Like any great work of art- let’s start with a blank canvas.
Thoroughly cleansed skin is important in order to maximise every other step to follow. As always we recommend doing this twice to ensure grime sitting on the skin is completely washed away. Start with a nourishing oil or milk cleanser, and really work it into the skin. Don’t rush- enjoy this process. Massaging the product into your skin will increase blood flow and support toxin drainage. Wipe away excess with a clean, warm facial cloth (we use Baina), and go in for your second cleanse.
The second cleanse should be a more purifying active wash such as iS Clinical Cleansing Complex, to get to the nitty gritty of those pores. Cleansing might be a rushed step day-to-day, but in a facial, take around 5 minutes plus to complete this step.
Have a facial mist? Straight after cleansing is the perfect time to spritz your complexion with a boost of skincare nutrients. We love NIOD SDS Mist or Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator to boost skin hydration, and reduce any inflammation.
The step that brings the glow. Go in with an exfoliating product, be it an AHA/BHA toning solution, a physical scrub or even an exfoliating mask. Whatever you have on hand that will slough away dead skin cells and reveal fresh new skin.
Exfoliating acids such as Josh Rosebrook Daily Acid toner are our pick. Packed with a blend of plant/fruit acids, including lactic acid (our fave)- which works to resurface, brighten and draw moisture to the skin.
"The step that brings the glow. Go in with an exfoliating product, be it an AHA/BHA toning solution, a physical scrub or even an exfoliating mask. Whatever you have on hand that will slough away dead skin cells and reveal fresh new skin"
Now is the time to treat your skin for what it needs with a single mask treatment or mix and match to target a few concerns at once- if you have the product means at hand.
We like to use an oil absorbing clay or mud mask such as MARA Volcanic Clay Masque on areas that need it, and a hydrating mask e.g., Circumference In-Depth Hydration Mask everywhere else- including neck and décolleté. We also love some Joanna Vargas undereye sheet masks to de-puff and brighten the eye area.
Follow the leave time instructions on your specific mask, erring on the longer side, because remember- we’re taking the time here. Make a pot of tea, chill out, and when you’re ready wash your mask off with a warm face cloth, spritz your skin with your hydrating facial mist, ready for your next step.
We’ve cleansed, exfoliated, massaged and masked- w'ere on the home stretch. Now is the time to apply your chosen treatment serum, or two or three. Your skin will be extremely well prepped for optimal absorption, meaning all the active, nourishing, brightening ingredients your serum(s) may offer will sink into the skin and work their magic. Apply a few pumps of your serum, pressing the solution into your skin, and tapping your fingers lightly over face to push it in further.
If your skin is on the sensitive side- don’t use anything too active post facial, opt for a soothing hydrating solution. Adjust your serum according to the time of day. Vitamin C for day, Retinol for night. You know the drill. If you have a few favourite serums on hand and they layer well together- go for it.
If you have an eye cream or serum- now is the time to also gently finger tap this around your eyes.
This is the fun step- the one that feels like a loving gift to oneself. Especially if you’re a teeth grinder or hold tension in your jaw.
Facial massage has been used for centuries across many cultures to promote an ageless complexion. This nourishing step works to activate glow boosting micro circulation, while moving stagnant lymph, easing tension (a contributor to fine lines/wrinkles), and lifting and toning the face. A facial massage is easy to achieve, with either your fingers or a facial tool such as our INÈS gua sha.
For slip- we recommend applying your favourite oil first. There’s no wrong or right, just focus always on upwards sweeping movements, and circular motions with firm pressure. Repetition of movement, and continuous contact is key. Focus on your forehead, jaw line, cheekbones, around the eyes (gently) your neck and chest, and finish up with your scalp. Don’t forget the lymph nodes under your ears and along the sides of your neck.
This step is the absolute key to a DIY facial- enjoy it and take your time. You’ll have an instant rosy, healthy glow you can thank yourself for.
"This step is the absolute key to a DIY facial- enjoy it and take your time. You’ll have an instant rosy, healthy glow you can thank yourself for"
The grand finale. Lock in all the goodness you’ve just given yourself with a nourishing skin loving moisturiser. If you’re performing your facial at night, opt for a heavier formula that your skin will drink overnight, we love Josh Rosebrook Vital Balm. During the day- something more light weight is recommended, a la IS Clinical Reparative Moisture Emulsion. And don’t forget to follow up with SPF- in doors or not.
Et Voila! DIY facial done, and healthy skin radiance achieved.