A beginner's guide to skincare and makeup for all skin types

The recent buzzwords, self-care and self-love were once considered an indulgence. But today, amidst busy lives, sedentary lifestyle, erratic eating and sleeping regime, and constant exposure to dust, sun, etc., taking care of our skin has become a necessity. This is when a skincare routine helps maintain skin health and prevents skin-related issues as well.

"For beginners, skincare can be a tricky road. From identifying the skin type to choosing the right products from the diverse range and selecting the appropriate ingredients in the products, the process can be overwhelming and tiring," says Dolly Kumar, cosmetic engineer and founder and director at Skinella.

Kumar shares some easy and workable tips to help people kick-start their skincare journey.

Understand your skin type
The first step when you plan on having a skincare routine is to know and understand your skin type. If your skin is shiny and sticky throughout, then you have an oily skin. But, if the oil is restricted only to the T-zone, then you have combination skin. If it is tight or flaky, then it is dry. And if your skin is hydrated and nourished, then you have normal skin.

The CTM regime is a must
The basic of skincare is to inculcate a CTM (cleansing toning, and moisturising) regime. First, wash your face with a mild cleanser in circular motions to get rid of the dirt and oil. Ideally, this should be done in the morning (before you step out for the day) and night (a few minutes or an hour before hitting the bed).

The facewash you choose should have vitamins; combination and oily skin people should opt for gel-based or foam-based cleansers packed with tea tree or green tea extracts. People with dry skin should choose cream-based cleansing products with coconut oil or shea butter as key ingredients. Normal skin people can choose the ones with the power of antioxidants in the form of berry extracts.

The step that follows next is toning. Toners are often overlooked but are extremely beneficial for tightening the skin's pores and maintaining its pH balance. Always choose a hydrating toner that is gentle on the skin. For dry skin, people can choose cream-based toners or the ones enriched with cucumber extracts but make sure it's alcohol-free. For oily and combination skin, you should choose lightweight toners with tomato or pomegranate extracts. Rose water is one of the best toners, suitable for all skin types and acts as an additional hydrating layer for the skin.

Moisturising is the third stage of the CTM process. Moisturizers help keep the skin hydrated and supple. They create a barrier on the skin, protecting it from dryness and dullness. Oily and combination skin people should prefer gel-based creams, whereas for dry skin, choose the product with a heavier creamier formula to lock in the moisture.

SPF to the rescue
Whether you stay indoors or spend long hours outside, sunscreen is vital. This is a magical product that provides protection from the harmful UV rays of the sun and prevents dullness and hyperpigmentation of the skin. For Indian females, an SPF of 30 or higher is recommended. In case of longer exposure to the sun, sunscreen should be reapplied every 2-3 hours.

While earlier, sunscreens used to come with heavy formulations and would leave a white cast on the skin; today, we have lightweight, gel-based, liquid-based and even powder-based options available that should be picked as per the skin type and sensitivity levels.

Exfoliation for dead skin
Once a week, exfoliation is essential to remove the dead skin cells. This will deep cleanse your skin and make it shiny. A coin-sized amount of scrub applied in gentle circular motions should do the trick. Remember to wash it off with lukewarm water and pat dry your face. When opting for this step, ensure that this should immediately follow after cleansing.

Serums and facial oils
Serums and facial oils penetrate deeper into the skin and provide an added layer of hydration. After toning, apply serum or facial oil, massage it for better penetration and seal the moisture with a moisturizer.

Face packs and masks
Once you have aced the beginner level, it's time to progress in the skincare journey. Weekly exfoliation should be followed with face packs or masks and serums or facial oil application to maintain your skin's glow and health.

Night skincare routine
For the nighttime, cleansing and toning should be followed as usual. While the SPF protection can be skipped, a night cream should also be used regularly as it supports the rejuvenation process. Eye cream in the night care routine is a must as it prevents wrinkles, strengthens muscles and boosts collagen production. All you need to do is gently massage the eye cream into the skin and then follow it with a night cream. As an alternative, you can even use eye patches.

Lip care
People often limit their skincare activities to the face. But taking care of the lips is equally important. On the usual days, always apply a lip balm once you have completed the CTM regimen. But once a week, remove the dead skin with a gentle scrub and then apply a lip mask as well. Follow it up with a nourishing lip balm to ensure your lips stay soft and supple.

In conclusion
Skincare is not a ‘one size fits all' approach. You can skip a step or add an extra one to maintain skin health. When it comes to choosing products, you can pick readymade variants easily available in the market. However, if you wish to adopt the natural route, then, products like face and lip scrubs, packs, masks, toner, etc., can be prepared with superfoods readily available in our homes. One important thing that beginners should make a note of is: consistency is the key. Once the routine is followed every day without fail, the results will be visible in the form of radiant, healthy and youthful skin.

Makeup for beginners

Now that we have learnt all about skincare, it is time to delve into makeup. Are you a beginner who is unsure of their makeup skills and find yourself overwhelmed by the vast array of products and techniques? You are not alone. With countless makeup products and formulations available, choosing the right ones can be confusing. "The golden rule is to follow the right order of products, whether you're aiming for a flawless everyday look or feeling adventurous enough to experiment with bold styles," says Hitesh Dewett, Training and Artistry Manager at Swiss Beauty. He shares some tips that will help you navigate the world of makeup with ease and achieve a stunning look.

Prep your skin
The first step is to cleanse, tone and moisturize your skin well. It works like magic. So, before applying makeup, wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Follow up with a suitable toner and a lightweight moisturiser suitable for your skin type. It gives a smooth base for your makeup application and helps it last longer.

Prime it up
To keep your makeup looking fresh and prevent it from melting away, there's one thing you should never skip using: a primer. Choose a primer that suits your skin, whether it's minimising pores, adding radiance, or controlling oil. Apply a small amount evenly across your face, focusing on areas prone to oiliness or large pores.

Apply the right foundation
Just a small amount of the foundation can work wonders on your complexion. Simply apply the foundation to your face and blend it for a smooth, natural look. Not only will it give you a flawless finish, but it also helps even out your skin tone.

Conceal it right
Whether it's dark circles or pesky pimples, a perfect-match concealer will help cover it all. Start by selecting a shade that matches your skin tone. To hide under-eye circles, create a triangle under your eye by connecting the base along your lash line and the tip at the bottom of your cheek. This will not only hide redness under your eyes but also brings a radiant glow to your whole face.

Opt for a natural blush
Blush is a makeup essential that adds a beautiful touch of color, making you look radiant and fresh. You'll even get versatile blushers that can be used as lip and cheek tints on your lips, eyes, and cheeks for a stunning pop of color.

Enhance your eyes
Stick to three magical products: eyeliner, kajal, and mascara. Begin with the eyeliner to create a stylish wing or a classic line. Then, add a touch of kajal to your waterline for an enhanced look. Finally, complete your look mascara for fuller lashes. With these three wonders, your eye makeup will be flawless and captivating.

Things to remember
When it comes to makeup, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Applying makeup in natural light, using a primer, and paying attention to your skin is essential. It's also crucial to opt for non-toxic cosmetics and avoid applying makeup to a dirty face. Most importantly, using clean brushes, not skipping your eyebrows, and never sleeping in your makeup are some things you should avoid.

Remember, makeup is a means of self-expression, so enjoy yourself and embrace your individual beauty while exploring various techniques and products. Get ready to embark on an adventure that will leave you feeling confident, radiant, and in love with the transformative power of makeup.

Also Read: 5 homemade remedies to attain facial glow this monsoon