Journal

The festive season is my favourite time of year to pamper my skin and get it glowing for all those fabulous makeup looks.
~Juhi Dubey

In Frame: Prachi Solanki

Growing up in Gujarat, Garba Nights were always the highlight of the festive season. The excitement of getting ready with friends, picking out outfits, and doing our makeup was a ritual in itself! Back then, I’d rush through my makeup, piling it on without much thought. But over time, I’ve realized that a glowing makeup look starts with good skin. When your skin is healthy, you don’t need heavy makeup, you can simply focus on enhancing your natural features.

Now, before the festive season begins, I make sure to give my skin some extra care so it’s prepped and glowing. It’s all about a simple yet effective skincare routine. Let me walk you through my favorite pre- and post-makeup skincare steps that help me look my absolute best for all those festive nights!

Prep Before Makeup

Step 1: Cleanse
I usually start by washing my face with a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser. It hydrates my skin and gives a light exfoliation, which helps keep my pores clean and prevents breakouts.

Step 2: Exfoliate (twice a week)
Exfoliating is key to keeping my skin fresh and glowing. It helps get rid of dead skin cells that can make my face look dull or feel clogged. But I’ve learned that overdoing it can actually harm my skin, so I stick to exfoliating just once or twice a week, whether I’m using a scrub or a chemical exfoliant!

Step 3: Face Masks (once a week)
For a radiant boost, I love using a face mask to absorb oil and dirt. It helps oxygenate my skin cells and leaves my skin feeling tighter, smoother, and ready for makeup. I personally recommend Aminu’s Nordic Mud Mask or Marine Clay Mask for the best results!

Step 4: Hydrate
No matter how oily my skin feels, I always apply a light moisturizer or a multi-purpose face oil. This step keeps my skin plump, dewy and prevents cakiness during makeup. Plus, with most makeup being waterproof these days, hydration is key. Click here to find a moisturizer that’s perfect for your skin type.

Pro Tip: *Don’t forget to apply sunscreen even if it’s cloudy outside!*

Post-Makeup Reset

Step 5: Double Cleanse
I start by removing my makeup with an oil-based cleanser to make sure any oil-based products don’t clog my pores. Then, I follow up with a water-based cleanser to get rid of sweat and any other impurities. This two-step helps prevent breakouts.

Step 6: Nourish
For me, this step is a must! At night, when the skin is busy repairing itself, I always make sure to use a serum, cream, or oil to address any concerns. I usually go for a serum because it penetrates deeply and targets where my skin needs it most. Click here to know more about the night-time skincare routine.

Bonus Tips:
If you have dry skin, do not skip moisturizing. For oily skin, you can skip the moisturizer at night if you're already using a hydrating serum, as it provides enough moisture without the need for an additional layer.

Enjoy the festive season with glowing skin and stunning makeup. Take care, lovelies!