We all have that friend with baby-soft, smooth skin that we admire/want to murder in her sleep. She’s the one who walks into a room without a trace of makeup on, her face glowing, while you sit there with caked on foundation, grumbling about how unfair the world is. Now, while genetics does play a role, good skin is entirely possible to have with the right habits, and if you’ve been slacking off with your skincare routine it’s going to come back to bite you in the bum. If you want to have a clear face and soft skin, it’s time you’ve learned a few tricks.


Always remove your makeup



Oh, but I only have mascara on, I’m sure it’s fine. Oh, I’m too tired, I just want to sleep. I’ll do it in the morning. Those excuses are a road to dirty, inflamed skin that’s full of pimples and looks lifeless and dull. You really need to take your makeup off before bed, every single time, no exceptions. Even if it was minimal, because those small traces of the tinted moisturizer you used will not only clog your pores, but make your pillowcase dirty too, so you’ll end up with acne caused by bacteria.

Wash your face thoroughly

After you’ve removed your makeup with micellar water or lotion, you need to wash it properly to really get rid of the sweat and the dirt. A gentle cleanser is ideal here because harsh products can dry out your skin and you shouldn’t use them unless you consult with a dermatologist first.


Moisturize religiously 



This is the mistake that girls with oily skin make all the time. Hey, I’m already an oil slick, why would I want to add even more to that grease? Well, because moisturizing properly can actually help keep your face more matte. Constantly washing your face without replenishing the moisture can lead to overproduction of sebum as your skin tries to adjust, and that’s why your skin gets so shiny and gross sometimes. Moisturizing is essential for all skin types.

Do a scrub once a week

This is a really important step because we live in a very polluted environment and dirt will pile up on our face and give it a weird texture that can make even our foundation look bad. Smooth your skin with a good exfoliator like the Cosmedix Purity Detox Scrub, and you’ll feel how soft it is right after. Why do we do this in the evening? Because exfoliation leaves our skin sensitive and it’s not a great idea to scrub your face and then go out and spend time in the sun. Right before bed, however, is pretty perfect.


Use a face mask



There’s one for every single skin type, and it’s the perfect way to target specific issues and give yourself a nice, hydrating treat. You can make your own, or check out drugstore brands that usually come in many varieties. Do it once a week and you’re going to make your skin really happy.

Stay hydrated

We can’t have good skin if we treat it just from the outside. What we put in our bodies matters a lot, and one of the most important things for a clear, smooth face is drinking water. Pair this with a healthy diet and you can make sure that even problems such as hormonal acne will be significantly reduced.

Find a way to let go of stress


Stress is something that’s even more harmful than you may think. It can affect everything, from mental to physical health, and it can contribute to hormonal shifts and the worsening of our skin conditions. You want a radiant, beautiful face? Then learn how to take care of yourself, how to take care of every last bit of you. Always take time to do the things you love – read, exercise, listen to music, whatever makes you happy.
So, the next time you feel desperate over the state of your skin, consider changing your habits and implementing a good beauty routine. And please, for the love of all that is good and holy, don’t compare yourself to the airbrushed people in magazines. Having pores doesn’t imply your skin is bad, so simply learn how to take care of it and enjoy your beauty.




The author
Amy Mia Goldsmith is an Aussie blogger in love with fashion,  beauty, and style. Her mission is to inform the world of all the things she loves and enjoys. She is a contributor at High Style Life.  You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter.