I've been in this gig a long time (testing beauty products/interviewing beauty experts), and have probably accumulated 4835 beauty tips over the years. Do I remember them all? No. Do I always practise what I do remember? Also no.
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But the below nine are the beauty rules I do live by after two decades in the industry.
1. All the fancy and expensive makeup in the world won't give you a ‘flawless finish’ if you don’t take care of your skin.
That’s not to say you need a high-maintenance skincare routine that sends you broke, but focusing on skin health will ultimately mean your makeup looks better (and you’ll probably use less, too).
2. As we get older (cough cough, referring to myself here), it might be time to ditch the under eye concealer.
And just use your hydrating foundation in that area. Conversely, concealer can make us look older or more tired than we’d like. A hydrating foundation is lighter and still does the job.
3. Sleep.
It’s the centre from which all beauty and wellness stems from. I know this because I am a terrible sleeper and have read many, many books on the topic (here’s a great one). Having good sleep hygiene before bed (phones down at 8pm, no TV in the bedroom etc etc) is so important that if all the other health benefits don't excite you, good sleep will make you look healthier and more youthful.
4. You’re (probably) using your conditioner and hair masks wrong.
Think of it like this - if you have a full glass of water, how much more water can you pour into the glass? None. That’s why it's so important to squeeze out as muuuuuch water from your hair as you can before using a mask or conditioner. If your hair is sopping wet, the product can't really get in. Less water in the strands = better penetration. Try it and let me know how much your hair is.
5. Drinking lots of water does not directly hydrate the skin, that’s a myth.
BUT, getting adequate H20 into your belly everyday does wonderful things to many of your organs that have a knock-on effect on your skin. Ample water intake reduces the burden on our kidneys and liver by helping to flush waste from the body. It’s also really important for your energy levels (dehydration presents at low energy or fatigue) and we all know we need energy left at 9pm to do our skincare.
6. Less really is better.
Sounds counterintuitive coming from someone who tells you about the best new products every day of the week, but just because something is new and exciting, it doesn't mean you have to add it to your beauty routine.
Image: Instagram @leighcampbell.
A four-step skincare routine comprising products that work together and do their job is much better than 12 steps that double up on ingredients and can cause irritation or damage to the skin barrier.
7. I’m sure you were waiting for it. Sunscreen.
It’s the single most effective and affordable anti-ageing product you can buy and use. Please apply it every day. To your face, neck, ears and chest. And if other areas are exposed, there too. At the very least, it will make you look more youthful and you’ll thank me in 10 years. Oh, and it might also save your life.
8. Arguably, you’ll look your best if you ‘go with’ your natural looks.
That doesn't mean you have to throw out your foundation and hair drier, but you have a certain colouring and hair texture for a reason. It suits you! Drastic hair colour changes are fun, but keep in mind they are high maintenance, expensive, and you’ll likely need to change all your makeup, too. By working with your own skin tone and hairstyle, you can refine a low-maintenance beauty routine that just polishes what you already have. I learned this very late after having pitch black hair and fighting looking washed out for a decade.
9. Cream products are probably the most underrated category in beauty.
I don't mean creams as in moisturiser; I mean cream makeup products. I remember interviewing Jessica Alba back in my Cosmopolitan magazine days (massive name drop) and she said she exclusively uses creams, no powders.
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You can get great staying power from liquid foundation, cream blushes and cream bronzers that give your face a dewy finish and don’t settle in lines or grab onto dry patches. Win-win.
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Feature Image: Mamamia/Instagram @leighcampbell.
