomfortable about going outside to shop for foundation, don’t worry. A number of brands and online retailers have virtual tools that can help you try various makeup products at home. Don’t be afraid to try them as they can be surprisingly accurate and effective.

Make the Right Choice

When shopping for foundation, finding the one out of countless options can seem overwhelming at first. Fortunately, you can whittle your list down to a manageable size and make the right choice with these simple tips.

Over the last few years, the rise in popularity of maintaining good health has seen people learning to not only stay healthy but to learn to love their bodies and overall appearance at the same time. After all, gaining more confidence is a huge part of prioritising self-care and loving ourselves inside and out.

When looking to radiate more confidence and feel better all around, anything from a new hairstyle to a change of clothes can make all the difference. But sometimes there are things that we feel very insecure about that we can’t simply change with a quick-fix solution.

Cosmetic dentistry is one of the most important components of maintaining good oral health while improving your smile. Whether it’s straightening your teeth or giving your mouth that extra white dazzle, a good smile is infectious.

Want to know how The London Centre For Cosmetic Dentistry can help to keep your smile healthier, straighter, and shining brighter?

Here’s what you need to know about cosmetic dentistry.

Cosmetic Dentistry Can Make Your Mouth Shine

With teeth whitening from a reputable cosmetic dentist, your mouth can look decades younger and much healthier in no time at all. If you’re looking for a fast and simple way to improve your smile and get a little more confidence, then teeth whitening is the effective and long-lasting solution for you.

Cosmetic Dentistry Can Cover Chipped Teeth

Cosmetic dentistry isn’t always a matter of large procedures that take a long time. Sometimes there are incredibly effective methods of covering up any issues you may have with your teeth.

Processes like getting dental veneers (a thin covering that’s placed over the tooth) or cosmetic bonding can help with the following dental issues:

• Worn or chipped teeth
• Dead teeth in need of colour
• Straightening a crooked smile
• Closing gaps between teeth
• Improving your general smile

Cosmetic Dentistry Can Replace Missing Teeth

With a porcelain dental crown or a dental bridge, you can replace missing teeth and feel that boost of confidence in your smile once again.

Dental bridges and crowns last for many years and look just like the real thing. They’re barely noticeable to the untrained eye and give your jaw and mouth the same functionality as natural teeth!

You Can Even Redesign Your Own Smile!

Cosmetic dentistry even gives you the chance to completely redo your own smile. Considering how important your smile can be for giving a good first impression, you can create the kind of smile that’s guaranteed to make everyone around you smile right back!

With cutting-edge dental technology you can not only put together the smile you want, but the smile you deserve.

Are you looking to improve your dental health and make your smile a little brighter? Contact our team of experts today. Let us know what you need and one of our experienced and friendly dental health professionals will elaborate further on how we can make you feel more confident and improve your smile.