Beauty Hacks for Perfect Skin

Who doesn’t want perfect skin? I have battled with acne for years, whether it was hormonal or just annoying little pimples. Over the years I have tried just about every skincare hack in the book and combining my results with extensive research, I bring you a list of the skincare and beauty hacks that I know will help you get that perfect skin, from head to toe, just in time for summer. Along with the products you need, and WHY they work. If you would like to see more like this post, subscribe to mariahrose.co & follow @mariahrose.co on Instagram & Pinterest to see how i use these hacks.

RUN from Makeup Wipes

I picked up a pack of Neutrogena Makeup Removing Wipes one time in Ulta, and the girl working came to me and told me to try a different brand because the Neutrogena ones do more harm than good to your skin. So, I did my research, and she was totally correct. Neutrogena Makeup Removing Wipes are the #1 selling makeup remover, yet they include harmful chemicals and fragrances in their formula. Dr. Joshua Zeichner, Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, describes makeup wipes as a “total scam.” Basically, all makeup wipes do is push dirt and makeup around your face, while simultaneously damaging your skin with all of the rubbing motion. “Rubbing can cause low-grade inflammation that, over time, can promote skin pigmentation or even early wrinkling.” So, what is the alternative?

Another fantastic option is using a cleansing oil, this is a perfect alternative to see improvement in your skin pigmentation. You spend over 30 minutes putting your face on, why not take a few minutes to take it off properly?

Frank Body Anti-Makeup Cleansing Oil ($24) – No Harsh Chemicals, hydrating, but will not make your face feel oily. Even removes stubborn mascara.

However, for those of us who are too lazy to go to the sink after a night out, I have something for you also.

No rinse Micellar Water & Cotton Pads

Dior Hydra Life ($50)

Mustela Cleansing Micellar Water ($15)

Now, makeup wipes are much better than sleeping with makeup on, so if you insist on using them, here’s a less harmful option than those god-awful Neutrogena blue ones that I cannot seem to escape.

SheaMoisture African Black Soap Cleansing Wipes (Only $5, and biodegradable. These have tea tree oil and are naturally infused with African Black Soap)

REMOVE THE HAIR (Even if you can’t see it)

Acne causes inflammation and irritation due to pores becoming blocked due to excess oil production. If you have teeny tiny hairs clogging your pores, this can result in oily skin and pesky pimples. Your skin will not appear totally perfect or clear or feel soft if your pores are being clogged by pesky little hair follicles. Your options are pretty limited, but shaving is NOT one of them, do not even get me started.

Nair Moisturizing Face Cream (cruelty-free)

For this hack, I use a mask brush to apply it to every hairy spot on my face and use a cotton pad to rub it off after 10 minutes. This leaves my face feeling like a baby’s butt. Do not exceed 10 minutes of wear, as it may irritate your skin. Also, this will leave your pores pretty open, so I recommend doing this at night, before your evening cleansing routine. Do not apply makeup after removing facial hair. (I recommend trying this on a small part of your face at first, as Nair can be irritating to some skin types)

Full Face Wax

While this is a more painful (and expensive) option, a professional will be able to examine your skin and wax all of the right spots.

Steam Your Face Before Applying a Mask

This will open up your pores and increase the productivity of using a mask.

According to Dr. Akhavan, the steam accomplishes two things: 1) The water vapor itself loosens dirt and contaminants that are clogging pores and 2) The heat induces sweating, which further flushes out pores. "Freshly cleaned pores are better able to absorb skin creams with active ingredients such as retinol based-products or prescription creams from your dermatologist," he adds.

FOLLOW @MARIAHROSE.CO ON INSTAGRAM TO SEE MY STEAMING ROUTINE

Lip Masks

Want to get the look of a plump “Kylie Jenner” lip without the needles? I’ve got you covered with a beauty hack. Don’t worry, it’s not that absolutely irritating “lip plumping” lip gloss. These are lip masks. They operate like a sheet mask. You simply lay the cover on your lip for 10 minutes, and I promise you will see immediate results.

What’s Cooler Than Being Cool?

Using an ice cube as a hack for perfect skin. This works best when used in the morning before makeup. The ice cubes will close your pores, which will not only tighten your skin but make the skin appear more vibrant and lively.

Eye Masks

Like concealer – but make it natural. Getting rid of dark circles is the best thing you can do to make your overall face more aesthetically pleasing. Using an eye mask will make you appear younger and more awake.

Keep Everything Else Clean

Yes, masks and serums can help you achieve perfect skin. However, not only you, your hands, and your Clarisonic are touching your skin. You should be working extra hard to be keeping anything that may touch your skin extremely clean.

You should be cleaning the surface of your phone daily, your pillowcases weekly (ahem.. SILK PILLOWCASES), and your hands religiously.

Spend the Right Amount of time Cleansing

To get all of the benefits and activate the ingredients in your cleanser: it must spend 60 seconds on your face. My best friend told me that the Fresh Prince of Bel Air theme song lasts precisely 60 seconds, and ever since that day, I sing that song in my head every time I wash my face.