Calling all girls who love to sleep in! Cut down on the time it takes you to get gorgeous each morning by following this simple, no fuss skin-care routine for a fabulous face that glows.
Low-maintenance beauty
Remember: BB creams are your BFF
In case you’ve been hiding out under a rock recently, BB creams (also known as blemish balms or beauty balms) are the latest craze to make their way over from Asia, and we have to admit, we couldn’t be more pumped. So what exactly do these BB creams do? Well, lazy ladies, they perform the task of your serum, moisturizer, primer, foundation and oftentimes even your SPF, all rolled into one product. Because each one is different, though, it’s critical to find a BB cream that’s just right for you. “Some are heavier, some have more sunscreen and some have more irritating antiaging ingredients,” points out Dr. Jessica Krant, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Art of Dermatology. “They are meant to do many things at once, and we all know how hard it is to multitask.” Ah, we couldn’t agree more!
Wash your face with a gentle moisturizing cleanser
Now that you’ve got your go-to BB cream all picked out, don’t forget to wash your face each morning with a gentle moisturizing cleanser before you put it on, advises Dr. Krant. This will rid your skin of all the dirt and debris that’s accumulated on your face and in your pores overnight (eek!). “Pat your face dry next, and apply your BB cream.” Dr. Krant suggests finding one with antiaging ingredients, sunscreen and a tint. Guess what? You’re all finished up for the morning.
Take it all off
After a long day at the office slaving away per usual, the last thing you want to do as you walk in the front door is remove your makeup, but trust us, it’s pretty necessary. “When you get home (not at bedtime), take off your BB cream with a mild makeup remover and rinse with a gentle cleanser or a light glycolic wash. Then, apply a mild, fragrance-free moisturize,” recommends Dr. Krant.
Apply a topical retinoid
Don’t worry — this is the last step, we swear! About an hour later, but not right before bedtime, Krant says to apply a half-pea-sized amount of a topical retinoid (OTC retinol or a prescription tretinoin). This will help keep your skin from freaking out, fade scars, stimulate cell turnover, exfoliate and even diminish sun spots. But most of all, it’ll give you that gorgeous, rosy glow every girl (even us lazy ones!) are after.
Tell us
What does your daily skin-care regimen consist of?
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