DIY facial

Posted by Lucy on May 11, 2012 in Beauty & Health | 0 comments

It used to be that my beauty treatment of choice was always a massage. But I’ve really started to love a facial. Just as relaxing, and usually with a neck, shoulder and facial massage included, it feels like such an indulgent treat and leaves your skin all plumped up and glowing afterwards (see previous post Get Your Glow Back). Not only does your complexion look and feel great afterwards – and for me, it really makes such a difference to my grey, tired-looking face – but the better tone of your skin means the products you apply afterwards (moisturiser, foundation) will either sink in or smooth on better, making them last longer, thus saving you money.

However, on that money-saving note, facials aren’t cheap, which is why they’re saved as indulgent treats. But that doesn’t mean you can’t create the same effect on your own at home in between salon visits, to keep your skin in tip top condition and give yourself some well-earned pampering me-time (albeit without the lovely beautician massaging your neck). So here’s how I create a mini DIY facial at home:

At-home 4-step facial

• Start by removing make-up with a 2-in-1 cleansing and toning product (I love 2-in-1 products for time-saving). I use Nivea Daily Essentials refreshing 2 in 1 Cleanser & Toner, £3.59. Rinse off with cotton wool soaked in warm water.

• Give a deeper cleanse with a foaming facial wash or cream cleanser, massaging it in with your fingers, focusing on the temples, around your eyes, your cheeks, chin and jawline. I like *Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel, from £11.30, or Liz Earle’s famous Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, from £14.25 (also – TOP TIP! – look out for Superdrug’s bargain version, Vitamin E Hot Cloth Cleanser, just £5.99, with muslin cloth included). Rinse off with a flannel or muslin cloth soaked in warm water.

• Now to exfoliate. I like *Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, £38. A bit pricey, but it lasts FOREVER. Seriously, I’ve had mine since I was 12 weeks pregnant and my bubba’s now almost one. You only need a small amount. Once you’ve worked it all over your face, rinse off with that warm cloth again.

• Moisturise. Depending on what products you have in your bathroom cabinet, your skin type, and how much time you want to spend on your facial, I like to do a double-duty hit here. First I massage in a serum or facial oil, such as Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate, from £19.75 or Superdrug Optimum Apple Serum, £14.99 (which I find has a similar texture to the famous Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair serum, at a much more affordable price). I like to use one with essential oils, so I can breathe in all the lovely, relaxing aromas (closing my eyes and pretending I’m at The Sanctuary). Sometimes I just stop there, but if my skin’s feeling particularly dry, I slather on a moisturiser over the top, such as Superdrug Vitamin E Intense Moisturiser, £2.99 – another bargain from Superdrug, and smells delicious.

*Notes: With certain products I like to spend a little money, as you can make them last, and if you’re saving cash by giving yourself your own facial, you might as well have a product that gives good results. But I also like to cut back with more bargainous products that I’ve found work just as well as their pricey counterparts. For some great savings on Dermalogica products and good-value starter kits, visit www.beautyflash.co.uk.

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