WITH parties and socials in full swing for the summer, putting your best face forward is essential. But too many women focus on popular make-up lines, forgetting that healthy skin is real foundation for any look. Dermatologist Dr Patricia Dunwell shares some do’s and don’ts to help optimise the relationship between your skin and make-up.

Wash your make-up brushes

If you powder your nose with the same dirty brushes weekly, don’t be surprised if you see a pimple or two popping up. These tools carry bacteria, oil and dead skin cells if not washed often.

In our acne-prone society, Dunwell says that using dirty brushes on open pores, broken skin or lesions can lead to various skin infections. Sharing eyeshadow brushes can also transfer pink eye. She recommends washing them once per week, leaving them to sun-dry, which helps to keep the bacteria at bay. Not only does this extend the life of your tools but it also allows for better application.

Exfoliate your skin

Cakey make-up can actually be the result of applying powder to rough, flaky skin and not a heavy hand. Oily skin can act as a glue that holds dead skin cells to the surface of your face. The result: A build-up that clogs pores and can lead to acne.

“When you exfoliate, you provide a smoother surface for the make-up to be applied,” says Dunwell.

This will improve your skin tone and make you appear more radiant.

Apply make-up to clean, moisturised skin

Some make-up products, particularly those that are matte, can dry out your skin. Dunwell says that using a moisturiser can improve the health of your skin and prevent an ashy look. It keeps your skin’s oil levels regulated and reduce overproduction of oil. Apply a moisturiser of your choice after you cleanse, as it is better absorbed by open pores, but wait for your pores to close before applying your products. Moisturised skin also increases the durability and longevity of your make-up.

Use the right products for your skin type

Educating yourself on your skin type before choosing skin care and make-up products will save you a lot of time and money. Use an oil-free moisturiser on oily and acne-prone skin and any water-based liquid foundation or concealer with a matte powder. Sensitive skin requires hypoallergenic and non-comedic make-up. To test if the product is right for your skin, Dunwell suggests that you put a drop of the liquid foundation into a glass of water. If it falls to the bottom, the oil content is low and ideal for oily skin. If it floats, the oil content is high and can be used on dry skin.

Don’t keep products forever

Like food, your make-up products have varying shelf lives. Mascara expires four months after opening due to bacteria build-up on the brush from constant opening and closing. Lipstick, water-based foundation and concealer can be kept for 12 months, while oil-based foundation should be tossed out after 18 months. Dunwell warns that using expired products on your skin can lead to irritant dermatitis and in extreme cases, eczema.

Don’t go to bed in make-up

Tiredness should never be an excuse for crawling under the covers without removing your make-up. In an experiment, one English blogger decided to sleep in her make-up every day for a month. The result: she appeared to have aged almost 10 years.

A dermatologist’s analysis revealed that she had hyperpigmentation, broken veins, enlarged pores, wrinkles, and taut, lumpy skin. Using make-up remover along with your cleanser effectively removes all traces of foundation and even waterproof mascara. Dunwell recommends applying a moisturiser with antioxidants and Vitamins C and E nightly. The nutritional value will help to keep the skin healthy.

Don’t forget your primer

Ladies with oily skin tend to have a shiny T-zone (forehead, nose and cheeks) by midday if a primer is not applied. Silicone-based primers fill pores and create a barrier between the skin and the make-up, locking in your moisturiser and preventing oil from ruining your look. Dunwell adds that most primers are tinted and the dyes help to protect your skin from ultra violet rays. Primers also help in providing a smoother surface for make-up to be applied.

Don’t wear make-up all the time

On days you don’t have to go to the office or have important errands to run, give your skin some time to breathe and go without make-up. Dunwell agrees that this practice is healthy for the skin. It gives you the opportunity to not only evaluate your skin but also focus on nutrition and hydration, which play an integral role in the health of your skin.