Back to School Spa Party

  A new school year is almost here and I'm sure everyone is excited to get back to school. Like some people, I have important exams to write in the new school year. What I've learnt is that worry and studying makes you stressed and your skin suffers the most. I got this idea from Teen Vogue and I'm sharing it with all of you. Get a couple of your friends and have some beauty fun!
       

Amid the mad rush to buy all of your school supplies and figure out what you're going to wear on the first day of class, don’t forget to also focus on your skin! All it takes is a few simple steps to ensure your complexion is in great, glowing shape for the big day.

For the best results, start a few weeks in advance by regularly using a daily cleanser that’s not too drying. “If you have relatively clear skin, pick a mild one that also dissolves makeup, and make sure you wash your face in the morning and at night to remove dirt and debris,” says New Orleans-based dermatologist Mary Lupo, MD. If your skin tends to break out, “Look for products with anti-microbial ingredients to kill bacteria and salicylic acid to clear pores, like Philosophy’s On A Clear Day cleanser, ” she adds. On top of that, use a very gentle exfoliating product twice a week to help brighten your complexion.

Two weeks before, invite your friends over for a weekend spa party. (After all, who says caring for your skin can’t also be fun!) “Serve them Spa Water: In a pitcher of ice water, add thinly sliced cucumber,” suggests Elizabeth TenHouten, a former skincare analyst for Prescriptives and author of Cooking Well: Beautiful Skin. If your skin could use a boost of hydration, try a Lavender Steam Facial. Simply bring a medium pot of water to a high heat (almost boiling), take it off the stove, and add a few drops of calming lavender oil. Pull your hair back and lean over the pot with a towel over your head, letting the steam open your pores. “Take five deep, relaxing breaths, and then pat your face with an ice cold, damp washcloth,” says TenHouten. Then, seal in the moisture with a light moisturizer. Makeup artist Jenna Menard prefers prepping the skin with a mist before applying lotion. “By misting your skin first, it opens up the pores in order to maximize hydration!” she says. “I like Shu Uemura’s Depsea Water Facial Mist because it comes in many different scents.”

Sticking to this regimen will help improve the quality of your skin before you head back to school, but if you have any lingering bumps, don’t stress—cover them up like a pro! “I like using a concealer palette that includes a few different shades, like Make Up For Ever 5 Camouflage Cream Palette, so you can blend your exact color, whether the blemish is on your cheek, chin, or nose,” says Menard. Make sure to keep blotting papers in your bag to combat shine. And last, but not least, resist touching your face. “Your hands collect lots of bacteria throughout the day, and touching your face is just asking for a breakout,” reminds Menard. “Keep your hands on your books!”