We all want to put our best face forward. Especially when we’ve spent so much time, effort and money on our makeup.
HI, I'M JADE
I'm the owner of Aki Sunday and I know a thing or two about makeup and how important a good base is.
I’ve always been a creative, experimenting with makeup from a young age and always searching for better, bolder, brighter - with skincare being key for end result.
Like most millennial gals, I spent my teen years flicking through shiny teen magazines that were designed to break your confidence just enough to try their damaging hacks and sell their next issue. We were young and vulnerable, and they knew that.
As a grown woman, I’ve been on a mission to reshape our relationships with ourselves, to empower, educate and stand up to bad advice, bad business & bad body image.
First things first - makeup should be fun and a freedom of expression. My hope for everyone is that they will get to a point of loving the skin they're in but I also recognise this takes a lot of mental work and most people have what they consider to be flaws they want to cover, regardless.
I'M NO EXCEPTION
Second - skin has texture. It's natural and not a flaw but there are ways we can reduce the appearance to help you feel more confident.
These are my gentle rules to take care of your skin to get your makeup application looking gorg and lasting all day (& looking good on camera if that's your thing).
Rule 1 - Never sleep in your makeup. Remove, cleanse and cleanse again
Sleeping in your makeup will cause irritation and breakouts (which doesn’t bode well for future makeup applications).
Use my RCC rule. Just make sure you’re using a gentle cleanser. I like to use this wash cloth when washing makeup off.
- Remove your makeup
- Cleanse to get the residue off
- Cleanse again to actually clean your skin
Rule 2 - Exfoliate
Exfoliate 1 to 2 times a week with AHA/BHA or enzymes – this will help to minimise the appearance of pores (they cannot be shrunk) and will leave your skin smooth and bright. AHA/BHA or enzymes scrub deep in the pore to clean them out.
Rule 3 - HYDRATE
I cannot stress enough how important good hydration is for your end look (and general health).
Your foundation will be smooth, your skin plump and youthful looking and powders always sit well on hydrated skin. Drink plenty of water and use a good combination of hydrating products. Our Universal Body Oil creates a beautiful base!
Also – sheet masks!
Rule 4 - Stop popping pimples & blackheads
Doing this leads to scabs on your face, or at least dry spots. When you’re putting foundation and powders on over these – the product will settle into the cracks and will flake off, giving you a patchy makeup job.
In addition, you may cause infections by spreading bacteria and scarring by popping and squeezing.
Keep your hands off your face and treat your spots – don’t punish them.
Try Hydrocolloid Pimple Patches for really targeted treatment.
Rule 5 - Clean your brushes & tools
When I think of dirty tools, all I can think of is patchy application and bacteria. Clean brushes weekly (I clean foundation/cream tools every use). Your skin will thank you, your application will be polished and your tools will last longer too.
It helps to curate a good collection of brushes so you have spares while others are dirty/drying. They don't need to be expensive but good quality is key.
Rule 6 - Always use SPF
Sun damage is not only very dangerous, it can also causes fine lines, sun spots and burns. Wear SPF every day.
Rule 7 - Try to get enough sleep
Lack of sleep shows in your skin so try to get at least 7 hours a night.
See our ‘Beauty Sleep Is Real’ post for more on this.
Rule 8 - Look to your nutrition
Eating well directly impacts your skin. Eat good fats and a rainbow of fruits and veg and drink plenty of water.
You may consider taking a collagen supplement too. Your natural production declines with age (starting pretty young too!) so it's good to take something to help boost production.
Following these rules will improve your base and there are lots of tricks of the makeup trade you can practice. Makeup artists like Rae Morris often share helpful tips.
THE BIGGEST RULE OF ALL - HAVE FUN
