If the Easter break left your skin a tad worse for wear, indulge in a calorie-free pamper sesh to refresh and revitalise your skin. Check out the essential six steps for your DIY at home facial.
by Anna McDougall
Step 1: Cleanse
A through cleanse is essential to begin your at-home facial. Choose a cleanser to remove all traces of dirt, grime and makeup on the face, neck and ears.
Rescu. Recommends:
Biore Steam Activated Cleanser ($10.99), the La-Roche Posay Toleraine Dermo Cleanser ($22) for sensitive skin or the Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser ($14.99)
Rescu. Loves:
One of our best kept beauty secrets (no longer!) is the Biore Ultra Combo Deep Cleansing Pore Strips ($10.49) for the deepest, purest pore cleanse for the stubbon chin, forehead and nose areas.
Step 2: Exfoliate
Unclogging your pores is the next step in your DIY facial. A good exfoliator polishes and refines your skin texture while ridding your skin of dead skin cells and surface debris. Massage in circular motions over your skin concentrating on your problematic areas.
Rescu. Recommends:
Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Scrub ($13.99) or the Trilogy Face Care Gentle Facial Exfoliant ($36.95), or if you’re into the anti-ageing side of things go for the Dermalogica Age Smart MultiVitamin Thermafoliant ($71.50)
Step 3: Steam
One your pores have been unclogged, it’s time to get steamy so your skin can completely absorb the benefits of your next step – the mask.
To steam your face gently, use a wash cloth by soaking it in warm water and pressing it (wrung out) to your face. Repeat 2-3 times.
Rescu. Recommends:
ASAP Deluxe Facial Cloth ($7.50) or the Aveda Shammy Cloth ($19.95)
Step 4: Mask It
For oily skin: Opt for a creamy clay mask to purify and soften the skin whilst maintaining moisture and balance.
Rescu. Recommends:
Decleor Paris Clay and Herbal Cleansing Mask ($50) or KORA Organics Clay Purifying Mask ($49.95)
For dry skin: Go for a gel mask or a cream mask designed to hydrate.
Rescu. Recommends:
When Travelmate Mask ($12.95) or the Biotherm Skin Vivo Reversive Anti-Ageing Tissue Mask ($110)
For uneven skin: For pigmented skin and to even out skin tone choose a brightening mask.
Rescu. Recommends:
Guinot Newhite Instant Brightening Mask ($140) or the SK-II Facial Treatment Mask ($28 single mask)
Step 5: Moisturise
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Give your skin a smattering of moisturiser to refresh, revitalise and inject moisture. A rich, creamy moisturiser is the perfect way to end your DIY facial indulgence. Massage over face and neck.
Rescu. Recommends:
Estee Lauder DayWear Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Crème SPF 15 ($45) or the CLINIQUE Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief ($75)
Step 6: Invigorate!
The perfect way to finish your DIY facial is with a facial mist. Set your skin alive and really wake it up with an invigorating face mist to make you feel refreshed, relaxed and truly pampered.
Rescu. Recommends
Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist ($50), Kiehl’s Acai Toning Mist ($38) or KORA Organics Energising Citrus Mist ($39.95)
