There’s nothing like arriving at your facial appointment and your esthetician says, “Your skin looks really good.”  Seriously—that means a lot coming from a professional who’s seen it all. The small but genuine compliment can be thanks to lots of things, like your consistent skincare routine, or the fact that you never go a day without your sunscreen. However, another way to make your skincare professional go ga-ga over your skin is maintaining excellent makeup etiquette.

Obviously, estheticians are pro-skincare but that doesn’t mean they’re anti-makeup. On the same token, they do advocate for certain best practices when it comes to what kind of makeup you use, how often you use it, skin preparation before application, and proper removal.

There’s No Need To Break up With Your Makeup for Healthy Skin

When it comes to makeup, while some of us like to go for gorgeous glam, with glitter, shimmer, and sparkles galore, others prefer a lowkey, barely-there look, just to slightly enhance their natural beauty. No matter if you like one extreme or the other, one thing’s for sure: it’s important to maintain the integrity of your actual skin underneath it all. Making healthy skin a priority gives you the confidence you need to feel independent upon any amount of makeup, whether you’re just running a quick errand or going out with your friends.

Too often we feel like we have to kiss our makeup goodbye when we’re worried that our skin’s unhealthy. That’s not 100% true. Sure, we know there’s nothing like being confident with a fresh face and having a “selfieshoot” with pictures hash tagged “no filter.”  But the feeling of leaving your makeup artist’s chair with an enhanced look that’s a little glam never gets old either. The issue isn’t wearing makeup, but it can become problematic if we don’t take the proper precautions.

Makeup Do’s and Don’t’s

You know your natural beauty is unmatched. You’re proud of the skin you’re in because it’s what makes you, you. Although you appreciate your fresh face, there’s nothing wrong with applying a little makeup either. Concealer, foundation, and lipstick enhance your look, and temporarily hide fine lines, blemishes, and other signs of aging.

Following these makeup tips for healthy skin is essential. If there’s something about foundation and eyeshadows that make you squeal with excitement, that’s totally fine. Just make sure it doesn't lead to groans of regret due to breakouts and irritation stemming from bad makeup habits. Never forget these makeup “no-no’s”:

Don’t Wear Makeup Every Single Day

We’re our own worst critic. Because of this, every imperfection we have stands out to us like a sore thumb, even if it’s hardly noticeable to others. It’s difficult to not want to cover acne, scars, or dark under-eye circles with foundation and concealer.  Still, it’s best to give your skin a breather every once in a while. Makeup is heavy, whether it’s labeled “lightweight” or “full coverage.” Product can get stuck deep down in your pores, eventually leading to irritation and breakouts.

It’s best to go for a fresh face with no makeup for at least a day or two each week. You’d be surprised at how nice you look with a clean face, wearing a lightweight serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen. It’s always nice to embrace our natural beauty, flaws and all.

Don’t Apply Makeup To Dry, Dehydrated Skin

Applying makeup to your face when it’s dry not only further jeopardizes its protective barrier, but it makes your face look dull. Don’t make this mistake. Instead, apply an ample amount of moisturizer to keep your skin smooth underneath, creating an even base that helps your makeup stay on a lot longer, and gives it a soft yet vibrant appearance.

Don’t Fall Asleep Wearing Makeup

As tired as you may be, it’s still imperative that you completely remove your makeup (strip lashes and all) before you go to sleep. After wearing it all day, there’s already plenty deep down in your pores, but sleeping in it doubles down on the damage already done. Use a hypoallergenic makeup wipe or micellar water to safely and thoroughly remove surface-level makeup. After that, cleanse your skin with a gentle wash to remove any lingering residue. Otherwise, you’re susceptible to breakouts that could’ve been avoided.

Don’t Use Dirty Applicators and Brushes

We get it. You’re in a rush headed out the door, and you’re too distracted or tired when you come back home to clean your brushes. However, you absolutely must cleanse your makeup applicators and brushes. Not to gross you out or anything, but a recent study revealed that some makeup brushes are dirtier than toilet seats. We wish we were joking.

Dirt, oil, and old makeup accumulate on your brushes and applicators, so they’re festering with infection-causing germs until they’re properly cleaned. When you use dirty applicators, you’re reintroducing yesterday’s bacteria to your skin, which will most definitely result in irritation and—you guessed it—pimples. Wash your brushes and applicators with gentle, anti-bacterial soap or makeup brush cleaning solution after every use.

Gain Confidence in Your Fresh Face With Monthly Esthetician Visits

Wearing any amount of makeup is your choice, but it’s only in your best interest that you follow these makeup tips for healthy skin. By doing so, you can feel great about yourself with or without it. Professional care is another ideal way to maintain glowy skin free of impurities. Getting a facial every month isn’t just some “fancy-shmancy” luxury for the spoiled or rich girlies. Spa facials are for everyone who cares to invest in healthy, clear skin they feel beautiful in. Book your appointment today with The Only Facial and be ready to pose confidently for your “no filter” selfies as soon as you leave.