How to get perfect skin in time for Christmas

DOUBLE IT

Double cleansing might sound like a passing fad, but there are real skin benefits behind the ritual. “One cleanse in the morning is fine, but a double cleanse in the evening is needed,” says Tilly Barnett, owner of No.13 The Beauty Avenue in Sydney. “The first cleanse is to wash away any make-up, product and pollutants built up on skin, while the second gives [the face] a deeper cleanse, especially for skin prone to breakouts.” Here’s a glowing tip: “If using a cleanser with AHAs, leave it on your skin for a minute or two to let the active ingredients work in,” says Barnett, who recommends this once or twice a week.

Try: Priori 2XFoliant Peel + Scrub, $79; QV Gentle Foaming Cleanser, $13.50.

FACIAL MASSAGE

Wondering how the Duchess of Sussex looks so glowing? She attributes her sculpted features
to the facial massage she receives from her go-to UK-based skin expert, Nichola Joss. To do your own, apply a facial oil then work your fingers along the jawline, cheekbones and forehead for two (or more) minutes.

Try: Kora Rose Quartz Heart Facial Sculptor, $72.95; Olay Magnemasks Infusion Rejuvenating Starter Kit, $54.95. Both help to infuse the product and tighten and firm the skin.

MASK IT

Who doesn’t love a mask and chill session? Exactly, no-one. In fact, a face mask is sold at Priceline Pharmacies across the country every 20 seconds. Able to fulfil our complexion and social-sharing needs in one 10-15-minute session, it’s no wonder brands are making masks that are both effective and pretty.

Try: Alya Skin Pink Perfect Australian Pink Clay Mask, $49.99; Napoleon Perdis Aloe Peel-Off Mask, $35; Generation Clay Ultra Violet Brightening Purple Clay Mask, $49.99.

LIGHTEN UP

If you feel like your moisturiser is weighing you down, seek out lightweight formulas such as Clinique Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly, $49 for 125ml, which doses skin with plenty
of hydration minus any weight. Or apply a nourishing serum and skip your moisturizer altogether. Just make sure you add SPF.

Try: Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster, $62, which works on pore size and pigmentation and can be used without adding day cream.

GET PROTECTED

Ask any skin expert their top skin tip and they will say SPF. “The facts show that even the short amount of time that we are travelling to and from work will cause some degree of exposure,” says Tracey Beeby, trainer at Ultraceuticals. Not going outside? You still need to cover up. “You don’t even have to be outdoors to have exposure to ultraviolet rays. [They] are present during all daylight hours throughout the year,” she explains.

Try: Ella Baché Active Lotion Great SPF50+, $39; Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion Sunscreen SPF50, $16.99.

VOLUME BOOST

Able to hold 1000 times its weight in water, hyaluronic acid is perfect for plumping up a parched complexion.

Try: Nivea Cellular Anti-Age Volume Filling Pearls, $32.99.

This article originally appeared in the December 2018 issue of marie claire.

Sally H

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