Wearing makeup is considered a necessity by many, but what is it doing to your skin? Is it doing more harm than good? Here are my top tips for safe makeup products and routines that truly nourish your skin.
When it comes to nourishing my skin, I place a huge emphasis on “less is best.” This means the fewer ingredients I’m using, the better. It also means making sure your makeup is being applied to a clean and well-moisturised canvas and being removed gently so it isn’t overly disruptive to the skin barrier.
DIY Facial Cleanser
The first step to a nourishing makeup routine is ensuring you’re starting with a clean slate—that means getting your skin nice and clean without a harsh cleanser. Everyone’s skin type is a little different, but if you’re washing your face with something that makes it feel dry and tight afterwards, the cleanser is probably too harsh for your skin.
My personal favourite is a homemade cleanser that I make every month. Here are the ingredients and their benefits:
Green tea: An anti-inflammatory that reduces redness and swelling
Castille soap: A mild cleanser for the skin and a strong antimicrobial; helpful for acne
Grapeseed oil: Contains vitamin E, which reduces inflammation, holds moisture, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles
Rose essential oil: Regenerates the skin cells, helping with dry, sensitive, and aging skin
Making Your Own Cleanser
In a 50 ml pump bottle, mix the following ingredients:
- ⅛ c castile soap
- ⅛ c green tea (cooled)
- ½ tsp grapeseed oil
- 3 drops of rose essential oil
- Optional: 2 drops of vitamin E oil
Shake well, then cleanse and rinse.
TIP: Poke a hole in a Vitamin E soft gel and squeeze the drops in!
Make sure to moisturise after you cleanse to ensure your skin stays nice and plump. I often use jojoba oil on its own or have my aromatherapist make me an easy blend of natural oils and essential oils.
Finding a Healthy Foundation
There are tons of harsh ingredients in conventional foundations; however, there are things you can look for to ensure you’re getting a foundation that is healthy and nourishing for your skin.
What to avoid: Any foundation with phthalates, parabens, petrochemicals (e.g., PEG, DEA, parfums, fragrances), and coal tar dyes such as FD&C and D&C colours. These ingredients may cause reproductive harm, disrupt hormones, cause allergic reactions, or are known carcinogens.
What to look for:
UV Protection: Using a foundation with SPF 30 or higher means you'll get great coverage for your skin while protecting it from the sun’s rays, which may contribute to cellular damage and aging skin. Typically, this means the foundation contains zinc oxide.
Vitamins C & E: Foundations that include these vitamins will help repair the skin and slow signs of aging.
Oils: If you tend to have oily skin, a foundation containing oil may make your skin look extra oily. In this case, opt for an oil-free foundation, or try a powder. For dry skin, feel free to stick to an oil-based foundation as this will help to lock in moisture.
Anti-aging Benefits: These foundations typically contain SPF and have some of those great vitamins discussed earlier. Be sure to read the ingredient label.
Hydrating Ingredients: Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane, glycerine, ceramides, and lactic acid, which will keep your skin looking plump and supple. Hyaluronic acid is especially great at hydrating the skin as it helps with collagen production and fights wrinkles.
Keep Mascara Moisurising
My two favourite ingredients to see in mascara are jojoba oil and glycerin. Typically, mascaras with these ingredients give your lashes length and definition, while keeping them healthy and moisturised.
Use Organic Lip Balm
Lip balm is a simple but nourishing way to protect your lips from sun damage while giving them a bit of shine and a hint of colour—I find it perfect for the beach, hiking, or camping.
When I’m not directly in the sun, I always opt for a lip balm made of natural oils and vitamins, similar to what we talked about when looking for a foundation. Moisturising ingredients like jojoba oil, Vitamins C and E, shea or cocoa butter, and beeswax help keep your lips healthy and nourished while giving them a fuller look.
Best Makeup Remover
At the end of the day, make sure to remove your makeup. Sleeping with mascara on is how infections, breakouts, and clogged pores can occur—not to mention ruining your pillowcase.
Instead of buying the expensive, fancy makeup removers that are filled with who-knows-what, I recommend using a simple oil. Grapeseed or avocado oil works well; however, almond oil is my personal favourite for several reasons:
- Tons of vitamins and nutrients to nourish your skin
- Locks in moisture to keep skin looking and feeling hydrated
- Helps reduce dark circles under the eyes, or dark spots on the skin as it has a mild lightening effect
Using makeup that isn’t harmful and opting for ingredients that make you look beautiful while nourishing your epidermis is the obvious choice. Just remember to read those labels before putting anything on your skin.
