'I’m a beauty writer. Here’s the routine that gives me the best 'my skin but better' look.'

Controversial opinion: I like my morning skin routine more than my night time. Taking off the day is great, but there is simply no way my skin is doing what it’s doing, without getting the attention it deserves in the morning. 

Sure, makeup can really elevate those natural features you were blessed with, but the most important and crucial step, is looking after your skin first. 

Here’s exactly what I do in the mornings to make sure a) my skin is looking and feeling its best and b) my makeup application is, if I do say so myself, flawless.

Prepare

There’s a lot of debate about whether you should cleanse your skin in the morning, some people think it’s overkill. Personally, I’m a fan of it. I keep it simple though: warm water, a gentle cleanser. I use micellar water to pull off any remaining products, plus any dirt and grime that inevitably flew onto my face from the ceiling fan I’m too short to clean.

Let’s pretend it’s a Saturday. I'm feeling weekend ready, might have a catch-up with friends later – whatever’s on the cards: I want my skin looking its ~smooth and exfoliated~ best. I’d be pulling out my dermaplaning wand for skin prep, before other products are slapped on. 

This baby is going to do a whole bunch of the heavy-lifting for you, and I promise she’s not as intimidating as she seems. In fact, dermaplaning is highly satisfying.

Image: Supplied.

I use the Schick Hydro Silk Dermaplaning Wand, because it’s super easy to use (its silicone handle is a saviour too, you have no slip and no slide going on then). Nothing but control. 

I hold my skin taut with one hand, grab a hold of the handle and place the blade flat and horizontal against the skin. Using repetitive, feathery motions, gently “shave” the top layer by bringing the blade across your face, and just repeat this carefully all over.

Susan Yara discusses common myths about dermaplaning. Post continues below.

You’ll notice not just peach fuzz hairs coming straight off, but also that really fine layer of pesky dead skin cells that have settled on the surface of your skin – and no, I promise dermaplaning will not encourage facial hair to grow back into a thick beard. A misguiding myth! Your skin will feel silky and smooth once you’ve finished, it'll help even out the overall texture and leave you looking, dare I say, *radiant*. 

It’s a once-a-week prep for your skin, the wand is even dermatologist approved. What’s even better, you’ve now given your skin the opportunity to help absorb your serums and moisturisers more effectively.

Treat

Image: Supplied.

After dermaplaning, I'm reaching next for hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. Because we’re feeling fancy, Go-To’s Transformazing sheet mask contains both of these trusty ingredients, and is a no-brainer for instantly plump and juicy skin. Once that’s settled into your skin, I go on with a moisturiser – there’s no rhyme or reason here, choose one that is best for your skin type, and take your time massaging and working it in. 

(Your recently dermaplaned skin will drink it up, just like you and that margarita with friends coming for you this afternoon.)

Protect

As always, following on with sun protection, a cheeky SPF 50+ is a mandatory! Yes, even if it’s cloudy. Yes, even if you work inside all day. UV rays don’t give a toss about clouds or windows. 

Makeup

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After working in my moisturiser and SPF, I pop on my Kosas Revealer Concealer, wherever it’s needed: to brighten up those pesky dark circles under my eyes, or to hide any unwanted hyperpigmentation. I then dab some of Charlotte Tilbury’s infamous Hollywood Flawless Filter on the high points of my face, and blend with a brush.

I’ve created such a smooth and glowy base so far, there’s honestly no need to keep covering my skin up. All I need now, are a few enhancers.

Brows: I fluff them up, pencil them in, and take care while doing it. These babies are framing your whole face. I love the Kosas Dual Action Defining Pencil and Mecca Max Brow Guru Super Soap.

Blush: I use something creamy, blendable and the right tone for your skin. Mecca Max Off Duty Blush sticks are super buildable and natural looking. I wear the colour Pinch.

Eyeshadow: Again, I like something creamy here. I think the more hydrated and soft a product is, the easier it is to work into your skin and look like it’s a part of you rather than slapped on top. Mecca Max have some great Zoom Shadow eye sticks, I wear shade Espresso on my eyes for a touch of colour.

Smack on a pop of colour and hydration to your lips. Kosas Wet Lip Oil in Dip will tick both of those boxes.

Honestly, that’s it. It's a pretty minimal coverage routine that purposely lets my skin do most of the talking – and that really does start with a smooth dermaplaned base to work from (lookin' at you, Schick), so my makeup is as smooth-looking and long-lasting as possible.

The Schick Hydro Silk Dermaplaning Wand is dermatologist approved, clinically proven and gives you a professional smooth finish from home. Shop from your local Woolworths, Coles or Chemist Warehouse.

Feature Image: Supplied.