The dos and don’ts of perfect skin

It’s one step we tend to neglect, but buffing away old skin cells can brighten your complexion and leave it feeling refreshed. Experts suggest gently exfoliating with a face scrub around two to three times a week

Try these:

• Frank Body Everyday Clearing Face Scrub, $20.95 at Farmers
• Essano Vitamin C Exfoliating Scrub, $13.49 at Chemist Warehouse
  

Vitamin C is known as the go-to active for targeting dullness and uneven tone. Luckily, it’s easy to get hold of, with the super-ingredient currently saturating the serum market. However, if you really want to step up your glow game, look for vitamin C in cleansers and masks for an added boost.

Make sure to include liqourice and bearberry extracts, plus arbutin in your ingredients checklist as these contain actives with a great reputation for skin-brightening.

Try these:

• L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Vitamin C Cleanser, $19.99 at Chemist Warehouse
• Skin Republic Brightening Vitamin C Face Mask, $8.99 at Chemist Warehouse
  

This is the one step in your skincare routine you should never skip. Think of moisturiser like a protective barrier for your complexion, keeping it healthy and hydrated, and the key to fighting the signs of premature ageing.

However, there’s a fine line between applying any old moisturiser and using the right one for you. As skin matures, formulas that combine rich hydration with ingredients that support firmness and elasticity can make all the difference. Look for creams designed for mature skin that replenish moisture, strengthen the skin’s hydration barrier and help visibly lift the complexion while reducing the appearance of age spots over time.

This tip will come as no surprise. Applying SPF every single day (and reapplying if spending time in direct sunlight) is vital for healthy skin.

But can it really help with adding extra glow? The answer is yes! Patches of pigmentation can dull your complexion, so make sure to slap on the SPF to keep up your year-round sparkle.

Editor’s tip: Spritz your face with a hydrating mist for an SPF top-up throughout the day.

Try these:

• Mecca Max Screen Saver Facial Sunscreen SPF 30, $31 at Mecca
• Coola Classic Face Mist Sunscreen SPF 50, $66.99 at Chemist Warehouse
  

A quality highlighter is key to luminous skin. For a subtle look, a gentle dusting of a powder formula works wonders – or simply mix a liquid-based highlighter with your regular foundation for a low-key finish. If you want to make more of a statement, a cream-based formula works best.

Apply over your cheekbones and sweep up towards the temple, then dab over the bridge of your nose and finish with a gentle dot on your Cupid’s bow.

Try these:

• Ilia Beauty Lightshift Cream Highlighter, $79 at Mecca
• MCoBeauty Powder Highlighter, $23.99 at Chemist Warehouse
• L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Glass Highlighter Stick, $26.99 at Chemist Warehouse
  

If you need some glow on the go, you can replace your highlighter with a lip balm. It might sound odd, but this simple trick can give your complexion the soft glow it needs – and is easy to do without a mirror too! It’s best to avoid tinted balms, so use a clear-look formula for a natural finish.