Makeup Manual: Skincare Basics

Hello! Welcome back! Today i am going to be talking all about skin. Beauty starts with smooth, healthy, glowing skin. A lot of people don't realize how important taking care of your skin is in order to get a perfect makeup application. Personally, I have had pretty good skin, until recently. I have had a lot of breakouts and i was not happy with it, so i decided to do something about it. I started reading Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual by Bobbi Brown herself, and she has taught me so much. There are so many aspects that go into what makes your skin, your skin. Yes, taking care of your skin on the outside is important, but what you put in your body also affects your skins outcome. Being able to understand how lifestyle impacts the condition of the skin, how the skin works, identifying skin types, and how to properly take care of your skin will allow you to become a skincare expert!

There are three main topics that i am going to be focusing on today; lifestyle, identifying skin types, and how to properly care for the skin.

But first i am going to be telling you guys a little bit about my skin so you can have some background knowledge.

My Skin Care Journey:

Personally, i have been through many ups and downs with my skin. I am going to start off with telling you a little bit about my skin. I have combination/sensitive skin. My skin gets red and it burns when i put acne products on my face or anything with a fragrance. I am a teen so i don't have the best diet, but i'm working on that. I workout 2-3 times a week and have been working on consuming more water. Okay, so here is where it all starts, at around the age of 13 i started to get pimples because i entered the stage of puberty. Before then i had amazing clear skin that i never felt the need to cover with makeup. As i approached the age of 14 and 15 i got into makeup and was now going through puberty intensely. I was stressed because of school too. Stress, puberty, and makeup are all factors that contribute to breakouts. Since i had clear skin before i never took into consideration in buying a ton of skincare products. I used an average face wash and face moisturizer and that's it. To take off my makeup i just used makeup wipes. In October of 2017 my skin changed drastically, my breakouts were horrible and i wasn't confident in my skin so i would cover it up with makeup, which in the end made it worse because it clogged my pores. I didn't know what to do and i didn't really care either, i just thought, "they will go away eventually." Once December hit, my skin was worse than ever, and i was fed up with it so i decided to start researching, watching videos, and reading books all about skin. I was invested now. I have invested a tone of money into many skin care products and i think i have finally found my perfect skin care regime. I have been using this for about a month and i am definitely seeing a difference. Yes, i will get the occasional break out, but it is what it is. I have also started a new thing where i am not eating or drinking dairy for 30 days because dairy is known as a main cause of acne. I am also eating a lot healthier and drinking tons of water because it is proven to give you a nicer complexion. 

LIFESTYLE:

According to Bobbi Brown, "Beautiful skin begins with a healthy lifestyle. Skincare basics include eating the right foods, drinking plenty of water, exercising, getting enough sleep, protecting your skin from the sun, not smoking, and limiting your intake of both caffeine and alcohol" (Brown 24). 

Nutrition: The health of your skin begins with good nutrition. The growth of new cells is dependent on vitamins, minerals, and hydration. You should eat at least five servings of fresh fruits and vegetables every day! 

Vitamins:

• Vitamin A: Essential for the growth and renewal of new skin cells. May boots collagen production and promote skin cell turnover. Some food items that contain Vitamin A are: Egg Yolks and Dairy.
• Vitamin B: Increases fatty acids in the skin, promotes exfoliation and firmness. Some food items that contain Vitamin B are: Yeast, eggs, liver, and vegetables.
• Vitamin C: Gives skin its structure, tone, and elasticity. Building block of collagen. Some foods that have Vitamin C are: Citrus fruits, broccoli, peppers, berries, and tomatoes. 
• Vitamin D: Essential for the development of skin cells. Some foods that have Vitamin D are: Egg yolks, salmon, fortified milk, and other dairy products.
• Vitamin E: Antioxidant that will help build and maintain healthy skin tissue. Some food with Vitamin E are: Wheat germ, leafy products, nuts, and whole grains.

According to Bobbi Brown, "Vitamin A and C are the most important for healthy skin and they are found plentiful in fruits and vegetables" (Brown 24).

IMPACTS:

Exercise: Skincare essential. When you raise your heart rate through hard workouts, it increases blood flow which brings more oxygen to the skin. This will cleanse impurities from the body through sweat.

Sleep: This is the time when body's cells have a chance to repair and regenerate. Not getting enough sleep stresses the body's system and skin.

Sun: Excess sun exposure is the skin's number 1 enemy. Sun can cause premature aging, hyper pigmentation, and wrinkles. Worst of all, it causes deadly forms of skin cancer. At least, wear SPF 15 in the winter on your face and 30 in the summer.

Stress: Can cause adult acne and other skin problems. Try to eat healthy and exercise during these times.

Alcohol: Causes allergic reactions like hives and rashes.

Smoking: Causes skin to age. Robs the skin of oxygen, causing it to look dull and gray. 

TIPS FROM BOBBI BROWN:

• Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day, it will help flush out toxins and keep skin clear.
• Smile, be positive, breathe, and take a vacation once and while.

IDENTIFYING SKIN TYPES:

There are many different skin types, and everyone's skin is different. Knowing your skin type is very important so that you know how to properly care for it. There are a couple questions you can ask yourself if you are stuck on what type of skin you have. Bobbi Brown suggests that you ask yourself 5 main questions:

1. "Look at your own clean, unmoisturized skin in the mirror. Is the overall texture flaky (dry), shiny (oily), or smooth (normal)?" (Brown 32).
2. "How does your skin normally look by midday? Is there oil breakthrough or dryness even though you have moisturized?" (Brown 32).
3. "Does your skin have noticeable sun damage? How are you protecting yourself against the sun?" (Brown 32).
4. "How does your skin feel after you wash it with your current cleansing regime? Tightness through the forehead is an indication of dry skin" (Brown 32).
5. "What lifestyle factors are influencing your skin's current condition: Stress? Hormonal fluctuations? Sun exposure? Diet?" (Brown 32).

Main Skin Types:

• Normal
• Dry/Extra Dry
• Oily 
• Sensitive
• Combination 

Analysis and Care:

Normal:

• Analysis: Smooth, cheeks are driest area, may have some shine, water and oil content in this skin is balanced, comfortable-feelings.
• Care: This skin type needs daily cleansing with a foaming cleanser. Exfoliate twice a week, moisturize with light wight moisturizer, use a sunscreen to keep it healthy.

Dry/Extra Dry:

• Analysis: Feels tight after washing, may look dry/flaky, dehydrated, feels uneven and rough, pores are small, may be sensitive.
• Care: Requires special care!!! includes a healthy diet with foods high in water content, use richer cleanser, use a lightweight face oil, then layer a rich cream over that.

Oily:

• Analysis: Shiny through T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), large pores, frequent breakouts, few signs of aging.
• Care: Cleanse the face twice a day, use alcohol free astringent to remove excess oils, use oil free moisturizers. 

Sensitive: 

• Analysis: Range from oily to dry, easily irritated, prone to redness, itchy or blotchy.
• Care: requires non perfumed cleansing products. Use alcohol free toner for sensitive skin. 

Combination:

• Analysis: Oily through T-zone, Dry cheeks, spot dehydration, larger pores on forehead.
• Care: requires regular cleansing, toning, moisturizing of the oily areas. 

HOW TO PROPERLY CARE FOR YOUR SKIN:

Cleansers:

The purpose of cleansing is to remove bacteria, makeup, dirt, sweat, and oil that build up throughout the day. 

Cleanser Options:

• Soap: Deeply cleans the skin, leaves it feeling fresh and cleansed.
• Gel Cleanser: Foam or lather, formulated to dissolve oil buildup and fight blemish-causing bacteria without stripping the skin. Best for oily or combination skin types.
• Cream Cleanser: lightweight, water-based, recommended for normal to dry skin types.
• Oil Cleanser: work best on the driest of skins.
• Exfoliating Cleanser: gentle for all skin types, contain glycolic or salicylic acid, use twice a week. 

 Top Left: Gel Cleanser, Bottom Left: Oil Cleanser, Top Right: Cream Cleanser, Bottom Left: Exfoliating Cleanser

Toners:

Toners stimulate circulation in the skin, removes dead skin cells and greasiness to give skin a smooth texture. Toners can be helpful for those who have oily skin or wear lots of makeup. I personally use a toner because it makes sure that your skin is completely cleansed and all your makeup is gone. I use the toner after i wash my face and then i apply the toner with a cotton round. This insures that all dirt and makeup residue is completely gone and off my face.

I use this toner because it is alcohol free so it doesn't harm your skin and its also perfect for all skin types.

Facial Moisturizers/Hydration:

• The most important step to skincare is ensuring that you hydrate your body by drinking water.

According to Bobbi Brown, "Moisturizer is the true foundation of youth. They hydrate and plump up the skin so that it looks smooth and bright" (Brown 38).

-Dry Skin: Needs a heavy oil-bases moisturizer that will absorb completely into the skin.
-Normal Skin: Needs a water-based moisturizer that contains lightweight oils.
-Oily & Combination Skin: Needs either an oil-free or water-based moisturizer.
-Sensitive Skin: Needs a moisturizer that does not contain fragrance.
-Extra Dry/Mature Skin: Needs nourishing oils, dense creams, and balms.

These products are my favorite for moisturizing my skin!!! I have combination skin so these products work the best for both oily and dry skin.

How To Apply:

1. Once the face is cleansed and toned and while it is still slightly damp apply the moisturizer.
2. Use a nickel-size amount.
3. Warm the moisturizer between your palms.
4. With firm, upward strokes, gently press the product into the skin until it is absorbed. DO NOT rub the moisturizer in harshly, this will cause redness, wrinkles, and irritated skin.

Sun Protection:

According to Bobbi Brown, "Lines, dark spots, and uneven skin texture are not the inevitable effects of aging but are often the result of too much sun exposure" (Brown 41). 

How To Apply:

1. Apply sunscreen at least once a day.
2. Clean the skin before applying.
3. Apply to cool, dry skin, this will allow the sunscreen to bind effectively.
4. Apply twice; to cover any missed spots.
5. Apply moisturizer and makeup over the sunscreen.
6. Reapply during the day depending on the amount of sun exposure you get.

So, what is your skin type? Did you ever realize how much work it was to take care of your skin? What products do you use on a daily to keep your skin hydrated and glowing?


Brown, Bobbi, et al. Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual: for Everyone from Beginner to Pro. Springboard Press, 2011.