Tips for Cleansers
Cleansing is one of the most important steps in achieving a clear, glowing complexion. At Pilar's we avoid cleansers that contain synthetic sulfates which can irritate and inflame the skin. We rely on natural ingredients to deeply cleanse and balance.
Finding the right cleanser for you is easy. In general, normal to oily skin needs a cleanser that foams like Naturopathica's Aloe Cleansing Gel ($28); while normal to dry skin benefits from a creamier texture like Naturopathica's Chamomile Cleansing Cream ($28). But, remember, rules are made to be broken! Choose a cleanser that leaves your skin feeling clean, but not stripped of essential moisture. For those in a hurry, Starflower's Lavender Cleansing Petalets ($17) make cleansing a breeze. These two-in-one cleansing and toning pads instantly remove makeup, leaving the skin soft and balanced.
Use a cleanser at least once a day to remove makeup, excess oils, and pollution. For most skin types, cleansing twice a day (morning and evening) is best. Cleansers with exfoliating beads (like our bestselling Suki Lemongrass Cleanser $31) should be used occasionally for a deeper cleanse. Massage (don't rub!) the beads across the skin to achieve a beautiful, balanced glow.
Tips for Toners
Toners have come a long way in recent years. Once considered an optional step, toners today are packed with active ingredients that treat the skin, helping to fight breakouts and reduce the signs of aging. Plus, a spritz of inexpensive toner after every cleanse allows you to use less of your more expensive moisturizers and serums.
It's best to apply toner to clean, slightly damp skin. Depending on the toner you choose, you can spritz it on or sweep a toner-saturated pad across the skin. Toner is also great throughout the day to refresh and hydrate and to set makeup.
Tips for Serums
Serums can be used by themselves or layered with a moisturizer depending on your skin's specific needs. For those of us used to creams, essential oils and serums can seem quite foreign. But rest assured, serums are one of the most effective and nourishing ways to deliver hydration and active ingredients to the skin.
Every skin type can incorporate a serum into their routine. Dry, mature skin, for instance, will benefit from serums with rose and geranium such as Naturopathica's Geranium Regenerating Serum ($40); while oily and combination skin can fight breakouts with serums that combat infected pores like Naturopathica's Neroli Toning Serum for Overactive Skin ($40.) Do you suffer from breakouts, flakiness, and occasional redness? Suki's Facial Moisture Serum with Blue Chamomile and Echinacea ($32) will help to bring skin back to balance.
The best way to apply serums varies according to your skin's current needs. You can apply serums alone, using it as your moisturizer. You can layer it underneath your cream or lotion. In some instances you can even mix a couple of drops with your favorite moisturizer to create the perfect level of hydration for your skin. Whatever way you choose, you'll get the best results by applying serum to skin that is slightly damp from your toner.
Tips for Moisturizers
Your moisturizer will most likely be your biggest investment, and with good reason--moisturizers are your best defense against fine lines, wrinkles, and, with some, skin conditions like rosacea and acne. Moisturizers sit on the skin all day and all night, delivering active ingredients to the deepest layers.
Most of us require different moisture levels throughout the year. A lightweight lotion might be perfect for the summer months but barely enough in the winter. At Pilar's we understand that finding the perfect moisturizer is a very personal thing. That's why we have tester stations for every moisturizer we carry. Don't be afraid to feel the texture and smell the fragrance of products before you buy.
Moisturizers should be applied to skin that is slightly damp from toning. Most people use too much. Protect your investment--a little bit goes a long way! Don't forget to moisturize your neck, decolletage, and the backs of hands where aging can really show.
Tips for Eyes
Hydration is the key to reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Plump, hydrated skin equals a smooth, youthful complexion.
Eye creams help diminish fine lines by adding just the right amount of moisture to this delicate area. The right eye cream will leave skin feeling smooth, soft, and prepped for makeup.
Certain eye creams, like Naturopathica's Vitamin K Eye Treatment ($72), address dark circles too. While not the end-all cure for bags (remember lifestyle and genetics play a role), you'll be surprised at how effective natural eye treatments can be.
Eye creams should be applied after toning. As with your moisturizer, remember to protect your investment--a little bit goes a long way!
Tips for Exfoliation
If there's one question our clients always ask us, its, "How do I get that glow?" Along with cleansing, moisturizing, and a generally healthy lifestyle, exfoliation is the final step to delivering that ever-so-coveted dewy glow. Regular, gentle exfoliation helps to fight the signs of aging, reduce acne and breakouts, even out tone, and improve texture. It even allows the skin to better accept hydration, using your moisturizer more efficiently.
An esthetician can help find the perfect type of exfoliation for you. She may choose a manual exfoliant like our bestselling Suki Lemongrass Cleanser ($31) to be used several times per week or a weekly treatment like Naturopathica's Pumpkin Enzyme Peel ($56.) There are several options, but all work to remove dead skin cells to reveal youthful, plump cells on the surface. Stop by our store to find out which exfoliant is right for you.
Whichever exfoliant you choose, don't overdo it. Use the product only as often as recommended by your esthetician. And, remember, exfoliation makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. Make all-natural mineral sunscreen your final step every day.
Click to return to Articles & Information
Our bestselling �minence mineral powders are makeup and sun protection in one. They are the healthiest way to protect your skin from harmful rays and the most beautiful way to give your skin a flawless finish. The powders even out imperfections and deliver a luminous glow. Plus, they are packed with vitamins and bioflavonoids (antioxidants) to fight the signs of aging.