In the pursuit of beauty, knowledge is power. From skincare secrets to haircare hacks, mastering the art of self-care is essential for enhancing our natural beauty and boosting our confidence. In this post, we’ll explore some actionable beauty tips from an expert-in-training in beauty and cosmetics.
HI! I am a third year bachelors’ student studying beauty and cosmetics in Finland. My studies so far have equipped with me with so much knowledge about beauty and the beauty industry. I have learnt both through theory and hands-on experience through internships so why not share what I know.
In this article, you will learn beauty tips and advice on skin, hair, makeup and general well-being; some of these you might already know and some might be new. I hope you find something new that will be beneficial to you and or maybe someone you know.
OK! Let’s dive in!
Four steps are enough…
You do not need a 17-step skincare routine to achieve healthy, glowing skin. This is for those with no skin issues and people with sensitive skin.
For people with normal skin and no skin issues, all you really need is a cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen. You can throw in a simple toner or vitamin c serum if you like but 4 steps is enough! For sensitive skin, LESS IS MORE!
You should use products specifically formulated for sensitive skin, cleanser, hyaluronic or niacinamide serum, moisturiser and sunscreen.
Your outside is your inside…
Your skin is a reflection of what goes on inside your body. What you eat, how you feel; all these affect the health of the skin. So… eat healthy foods that are good for the skin, exercise, relax and reduce your stress, drink loads of water and just BE HEALTHY! It’s a lifestyle.
Know your ingredients…
Having knowledge about the ingredients you put on your skin will save you a lot of money and stress. For hypigmentation, look for products with vitamin c, retinol, tranexamic acid, azelaic acid and kojic acid.
Bumpy skin? Look for products with salicylic acid, ceramides, glycolic acid, niacinamide and lactic acid. For acne-prone skin, look for products with benzonyl peroxide, tea tree oil and AHAs.
Know the best actives for whatever skin concern you may have, only a google search away.
All those wasted efforts…
You might be using the right products, working out four times a week, drinking gallons of water a day and still see no improvement in your skin. Why? YOU DO NOT USE SUNSCREEN! Or you don’t use sunscreen with enough SPF. Dermatologist recommend using sunscreen with spf 30+ and above, use 50+.
I visualise not using sunscreen as painting the best, worth billions, jaw-dropping, piece known to man then heading to your backyard, setting it on fire and watching it burn. I hope that makes sense to you.
What I am trying to tell you is all your efforts, all those products and all your money will be wasted if you do not apply sunscreen before going to meet the rays of the sun.
If you are outside for more than 2 hours, it is also recommend to reapply the sunscreen. Invest in some spray-on sunscreen especially if you wear makeup.
Once in a month or 3 months…
Pay a visit to your local esthetician or skin clinic once a month or tri-monthly. If you have the money to spare, I would recommend to see a skin expert at least once a month; if you are on a budget, once in 3 months.
Get your skin analysed, get advanced treatments or a simple relaxing facial and expert product recommendations. It’s worth it, trust me!
Below the neck…
Did you know that the skin below your neck need some love and care too? Body care is getting bigger and bigger for the beauty industry this 2024 and I am so happy about that.
After showering, put on some body lotion and body oil before putting on your clothes. The body deserves sunscreen too especially during the summer, use some on exposed areas before heading out.
To get rid of cellulite, dry brush every other day. For smooth skin, exfoliate with a physical scrub, once or twice a week.
Know your colours
I will always recommend getting your colour analysis done by a professional. This helps a lot in your overall look. Get to know the colours that suit you best and apply them in both your makeup, hair and your personal style.
You might get a foundation in your skin’s exact colour but somehow you look orange or green. You bought the right colour but not the right undertone. During this analysis, you also get to know your skin’s undertone which helps you determine what foundation or concealer to buy.
For starters, with your palm facing upwards, look at the veins on your wrist. If they are green, you have a warm undertone; if they are blue, you have a cool undertone. If they are purple, you have a neutral undertone.
Don’t skip the primer
After sunscreen, use a primer before doing the rest of your makeup. A primer isn’t just a useless step, it actually has a function. The primer creates the canvas that you can paint on.
The barrier between your skin and the makeup products. It also creates a smooth base for a better makeup application. Use it if you have it and buy one to use if you do not!
Avoid heat
Stop frying your hair. It is best for your hair’s health to avoid heating tools altogether. There are even alternative for curls without heat, try the sock method.
If you must use heating tools, be sure to use enough heat protectant product before the tools and do not use too often.
Hair protection
The best protection you can give to your curly or coily hair is a protective style. Braids, locs, twists; pick your protection. Protective styles play a crucial role in maintaining hair health and promoting growth.
By shielding the hair from environmental stressors and reducing manipulation, these hairstyles prevent damage and breakage and allows for moisture retention, decreased tangling, and prevents split ends.
Plus, you don’t have to think of how to style your hair daily!
The small chop
You can go for the big chop if you want to change your look but small trims are essential for healthy hair. Trimming removes split ends and prevents them from traveling up the hair shaft, reducing the risk of breakage and maintaining hair length.
Moreover, regular trims help to maintain the shape and manageability of your hairstyle, keeping it looking polished and well-maintained.
Your hairline will recede…
Loosen that clip or hair-tie! Avoid tight hairstyles at all costs. Your ponytail, bun, braids, twist or any protective style should not be tight.
Tight hairstyles exert excessive tension on the hair follicles, leading to traction ALOPECIA and hair breakage. Staying away from tight hairstyles allows the scalp to breathe and reduces the risk of follicle damage.
Moreover, avoiding tight styles promotes better blood circulation to the scalp, which is essential for healthy hair growth.
Become mindful
A mindful lifestyle involves actively cultivating awareness and presence in everyday activities. By incorporating practices such as meditation, deep breathing, and mindful eating into your routine, you can enhance your focus and reduce stress.
Taking moments throughout the day to pause, breathe, and tune into your thoughts and sensations allows you to better manage emotions and respond to situations with clarity and compassion.
With consistent practice, mindfulness becomes a powerful tool for improving overall well-being and living more intentionally.
Be here, present, now, in the moment; the past is gone and the future will have its time.
Self-care is health care
Self-care is not just a luxury but a necessity for your overall well-being. Taking time for yourself is essential for maintaining physical, emotional, and mental health.
Whether it’s indulging in a relaxing bath, going for a walk in nature, or just anything healthy that gives you joy, self-care activities rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul. By prioritizing self-care, you can reduce stress, improve your mood, and boost your resilience.
Transitioning to a self-care mindset fosters a greater sense of self-awareness and fulfillment, ultimately leading to a healthier and happier life.
6 hours is not enough
7 hours is good, 8-9 hours is better for a good night sleep. Your body needs time to rest, repair and reset. Getting enough sleep is crucial for overall well-being and plays a vital role in maintaining physical and mental health.
When we sleep, our bodies undergo essential processes, such as repairing tissues, consolidating memories, and regulating hormones. Adequate sleep also boosts immune function, improves mood, and enhances cognitive performance.
By prioritizing sleep, you allow your bodies to recharge and prepare for the challenges of the day ahead. Ensuring a consistent sleep schedule and creating a restful sleep environment are key factors in optimizing sleep quality.
If you have trouble sleeping, see a professional.
Do not ignore your body
Listening to your body is essential for maintaining overall well-being. By paying attention to its signals and cues, such as hunger, thirst, fatigue, and pain, you can respond appropriately to its needs.
Tuning in to what your body is telling you allows you to make informed decisions about your health and lifestyle. Whether it’s taking a break when you’re feeling tired, hydrating when you’re thirsty, or seeking medical attention when you’re in pain.
Honour your body’s messages in order to foster a deeper connection with yourself and promote self-care.
