Sounds like you have two issues here. First of all, the "specks" that you mentioned are probably pores and, unfortunately, there's nothing you can do to shrink them. But pores aside, you can improve your next shave with the proper tools. Splurging on a razor alone won't cut it. Make sure you're equipped with the following the next time you step into the shower:
It's not "bad," but think about all the offensive troublemakers your skin encounters on a typical day: pollution, cigarette smoke (first- or second-hand), recirculated air, makeup and sweat (especially if you exercise). By not washing your face before bed, you're leaving all of that stuff on your skin and asking for clogged pores, which can encourage blemishes. Now why would you want to do that? Plus, while you're sleeping, you will be smearing your dirty face all over your pillowcase – yuck! So, while hitting the sheets without nary a splash of water may not be health-risk-level bad, there's no denying it's a nasty habit to develop. Your one and only face deserves some TLC, even if that means swiping a pre-moistened cleansing cloth over it. For those super late nights or when you're just tuckered out, try Evian Affinity Remineralising Cleansing Wipes, 25 wipes/$16, to effortlessly remove makeup and moisturize skin.
While creams and lotions help soothe your hands, you need a nail strengthener to seal moisture into your nails. OPI Nail Envy Dry and Brittle Formula (15 mL/$20), for example, can be used on its own or as a base coat for coloured polish. There is also the "you are what you eat" theory, so you may want to consider nutritional measures to see results. Maintaining proper levels of vitamins A, C and E are essential to strong nails. This means a healthy diet including meat, fish, eggs, legumes and lots of fruit and veg. Similar principles apply to your skin, so check out Seven skin savers.
TIP Prevent problems from the start by keeping nails short – long tips are more likely to break.
Foundation covers flaws and evens out your skin tone, but you still need to prep your skin before applying it. If oiliness is your biggest challenge, use a light moisturizer to control it, such as Garnier Skin Naturals Pure Shine Control Moisturizer, 75 mL/ $11. It contains zinc and white clay, which helps absorb excess oil. Now that your skin is shine-free, take a look at the kind of foundation you are using. An oil-absorbing formula is the obvious choice, but also look at the level of coverage for added benefits. A more opaque foundation will provide better coverage, for instance, and make your skin appear uniform. Try M.A.C Studio Finish Matte, 50 mL/$23. Also, be ready for midday touch-ups with blotting papers and a light dusting of translucent powder.
Foundation covers flaws and evens out your skin tone, but you still need to prep your skin before applying it. If oiliness is your biggest challenge, use a light moisturizer to control it, such as Garnier Skin Naturals Pure Shine Control Moisturizer, 75 mL/ $11. It contains zinc and white clay, which helps absorb excess oil. Now that your skin is shine-free, take a look at the kind of foundation you are using. An oil-absorbing formula is the obvious choice, but also look at the level of coverage for added benefits. A more opaque foundation will provide better coverage, for instance, and make your skin appear uniform. Try M.A.C Studio Finish Matte, 50 mL/$23. Also, be ready for midday touch-ups with blotting papers and a light dusting of translucent powder.
Foundation covers flaws and evens out your skin tone, but you still need to prep your skin before applying it. If oiliness is your biggest challenge, use a light moisturizer to control it, such as Garnier Skin Naturals Pure Shine Control Moisturizer, 75 mL/ $11. It contains zinc and white clay, which helps absorb excess oil. Now that your skin is shine-free, take a look at the kind of foundation you are using. An oil-absorbing formula is the obvious choice, but also look at the level of coverage for added benefits. A more opaque foundation will provide better coverage, for instance, and make your skin appear uniform. Try M.A.C Studio Finish Matte, 50 mL/$23. Also, be ready for midday touch-ups with blotting papers and a light dusting of translucent powder.
Foundation covers flaws and evens out your skin tone, but you still need to prep your skin before applying it. If oiliness is your biggest challenge, use a light moisturizer to control it, such as Garnier Skin Naturals Pure Shine Control Moisturizer, 75 mL/ $11. It contains zinc and white clay, which helps absorb excess oil. Now that your skin is shine-free, take a look at the kind of foundation you are using. An oil-absorbing formula is the obvious choice, but also look at the level of coverage for added benefits. A more opaque foundation will provide better coverage, for instance, and make your skin appear uniform. Try M.A.C Studio Finish Matte, 50 mL/$23. Also, be ready for midday touch-ups with blotting papers and a light dusting of translucent powder.
Foundation covers flaws and evens out your skin tone, but you still need to prep your skin before applying it. If oiliness is your biggest challenge, use a light moisturizer to control it, such as Garnier Skin Naturals Pure Shine Control Moisturizer, 75 mL/ $11. It contains zinc and white clay, which helps absorb excess oil. Now that your skin is shine-free, take a look at the kind of foundation you are using. An oil-absorbing formula is the obvious choice, but also look at the level of coverage for added benefits. A more opaque foundation will provide better coverage, for instance, and make your skin appear uniform. Try M.A.C Studio Finish Matte, 50 mL/$23. Also, be ready for midday touch-ups with blotting papers and a light dusting of translucent powder.
Come back next Monday for another beauty problem solved!
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