There is an abundance of luxurious beauty products and beauty treatments available to us today.

It’s hard not to over spend, shop on impulse and even overuse products on our skin. Although it is important to use good quality products on your skin, have regular facials etc it is just as important to carry out the basic simple steps yourself at home.

For example, how many of us wash our hands thoroughly before cleansing your face? Think of the bacteria on your hands that you then transfer to your face. 
When you splash out and purchase a face mask, use it correctly. You must make sure you thoroughly cleanse your skin properly. If appropriate exfoliate too. You must prep your skin before applying a mask so the powerful active ingredients can actually penetrate your skin and work effectively on your skin.

Generally most masks should be applied quite generously, but always read the information provided, as this may not always be the case. 

Do you really know your skin type? Many people play it safe by opting for products designed for normal or sensitive skin types. Yes this is a safe option, but if you actually have a particular skin type or condition and are not treating it accordingly, it more than likely will worsen. In almost every salon skin consultations are free of charge. Avail of this! Allow your therapist to educate you in the correct skin care regime you should carry out.

Get full benefits of your moisturiser. Pour mineral water into a spray bottle and spritz your face after cleansing but before applying your moisturiser. The water will plump up your skin and the cream will lock in the moisture for up to twelve hours.You do not need a separate day and night moisturiser. However, make sure you get what you need from your moisturiser for the day time and then too for nigh time. If you wear a separate SPF it is fine to use the same moisturiser both day and night. Perhaps apply it slightly more generously at night. Avoid wearing any product containing an SPF at night.

Night time moisturising is all about nourishing and replacing any lost nutrients. This is why night creams tend to be thicker in consistency than day creams. You may think this is more of a cost than a saving, but why put a price on risks such as skin cancer, premature ageing, pigmentation etc. Never scrimp or save on SPF in particular. Sun protection in essential, not a luxury. 

I recommend you exfoliate twice or three times a week, depending on your skin type. We exfoliate to get rid of the surface layer of dead skin cells and make way for new cells to come to the surface of the skin. Exfoliation aids in cell renewal and cell regeneration. 



Kick start your day with a quick detox drink A glass of cooled boiled water to which you’ve added the juice of half a lemon will help to flush out all the impurities that your body has managed to pick up overnight So, substitute that full fat cap for a far more beneficial detoxifying hot drink.

A facial steamer and or sauna are two excellent ways to help open your pores and deeply cleanse. If you have particularly tough skin, your therapist should do this prior to extraction This will soften the skin, aiding the extraction process, without damaging the skin. In between professional facials you can achieve this effect in the comfort of your own home.

Fill a bowl with near-boiling water and add a few drops of essential oil – choose lemon for oily skins, chamomile for dry skin and mandarin for normal skin. Be sure to protect the thinner skin around your lips and eyes with Vaseline. Hold your face over the steam with a towel over your head, while you relax and breath slowly and deeply.
 
You should drink about eight glasses of water a day. This will help flush toxins from the body. Water at room temperature is best as its most compatible with your body. Drinking plenty of water can have a huge impact on your skin. Never underestimate the power of water! 


To preserve your skin and keep it youthful, treat it accordingly throughout the years. Gravity pulls your skin down so when you massage in your moisturiser be sure to work up and outwards towards your hairline.

This may save you a course of intense treatments in years to come. 

Can’t afford a primer? Don’t worry, it’s not necessary. Massage in your moisturiser and wait ten minutes for it so absorb before starting to apply your make up. Working on an oily face is the main reason for disappearing makeup and panda eyes. So, next Saturday night, after applying your moisturiser, be patient and sip that glass of wine before applying your make-up… any excuse! 

Quit smoking! After the sun, smoking is the second major cause of premature ageing on our skin.

If yellow stained skin and aged skin with lines and wrinkles is not enough to change you, consider mouth cancer. 

We only have one face and it is the first thing people notice when meeting someone. I always recommend to my clients, regular professional facials and to invest it good quality products, which will treat your skin with the care it deserves. Think of it as an investment; your skin will thank you in years to come.