5 quick but effective updates for your skin care routine

1. Take Everything Off with Micellar Water

If there’s one thing you need to incorporate into your skin care routine it’s micellar water. Why? Because micellar water will change the way you cleanse your skin. You know those days when you can barely muster the energy to brush your teeth, let alone take off your makeup? Enter micellar water. It’s a no-rinse cleansing water filled with micelles. The micelles are lipid particles suspended in water and they feature both hydrophilic and hydrophobic qualities. This means they are able to thoroughly remove foundation, eye make-up (even the waterproof kind), dirt, sweat and excess oil from your skin. To use, pour the micellar water onto a cotton pad, press the pad onto your skin to activate the micelles, and gently wipe your face until you’ve removed all traces of makeup and dirt from your skin.

Micellar water is a cleanser on its own, but if you want, you can also use it as your first step in double cleansing. We give you the full lowdown on double cleansing here [link], but to give you the short version, it’s cleaning your skin with an oil-based product first and then following up with a gel or foaming cleanser to attain a maximum clean. Micellar water is perfect for this and you should try to make it a staple in your beauty arsenal. Try Garnier SkinActive’s Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Makeup Remover & Cleanser, which also comes in a waterproof makeup(?) version. Either product will ensure that your skin is clean, hydrated and refreshed after use.

Micellar water is so easy to use you could even take off your make up in bed if you wanted to.

2. Start Using BB Cream

There’s a good chance you’ve heard about BB cream, but if you haven’t used it so far, it’s definitely worth a try. It’s an easy way to get a flawless-looking complexion in a short amount of time. BB creams can provide a multitude of skin benefits and using them can renew, hydrate, smooth, brighten and protect your skin with SPF. They can make your complexion look more even toned and they even conceal blemishes. Some women use BB cream on its own or as a base, followed by concealer or foundation to cover visible blemishes. Either way, BB cream is an expedited route to glowing skin and worth using in the New Year.

3. Pay special attention to your lips

We’ve touted the benefits of exfoliating — it helps to remove surface skin cells that can cause pore blockage as well as help your products deliver their hydrating benefits on the skin’s surface. Today we are asking you to also exfoliate your lips. Our lips are an often-overlooked part of skin care and you should try to update your routine to include your precious pout. Use a mixture of sugar and honey (try your best not to eat it) to shed old cells. Follow with a good lip balm. Also keep in mind that the skin on your lips is definitely susceptible to aging — keep an SPF lip balm on hand to ensure that your lips are constantly protected.

4. Lighten Sun Spots

Do you have dark spots on your chest, hands, and face that are less than appealing? Although it will take some work to lessen their appearance there are products that can help. First, be religious about applying SPF so you can prevent new spots from forming. Second, exfoliating at least once a week helps to replenish the surface skin for a brighter and more radiant complexion. Third, apply a dark spot corrector to affected areas to help reduce their appearance.

5. Up Your SPF

Do you only apply SPF when you spend a day in the sun? This is a big no no. You need to use SPF every single day, rain or sunshine. SPF 5 and 10 won’t cut it, you need at least SPF 15 or higher especially if you’re exposed to the sun for long periods of time. Also make sure you apply enough – you should be using a quarter’s worth of SPF or SPF moisturizer on your face, chest and hands to prevent premature aging, dark spots and skin sagging. Remember SPF should be broad-spectrum.