Kassaundra Stephens is a Celebrity Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist based in Paris, France.
WHEN YOU IMPROVE THE TEXTURE AND OVERALL CONDITION OF YOUR SKIN, YOU WILL IMPROVE THE WAY YOUR MAKEUP LOOKS AND GET AWAY WITH WEARING LESS.
IT IS THAT SIMPLE!
As a makeup artist, I see skin up close and personal on a daily basis. There is a clear distinction when working with clients who have a regular exfoliation treatment program.
Their skin is smoother, less dry, and has a supple overall glow.
I always ask my (GOOD SKIN) clients what their skin care regime is. The answer always includes some form of deep exfoliation. Yes, good genes can play a roll, but my clients with great skin almost always mention their use of Retinoids, Glycolic Acids or some form of mechanical exfoliating treatments.
In my own skin regimen, I use Retinol .05% three times a week. On my off nights I layer Weleda Skin Food moisturiser over a Hyaluronic Acid. This routine really helps my skin recover from any dryness that the exfoliation causes.
I am a HUGE fan of Dermaplaning. I do mine at home with a medical grade blade, but I recommend starting with a professional until you get the hang of it.
Dermaplaning is a minimally invasive procedure that shaves away the top layers of your skin. Some people get dermaplaning to remove unwanted hair. Overall, it gets rid of flaky dead superficial skin.
I do this almost weekly and the difference I see when I apply my makeup is SIGNIFICANT!
Below are the products and regimen's that I recommend to anyone having their makeup done for photography . It is the same process from brides to red carpet events.
The sooner you can start the better, as sometimes there is an adjustment period with any exfoliation treatment.
Please do not forget to give your skin a break and to replenish by layering serum and moisturiser's.
HERE ARE MY RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
Number 1
Retin A, Retinol and Retinoids
I recommend starting with the .05%. Use a pea size portion once a week on clean, dry skin. As your skin adjusts to the product you can move to a higher percentage, using it more frequently.
Rentin A has stood the test of time. It's also a number one recommended product by dermatologists.
I've been using it for over 10 years and I can really see a difference in my skin clarity, pore size and overall freshness.
My makeup goes on smoothly and does not look cakey.
NUMBER 2
Alpha Hydroxy Daily Peel
Dr Dennis Gross has some of the finest products on the skin care market.
I‘ve tried several versions of his alpha hydroxy concoctions and I am completely won over by this line. It's relatively inexpensive and I saw a difference in my skin texture the following day.
As it is a chemical exfoliant, so you will you need to start with the lower strength pads if your skin is sensitive. This is a great option if you have never used alpha hydroxy formulas in the past.
If you are a seasoned veteran like myself, then you can use it every other day. I prefer Retin A and use Peel Pads once a month. Be sure to space out a few days and not to use them on the same day.
Remember to start slowly and take days off between Glycolic's and Retin A. You do not want to overdue it and end up with a reaction or overly dry skin.
The big, big plus with these products is that your makeup will look better and you will need less foundation.
Most of my clients are travelling and have just endured a long plane journey. After long hours on a plane, the skin tends to be dehydrated and flaky. Consider putting on a hyaluronic acid serum layered with a concentrated moisturiser. (See product recommendation's below)
Dr. Gross Peel Pad results
NUMBER 3
Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer
No one can deny the importance of a great moisturizer. It is especially crucial if you are using exfoliants.
You definitely want to avoid over drying the skin because too much of a good thing is still too much of a good thing. Below are a few of the benefits from my favorite hyaluronic serum.
✔️ SOFT AND REJUVENATED ASPECT: This facial serum visibly fills wrinkles and fine lines, smoothes the structure of the skin and revives lost elasticity. It prevents the development of new wrinkles and promotes an increase in the production of hyaluronic acid. An anti-wrinkle moisturizer suitable for women and men and a serum for the eye area.
✔️ ANTI-AGING TECHNOLOGY QUADRUPLE EFFECT: hyaluronic acid serum is extremely concentrated, contains multimolecular hyaluronic acid and has a fourfold effect against aging skin. Thanks to its deep penetration, this facial mask offers immediate and long-term improvements to the skin on multiple levels.
✔️ SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN EFFECTIVENESS: The powerful combination of highly concentrated active ingredients forms an effective complex, developed through scientific research, whose success has been demonstrated through long-term academic studies.
✔️ 100% SAFE: therefore, perfectly suitable for the care of the skin on the face and the neckline, as well as for the treatment of dark spots under the eyes and on the skin that surrounds them.
Elemental Care Hyaluronic Acid https://www.amazon.com/-/es/M006/dp/B07RWKVTYV
NUMBER 4
Weleda Skin Food
Weleda Skin Food is a ultra rich moisturiser. The collection contains aromatic plant extracts of Pansy, Chamomile and Calendula. There are several award winning products in this line from richer formulas to light.
I like to put the rich moisturiser on top of the hyaluronic acid anytime I travel by plane.
NUMBER 5
Omega 3 Oil and Evening Primrose Oil
Moisturizing externally is very important, but more than this we need to hydrate from within.
We all know about drinking 8 glasses of water per day, so the next step is to add a Omega 3 fish oil supplement as well as Evening Primrose Oil.
Omega 3 Fish Oil has many benefits. For me personally, I have seen a big difference with acne and overall hydration and suppleness of my skin.
When I stop using my Omega 3's, I can see the difference. Needless to say, I always go back!
In one small study, women who consumed around half a teaspoon (2.5 ml) of omega-3-rich flaxseed oil daily experienced a 39% increase in skin hydration after 12 weeks. Their skin was also less rough and sensitive than that of those in a placebo group.
Evening Primrose Oil also has a host of wonderful benefits including
helps to clear up acne. ...
helps to ease eczema. ...
helps to improve overall skin health. ...
helps to relieve PMS symptoms. ...
helps to minimize breast pain. ...
helps to reduce hot flashes. ...
helps to reduce high blood pressure. ...
helps to improve heart health.
Taking care of our health and skin is an act of self love!
I hope you can get use out of these recommendations. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Best wishes,
Kassaundra
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