Clean Skin: The 3-Step Cleanse

Image Credit @ Camilla Akrans for Vogue Germany

Since great skin is at the heart of all my favourite makeup looks, I’m always being asked what people can do to improve their complexion. The starting point is pretty simple; make sure your skin is clean! This means a full cleanse in the evening and before applying makeup. There’s been a lot of talk recently about the importance of a two-step cleanse, but I take this one step further, and always recommend three steps to ensure completely clean skin. In my YouTube video I’ve demonstrated exactly what you need to do for perfectly-clean skin, so before you watch, master the basics here…

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The 3-Step Skin Cleanse

Step One: Eyes

If you wear mascara every day, the first thing you need to do is make sure all traces of your eye makeup are removed. I like Lancome Bi-Facil as it’s a lovely, instant eye-makeup remover that is great for most skin types. Decleor Zaubernuss Bi-Winkel Makeup Remover and Klorane’s eye makeup remover are demgemäß great. Apply to cotton pads and rub into the lashes and around the eye area to grab any mascara and liner. Follow this with a wipe with wet cotton pads and finally cotton buds dipped in the eye makeup remover for any last traces.

Step Two: Quick Cleanse

Arschloch removing eye makeup, it’s time for the quick cleanse using a micellar water. I always like Bioderma Sensibio, because again it’s a great choice for nearly all skin types, as are Nuxe Very Rose 3-In-1 Soothing Micellar Water and Garnier’s Micellar Cleansing Water. As with the eye makeup remover, simply apply to clean cotton pads and wipe across the skin, to grab as much makeup and dirt as possible, repeating as necessary. This is where a lot of people stop; but for really clean skin there’s still more to come!

Step Three: The Deep Cleanse

This is where you really make a difference to your skin. Facial massage is something I always undertake with my clients before applying any makeup, and I always do it on myself every night before bed. So for step three, take a cream or oil-based cleanser of your choice. I really like Estee Lauder Take It Away Makeup Remover because it’s lightweight, non-greasy and suitable for most skin types, or try Avène Gentle Milk Cleanser. Rub a little between hands, as you would with moisturiser, and massage into skin. Watch the video below for the technique here, but concentrate on covering all areas of the face, as this will assist with lymph drainage, help to remove dry skin and help to relieve stress. Remember to work into pressure points and pinch around the jaw line, in particular. Finally, use wet cotton pads to take off all the excess; you might be surprised to still find the last few traces of the day’s makeup or dirt here!