Skin SOS: Solutions To Skin Concerns
It's safe to say we all have a skin concern or two, from oversized pores to redness; but with the right products and a bit of makeup knowledge, you can solve your skin woes from home. Often it all comes down to a bit of skin prep...
OVERSIZED PORESObvious pores are a common skin complaint, but they can be easily disguised. Find a primer that offers to help with pores, anything that feels velvety should help to refine the texture of skin and help to create a more flawless base - we swear by the Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch (£20.80) as it creates a veil over the skin which helps makeup to stay put, as well as minimising pores and helping to create a more perfected result.
The trick is to avoid heavy foundation, which can sink in to pores and make them more obvious - opt for something more natural and build up with concealer where you need it. Remember to double cleanse every evening to clear out pores and use a clay mask regularly.
OILY SKIN
Make sure to use a light moisturiser that is aimed at oily types this will really help to balance the skin and keep excess sebum at bay throughout the day. Of course, a primer will also go a long way in helping to keep you shine-free, the latest offering to impress us is the Bourjois Happy Light Matte Primer (£10.99) which hydrates the skin while minimising excess oil, so skin doesn't feel dehydrated or uncomfortable.
We also recommend keeping blotting sheets on hand if you feel skin still needs a little help in the oil department, one sheet will absorb oil from a slick T-Zone without disturbing makeup.
REDNESS
When skin looks angry, either from a flushed complexion or perhaps as a result of blemishes, your best bet is to use a yellow-tinted primer or concealer to neutralise the red tones. The Clinique Super Primer Colour Corrects Redness (£20) has a subtle yellow tint that blends in to minimise redness and give skin a neutral tone. It also leaves skin feeling velvety smooth which is always a plus.
DULL COMPLEXION
If you feel like skin has lost its glow, reach for a luminising primer to boost the complexion. There are a number of ways in which you can use a highlighting primer, you can choose to apply it alone under foundation for a dewy glow, mix it in with foundation for a softer, more radiant complexion or just apply it where you need it to emphasise your best bits.
To induce illuminated skin, we recommend the 17 Skin Wow 3 Way Highlighter (£5.99), a purse-friendly option that will transform your skin.
DRY PATCHES
If you find makeup clings to skin and emphasises dry patches, it's likely your skin is dehydrated - use a hydrating moisturiser to drench and create a supple base for makeup. We also recommend the Wild About Beauty Botanical Skin Prep Serum (£22), a skincare product that rejuvenates and boosts the moisture levels to leave your complexion look and feeling nourished. It is packed full of skin-loving ingredients which condition the skin and leave it feeling primed for makeup - the silicone-free formula has a silky feeling to it which helps to improve the finish of makeup too.
A quick spritz of MAC Fix (£14.50) before and after makeup application will also inject a dose of moisture in to the skin.
PASTY COMPLEXION
A lot of us suffer with a dull or pasty complexion at this time of year, and it can be difficult to get back the glow we had during summer. A light facial tanner will work wonders to create a very subtle bronzed look to the skin, they're often very light and build up a gradual, light tan - the Clarins Instant Smooth Self Tanning (£14.40) is our hero product for skin in need.
Alternatively, there's the wonder that is the This Works Perfect Look Skin Miracle (£28), a lightly tinted base product that sits somewhere between a moisturiser and a primer. Not only does it add a light tint to the skin, but it also smoothes over and perfects - it's a win/win situation.
MAKEUP WON'T LAST
We all want long-wearing makeup, but it can be a mission to achieve - especially if you have an oily skin type. We've found the By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra Primer (£41) is pretty great for keeping makeup in place throughout the entire day - and in to the evening - without the need for so many top-ups, if any. It has a gorgeous smoothing formula that minimises pores, absorbs excess shine and leaves the skin looking flawless and it contains Hyaluronic Acid to keep the skin fresh and moisturised.
MAC Fix (£14.50) will also keep skin looking revived throughout the day - a quick spritz will set makeup and leave skin looking healthy.
DARK CIRCLES
Even if the rest of your makeup is applied to perfection, obvious circles under the eyes can really undo your look. Use a brightening concealer to restore vitality and ensure a youthful look - we can't get enough of the Clarins Instant Concealer (£20), which aims to brighten the eye area and carefully disguise any signs of late nights or stress.
The light fluid fights fatigued skin and blends in effortlessly to keep you looking radiant - despite the lack of rest!
Pat a small amount on the inner corners of the eye and blend, not forgetting the side of the nose.
Do you have any secret weapons in fighting skin concerns?
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