Hey Socialites! What’s new? Ya’ll have been asking me so many questions about skincare lately, and I am loving it!  I’m not beauty guru, but when it comes to creating a skincare routine, I got ya’ll covered! From what I’ve read in my messages,  most of us would like to have a perfectly clear, bright and radiant complexion, but many of us do not know exactly how to achieve that. Sure, we all know that we should cleanse, tone, exfoliate and moisturize on a regular basis to keep our skin looking good, but what about when that isn’t enough?

I have numerous extra tricks that can be used to improve the complexion, and in many cases, even make it look much better in the blinking of an eye! Sound good? Here are some hacks you can use to improve your complexion right now:

Just Add Ice

Did you ever see the opening scene in Mommy Dearest, where Faye Dunaway (as Joan Crawford) dunks her face repeatedly in a bowl of cold water and ice? For a long time, I thought it was crazy, but after researching Hollywood’s Golden Age, I learned that many of the great beauties of the 50’s and 60’s (Dorothy Dandridge, Ava Gardner, Marilyn Monroe) relied on ice to give their skin a pick me up! Placing ice on your skin is a great way to shrink pores, reduce inflammation and even make your wrinkles seem less noticeable. If you’re having skin issues, an ice pack could be your best friend. Just make sure that you wrap it in a soft face cloth first, and ideally, you should not apply it for more than 15 minutes at a time.  

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Try a Tea Bag

It might seem a bit off, but placing cold tea bags on your eyes is a great way to minimize bags and eliminate dark circles. Not only that, but there is some evidence to suggest they could help with reducing the appearance of acne too. You’ll need to leave them on for 10-15 minutes, but once you’ve done that, you’ll look like a whole new woman.

Socialite tip: Don’t forget to drink your tea as a beauty aid as well! I drink turmeric tea nightly before bed, and I’ve noticed positive changes in my skin (less hormonal breakouts, smooth and glowing skin!)

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Acupressure

Acupressure is more commonly used for pain and sickness, but it is possible to use facial acupressure to improve your complexion too. The process of pressing on your face with your fingertips can help to get the blood flowing and when the blood is flowing well, it will bring much-needed nutrients to the skin, which will help you to appear more radiant. Learn the techniques and you’ll be able to use them whenever your skin is looking duller than usual. I like to use acupressure when I apply my face lotion in the morning, and my serums at night. Apply products in a sweeping motion outward to your temples, and use a firm bit of pressure (except around the delicate under eye area!) to stimulate the skin, and encourage lymph drainage!

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Wear Lipstick

It is a common fact among makeup artists that the right shade of lipstick can really boost the complexion. The thing is, you may need to experiment to find out exactly which shade brightens your skin, rather than making it seem duller. Not all lipsticks work for everyone and only a shade that complements your skin will do. For example, I can wear pinks and reds for a glow, but they have to be blue based in order to make my skin pop. Warm/orange-y reds and pinks tend to make me look sallow.  Nudes can also be tricky. I have to use creamier nudes with caramel undertones, or I risk my lips looking like Tyrone Biggums from The Chappelle Show (LOL).  Choose a lipstick flattering for your undertone for the best glow!

Get Moving

Exercise seems to be a panacea for so many things, and although it won’t ensure that your complexion is always amazing, moving around will help you to appear fresh-faced and radiant whenever you do it.  Exercise boosts the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the skin and this helps to boost the production of collagen which will give you a fuller, fresher look. If you want to avoid wrinkles, spend more time at the gym.

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Cover it in Coffee

Tea isn’t the only beverage that can improve your complexion in an instant. If you rub soaked coffee grounds mixed with brown sugar over your skin, it has a brightening effect that can make you look 10 years younger. It’s so gentle you can use it all over your body and you will see results.

Here are a few of my skincare faves! Some are a little pricey, but some can be found right at your local drugstore for under $10!

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See you next time!