This way up

Article by BR Tabatha

Remember when your skin care routine used to be:  Cleanse, Tone, Moisturise?  And your makeup went on like this: Foundation, Eyes, Lips?

Then enter: Primers, correctors, serums, oils, concealer, BBs, masks, pre-cleansers, waters.  When did life become so complicated?!

Well here's the BR guide to what goes on when. 

Skin Care.

1. Pre-cleanse / Oil Cleanse. Optional if you don't wear any, or much makeup.   The idea is to remove as much muck and dirt as you can, so your cleanse is more effective.
2. Cleanse.  Not optional - cleanse your face daily- foaming, non-foaming.  Cream, gel, oil, micellar water.  Your perfect cleanser will allow for daily use without any drying or tightness.
3. Tone.  Optional.  Some people like to use toner to remove that 'just cleansed' squeaky feeling and any detergent residue.
4. Serum / Treatment.  Optional.  Applying your serum or oil to slightly damp skin will help the active ingredients penetrate more deeply.
5. Eye Cream.  Optional.  If you find you suffer from dark circles, puffiness or are beginning to notice a lot of fine lines, add a dedicated eye cream to your routine.  Remember to pat lightly - the eye area is incredibly delicate!
6. Moisturise.  Not optional!  Even normal skin will benefit from the right moisturiser.  Readdress your skin's needs regularly - some months you may need a heavier, richer cream, other months a lotion will be sufficient.

Cosmetics.

1. Primer.  It's a crime not to prime remember! Primer will create a smooth and even canvas for your foundation to glide upon.  You can even get colour correcting primers and pore minimising primers - so you can tackle problems you'd usually try to (incorrectly) correct with heavier products like foundation.
2. Colour Correctors.  Colour correctors are used to counteract specific shades.  So a green powder may be used to tackle redness.
3. Foundation. Or BB cream or tinted moisturiser. 
   
4. Concealer.  Yes - gone are the days when you would conceal first.  The idea behind putting your concealer on after foundation is twofold: 1) You might not need concealer after all.  2) Concealer is easier to blend on top of foundation.  
5. Bronzer.  If you're using both bronzer and blush, be sure the bronzer is applied first.
   
6. Blush.  Just remember it's easier to add that to take away.
7. Eyebrows.  Sort your brow game before your eye makeup to avoid smudging.
8. Eyes. Eyeshadow, Liner, Mascara.
9. Lips.  Balm, Liner, Lipstick (or lipstain / tint) and Gloss.
10. Powder.  Set your look with a sweep of powder.  

If you're creating an eye look that usually results in a lot of fall out, (such as glitter shades) apply your eyeshadow after your primer but before you apply your base layer.

So there's our guide to which way is up when it comes to your beauty products.  Do you follow this order or do you prefer to go your own way?  Get chatting below!