Transforming textures, cleaner options and the return of colour – we think it’s safe to say that 2017 has been a fun year for beauty. But if there’s anything to take away, it’s not the fleeting trends or a fancy gold-infused product, but the best beauty tips from experts in the business to up your beauty game. There’s a new breed of skincare products you ought to invest in, a damage-free route to colour your hair and a fresh priming hack from Sonam Kapoor’s favourite make-up artist. Bring out the notepads and resolve to stick by these tips in the New Year.
1. Invest in anti-pollution skincare
Pollution takes a serious toll on your skin, resulting in acne, dullness, dryness, irritation, pigmentation, blackheads and white heads. Celebrity dermatologist Dr Rashmi Shetty says, “Look out for products that have antioxidants and vitamin C to reverse the effects of ageing and strengthen the skin’s barrier against pollution.”
2. Use a face oil below your make-up
When you don’t want to go all out with the highlighter for glowing skin, try using face oils. “Face oils are great to prep and prime the skin before applying make-up. They help foundation to blend evenly and keep your moisture levels in check. For oily skin, I recommend you dab excess oil off with a tissue and then move to your base,” says celebrity make-up artist, Namrata Soni.
3. Double-cleanse your way to glowing skin
If you’re spending 20 minutes putting on make-up, spend 20 minutes taking it off. “I double-cleanse with a cleansing oil to remove built-up make-up and follow it with a water-based cleanser to hydrate my skin and help it feel refreshed,” says beauty blogger Kaushal Beauty.
4. Hydrate before applying your liquid matte lipstick
If your liquid matte lipstick is drying your lips or leaving them chapped, celebrity make-up artist Deepa Verma recommends, “Always use a hydrating lip balm or lip scrub before applying matte lipsticks, because they’re super heavy on your lips.” She also advises you take off the whole layer of lipstick with a remover before a touch-up to avoid a flaky pout.
5. Shave if you have sensitive skin
Waxing and threading leave your skin irritated and red, especially if it’s sensitive. “To get rid of facial hair, try dry shaving in the direction of the hair growth to avoid cutting your skin. Always moisturise afterwards as this essentially counts as exfoliation,” says beauty blogger Huda Kattan.
6. Colour your hair with a strengthening agent
We’ve all come to expect some damage with every hair colour job. But now, you can get a makeover without worrying about frizzy, dry tresses. Akshata Honawar, founder and creative director of Runah Salon, Mumbai says, “Ask your hair colourist to mix a protective treatment like L’Oreal Professionnel’s Smartbond along with your colour to scale down the damage and give you glossier, healthier hair.”
7. Watch your food for better skin
“Over-consumption of dairy products, sugar and processed food can make the sebaceous glands in the skin release more oil, which blocks your pores. Bacteria is formed due to clogged pores that result in acne and all other skin problems,” says Dr Jewel Gamadia, Bollywood’s go-to acupuncturist.
