When it comes to a night out, everyone wants to look their best. Makeup is all well and good but if you haven’t given your skin the right prep first, you’re going to end up disappointed with the end result. Whether you’re doing your makeup yourself or you’re having a professional do it for you, prepping your skin first and giving it some extra TLC will help you achieve that perfect night out look. Here’s how I go about it…
1. Exfoliate the week away
It can be difficult to maintain your skincare routine, especially as the week goes on. A week of working, gymming, sleeping in your makeup etc will make your skin tired, dull and flaky, so I like to scrub it all away using an exfoliator. My exfoliator of choice is the MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator (£22). It feels like you’re rubbing grit on your face but it’s so good! Yes it’s pricey, but I’ve had mine for well over a year and a half and I use it twice a week so there’s definitely value for money there. Be sure to wash it off properly so that you’re not left with bits of black in your pores!
2. Apply a face mask
Lots of people think they don’t have time for a face mask, but most of them only need to go on for 5-10 minutes, which is something you can do whilst you’re painting your nails or shaving your legs – it’s not hard to fit it in really. Depending on how my skin is behaving, I’ll use either a detox face mask or a moisturising one. Yesterday I used the L’Oreal Pure Clay Detox Max (£7.99 but usually on offer somewhere), left for 10 minutes and then washed away. My skin felt really clean afterwards and had a bit more life than when I started!
3. Use a gentle cleanser
Yes I’ve just scrubbed my skin clean and used a cleansing face mask, but I still like to use a cleanser as well. When you’re using dark-coloured products, it’s important to make sure you get them all off your skin – nobody wants to go out with black patches under their chin! Choose a gentle, nourishing cleanser just to get rid of any extra product. I LOVE Elemis Pro Radiance Cream Cleanser (£30) – another pricey product (some might say) but I’ve had this TWO YEARS and still have loads left. They also do travel sizes in different sets so you can see if you like it in that first.
4. Tone
A lot of people forget about toner but it’s definitely important for that squeaky clean feeling before you apply your makeup. Avoid anything too harsh – you don’t want to be red before a night out! Pixi Glow Tonic (£10/£18) is an amazing toner which doesn’t make you feel like your skin is burning and doesn’t leave it feeling tight either – just clean and soft. It helps provide that extra bit of exfoliation to leave your skin super smooth.
5. Hydration Boost
Here’s my extra step for making sure my skin is fully prepped before I apply makeup. I use Bobbi Brown Skin Nourish Mask (£33) which is ideal for hydrating your skin and having it at its softest. It’s fabulous. I got a small sample from the Mask Trio Set (£10 if you can get your hands on it) and I’m probably on my sixth use by now and still have some left. You apply it quite liberally, tissue off any excess after 5 minutes and then rub the rest into your skin. You won’t regret it.
6. Moisturise
The final step is to apply your moisturiser. I like quite a thick, creamy one as it helps me apply my base makeup better. Elemis Pro Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm (£37) is wonderful, and again, lasts ages (I go through one every 10 months with daily use). Apply all over your skin and give it 10-15 minutes to absorb and you’ll be ready to apply your makeup – easy!
By the time I finish I’ve got supersoft, clean, flake-free skin that will help for flawless makeup application. It might not work for everyone, but it’s certainly worth a try! I can’t recommend using a mask enough if you do nothing else – it’s a good way to target problem skin as well as giving you a nice pampering treat before your night out. Some of the products listed may seem expensive, but I promise they last ages and you can find ways around paying full-price for them. A discount code or student discount can be used on ASOS or House of Fraser where you’ll find a lot of these products, whilst AllBeauty is great for getting Elemis products cheaper.
I hope you’ll give my pre-night out routine a try – I’m sure it won’t disappoint! Enjoy glowing, soft night out skin that will leave your makeup looking fresh and flawless!
Such a great post! I really like that L’Oreal mask. I also love to use a facial roller with an oil after a mask. I find it so pampering.
Author
I haven’t tried a facial roller before – is it worth investing? X
Great post and a lovely routine! I love the Loreal mask and the Pixi Glow Tonic is a fave – I think I’ll have to try the MAC exfoliator, it looks lovely!
Author
It’s so good – it’s a really hard working scrub!! X
Informative post! I’m always exfoliating like crazy to get a perfect base ready for a night out!
Author
I can’t go out without doing it – my friends take too many photos and I don’t want my dry skin to show! X
Great post! I love the L’Oreal mask, it always leaves my skin looking super fresh x
Author
Thanks Billie!! It’s a great mask – perfect skin treat! X
I love Elemis! They are such a great skincare brand and are good for sensitive skin too
Great post babe, as a makeup artist it makes such a difference if the client has taken care of their skin, people tend to think makeup fixes everything but dry flaky skin is makeups worst enemy.
Author
Definitely! When I get mine done by an MUA I feel like it’s my duty to turn up with prepped skin!! X
That MAC exfoliator looks so pretty in the tube haha! I have been using the exfoliating version of the Loreal mask and I’ve been loving it. Also love Elemis cleansers, their cleansing balm is one of my favourites!
Tasha // shiwashiful.
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I’ll have to try the exfoliating one and add it to my list 🙂 x
Hey Siân!! Your blog is amazing!! It’s so well thought out and organized!! I’m definetly gonna follow it… I hope you follow mine as well! Your blog in so inspiring ?
Author
Aw thank you so much for the lovely comments 🙂 I’ve just subscribed to yours! Xx
That Pixi Glow Tonic sounds really interesting. I haven’t tried the brand but I’m going to have to try this I think. Xx
I really have been meaning to try the Pixi Glow tonic. It sounds so great and there are so many rave reviews on the blogosphere.
Lubz || http://lubzsays.com
I am loving the Loreal Detox masks, its definitely in made its way into my routine.
xx
No I’m supposed to be saving money! Awesome read xx
I’d vernute that this article has saved me more time than any other.
You’ve sold me on the L’Oreal mask! I’ve been seeing bloggers all over rave about it and have decided I just need it in my collection.
I’m a huge, huge, hugeeee fan of face masks and legit wish I had more time to do them (well let’s face it, I probably do but am just lazy and forget!)
A great post lovely – keep up the amazing work!
Elley | http://elleymae.com
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Thanks so much Elley!!! X
Great post!! I love a good face mask but that Elemis Flash Balm is calling my name. I wonder id its similar to the Clarins Beauty Flash Balm.
Kayte
http://www.immbeauty.com
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Oooh I’m not sure – I bet they are similar! I love the flash balm!!!! X
Love this post. I really want to try some of these products like the face mask and bits from Bobbi Brown! I feel like I’ve wanted to try the pixi glow tonic for a ridiculous amount of time too haha! I love using a face mask at least once a week, just makes my skin feel that little bit better.
Ellie x
http://www.elliesbitsofbeauty.wordpress.com
Author
Seriously try the Pixi Glow Tonic! The £10 bottle has lasted me aaaaages already and it’s fab! x
I need to try that face mask! Looks so good.
Ange | Diary-of-Ange.com
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It’s great and such good value for money! X
The Pixi Glow Tonic is one of my fave skincare products now…I use it every day, morning and night. Great post, some great product choices x
Author
It’s fabulous! so glad I tried it! Want their overnight glow serum next! X
I’m a bit of a blogaholic- this is really good!! I have always been so tempted by beauty boxes too!!
Beauty question, would you put serum on before moisturiser? Xx
Author
Thank you very much! I do put serum on before moisturiser if I feel I need it. This morning I used The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid before my moisturiser and my skin has definitely locked in the moisture more! X
I am obsessed with all things skin care and I am always on the hunt for some new products. Definitely going to try some of these products, especially the face mask!
Lucy Jane | http://lucyjbeaumont.wordpress.com
I had never seen that MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator but it seems amzing!! I need to check it out in store!
Great post! I am currently testing the loreal mask and its been a great skin prep for my makeup the following day. Cant wait to try the pixi glow tonic heard good things.
Taslyn| http://www.hiddenbeau-t.co.uk
I’m going to give the Bobbi Brown mask a go on your recommendation! X
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Woooop you won’t regret it! X