Glam to Glory

Before the glitz and glam of a G+G makeover, it’s essential to care for your skin, ensuring products and techniques are well received. Take full advantage of your G+G experience with these 5 simple steps the night before.

Double Cleanse: It takes two to tango when combatting oils from the day—oil and traditional cleansing that is. Whether you’ve worn makeup throughout the day or not, relying on an oil-based cleanser is highly recommended as oil molecules are lipophilic. Essentially, oils attract oils and depend on one another to be dissolved. Though makeup wipes are convenient to use, they aren’t as susceptible to removing all dirt and oils and can instead cause unwarranted irritation to the skin while not completely removing the daily residue. Perspective and knowledge is everything. View oil cleansing as a self-care treatment by massaging in the cleanser to remove makeup and residue. After 45 seconds or so, dampen your hands to emulsify the cleanser. By doing so you are activating the oil, bringing it to a milky consistency to allow for a deeper cleanse. Rinse off and now grab your favorite traditional cleanser. An oldie, but a goodie, I love Philosophy Purity as it provides the ultimate hydrating, purifying experience. Once done, pat dry with a paper towel or dedicated facial cloth.

Recommendations:

• Philosophy Purity ~ all-inclusive cleanser
• Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Meltaway ~ sunflower and ginger root oils to gently remove makeup
• e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm ~ solid cleansing balm that melts away the day’s residue
• CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser ~ gently removes dirt and excess oil

Exfoliate: This is the key step to a smooth base. By exfoliating, you are declogging your pores, removing dead skin cells, and boosting radiance from within. Although there are various types of exfoliators, AHAs, and BHAs are more effective and gentler than physical exfoliants.

Recommendations:

• Paula’s Choice 2% BHA ~ liquid-based exfoliant that smooths, brightens, and tones
• Farmacy’s HONEYMOON GLOW AHA ~ 2-in-1 product, exfoliator & serum
• ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment ~ gentle scrub with AHAs & BHAs

Now that your skin is nice and squeaky clean, it’s time to nourish and hydrate your base.

Eye Moisture: Depending on your interests and concerns, you can either use a gel or cream to moisturize your under-eye area. While both products provide substantial advantages, the main difference is potency and penetration levels. Understanding that the eye area is the most delicate facial feature, please ensure your chosen product not only agrees with your skin but also with your eyes. 

Recommendations:

• BIOSSANCE Squalane and Marine Algae Eye Cream ~ rich, anti-aging properties that revitalize for a lifted look
• belif Moisturizing Eye Bomb Cream ~ recommended for flawless makeup application
• INKEY List Brighten-I Eye Cream ~ illuminates & reduces the look of dark circles

Essence/Serum: By investing in an essence or serum, you’ll increase the absorption rate for your hydration step; think of it as a “primer” for your moisturizer. Like under-eye care, the distinctive factor between essence and serum is force and weight. Essences are much lighter, whereas serums hold more concentration. 

Recommendations:

• fresh Kombucha Antioxidant Facial Treatment Essence ~ starting at $36 (1.6oz)
• Youth To The People Triple Peptide + Cactus Oasis Serum ~ $54 (1oz)
• The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum ~ $8 (1oz)

Moisturize & Sculpt: Last but certainly not least, seal the deal with your moisturizer. Hydration is key to having an effortless base for glam—especially if you’re desiring a “soft glam” or Enhanced look.

As a bonus step, apply a facial oil and depuff your face of any lymphatic fluid with the assistance of a Jade roller or Gua Sha to remove any puffiness and optimize hydration.

Recommendations:

• belif The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb ~ for all skin types
• Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane ~ for all skin types, fragrance-free
• Caudalie Vinopure Oil-Control Moisturizer ~ for acne-prone, oily skin
• Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Moisturizer ~ for normal/dry skin & age-defying

Nice work! You’re glowing externally just as much as you do internally.

Be sure to get a good night’s rest for your appointment. See you soon!

Disclaimer: These steps are recommended based on personal experience and years of makeup artistry—test products on the back of your hand before applying to your face.  As always, lean on a dermatologist/esthetician for further advice.