Happy, Healthy Faces

This year, I've committed to be the person I want to be. I'm over the whole resolution thing. I don't do well just staring at a list of things I want to accomplish. Some of the best advice I ever received was "you will be what you are now becoming". In other words, whatever you practice now is what you're going to end up being. This year, I want to be happy, healthy, and having the characteristics of the woman I know God wants me to be. One of the things I really want to start doing is taking care of my skin. I love makeup, love, love, love it. The problem is, for the past 5 years, I haven't really done much of a skin care regiment besides using makeup remover wipes and calling it a night after a long day of make-up wearing. Unfortunately for me, skin is sensitive and scars and wrinkles when you don't take care of it, and my skin was not too fond of the job I was doing. So this year, I'm making my beauty treatments and routines healthy so my face can be wholesome and happy. These are my best tips and tricks so far:

1. Give yourself an ice facial before applying makeup

I totally didn't believe this trick would actually make a difference until I started trying it, and now I do it every day. When you wake up, cleanse and wash your face and then apply an ice cube to your face and rub it on your skin for 45-60 seconds. The ice reduces the pore size, redness, and any swelling on your face. Dry your face and apply your moisturizer, and then you're good to go with the rest of your makeup.

2. Apply your makeup in the right order

If your application process is out of order, your skin might be getting oils and dirt trapped under all of your beauty products. Never pick or prod your face before applying makeup, it could make your face greasy or spread dirt and bacteria around that will mix into your foundation. The correct order of makeup application is to first wash your face with a cleanser, apply a moisturizer, primer, foundation, concealer, powder, bronzer and blush, and highlights. Washing, moisturizing, and priming are super important steps to keep your skin hydrated, clean, and protected.  

3. Drink for your skin

Water will always help your skin, but carrot juice, ginger teas, cinnamon, and citrus can really help keep your face bright and happy. 

4. Don't be dry

A lot of people are confused about moisturizing your face. People tend to shy away from moisturizers because they don't want to add any more oil to their already acne prone or oily faces, but all skin types need some moisture. Many times, pimples are a result of skin that's lacking moisture. When your skin is dry, it creates oils to treat the dryness, which leaves you with blackheads and cystic acne. Keep the dry away and ask at your local makeup counter or beauty shop for a moisturizer specifically for your skin type to get a perfect match for you.

5. Tone 

Toning is one of the most important parts of skin care. Toners help keep your skin even, bright, and at balanced levels. I use the Target store brand toner in a blue bottle, but you can find toners anywhere that will work for your skin. If you aren't into a lot of non-vegan products or products with chemicals, you can use apple cider vinegar. Just apply your toner to a cotton pad, then lightly to your face right before you moisturize. This will remove any left-over grime and keep the pimples at bay, while balancing and freshening your skin for a happy glow. 

6. Attack premeditated zits

Some zits show up unannounced, and some are a long time coming. When you spot one on the way, get it while you have the chance. I like to do a Yes To cucumbers or tomatoes mask once a week, and also wash my face with a charcoal facial soap weekly to deep clean and prevent bacteria build-up. If a zit makes it through even still, then I apply a tiny drop of toothpaste to the area and leave it overnight. The toothpaste dries the spot and keeps zits from growing. 

Leave your favorite happy, healthy skin tip in the comments!