MAKEUP VS HEALTHY SKIN

I have a love hate relationship with makeup.  It's fun to put on, but the ingredients in most of it is not great for our skin.
Makeup likes to get clogged in our pores throughout the day and the more you layer on, the more havoc it can cause on your skin.
 But, if you want your skin to flourish while keeping your face beat check out these dermatologist recommended tips.
​DISCLAIMER: I am not a makeup expert by any means. ​ I generally keep it light and simple everyday.  These are just some tips I discovered by researching and my own experimentation.

• Less layers: Skip the primer, CC/BB cream, etc and go straight for the foundation.  Sounds odd, but the less layers of product built up on your skin the better.  Dermatologists recommend applying foundation to your moisturized bare face and going about your routine, then using a setting spray to keep it in place.  If you really want to keep it natural, put some rose water and which hazel in a spray bottle and use that as a setting spray--I promise it works.
• Prep:  Never apply makeup to a dirty face.  Make sure your skin is clean and moisturized!  Always use your face lotion of choice to keep your skin supple and hydrated, this will allow for your makeup to go on easily and look more natural.
• Powder Foundation:  If you're prone to oily skin like me, try powder foundation.   I still use liquid foundation occasionally, but due to its consistency  it's easier to get trapped and clogged in the pores.  Powder foundation goes on lighter, especially if you apply with a brush, because it stays more aerated and will also keep your face matte longer.  Powder can sometimes look caked if applied too heavy.  To avoid this take the time to get color matched and find the brand that fits you. Use a large and dense foundation/powder brush to apply for the most seamless natural look.  
• Try not to wear makeup everyday: Consider going bare faced a few days out the week or on the weekends.  Your skin needs some time to breathe.  
• Wash it off:  The most important tip of all...remove your makeup before going to bed.  Dirt, sweat, the germs of the outside world and makeup ingredients do not need to marinate in your skin while you sleep.  At the very least when you're feeling lazy, *raises hand*, use some makeup remover i.e. coconut oil, makeup remover wipes, etc. 
• Clean Tools:  Brushes, tweezers, and sponges need to be cleaned regularly or thrown out since they hold our skins oils and germs.  Sponges ideally should be cleaned after each use, by running it under water until the water runs clear.  Brushes should be cleaned at least once a month.  Check out the chart below to see exactly how and when to clean your makeup tools.

-V.K.