Dry skin? Enlarged pores? Don’t worry. Read on as our beauty editor rounds up some of the best skincare solutions to give your skin what it needs, and bring on bags of confidence!
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How To Cleanse Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin can easily become moisture-stripped by harsh ingredients. So opt for micellar water, which contains tiny cleansing agents known as micelles to help gently lift make-up away.
Our go-to? Garnier Skin Active Micellar Oil-Infused Cleansing Water, R89,95 for 400ml.
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A Hero Ingredient For Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, make sure to look for hyaluronic acid (HA) in your skincare items. It’s a molecule that holds 1 000 times its weight in water, so it plumps and hydrates super fast! A serum is a great way to get your HA fix as it’s most easily absorbed into the skin.
We love Vichy Aqualia Thermal Dynamic Hydration Power Serum, R555 for 30ml.
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Stop A Breakout
Charcoal is a wonder ingredient for breakout-prone skin – it draws out oil and impurities to help create the appearance of a smoother complexion. Try a mask for serious de-gunking results.
Great to try is the classic Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask from The Body Shop, R345 for 75ml, which provides a satisfying tingle upon application.
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Minimise Large Pores
Large pores give skin an uneven look and can become clogged with debris. You can’t really close a pore back up, but skincare with salicylic acid will help get rid of the oil build-up that enlarges them and smooth out skin texture.
Dermaquest Dermaclear Pads, R650 for 50 pads uses 2% salicylic acid in serum-soaked pads to seriously smooth skin while a drop or two of Bobbi Brown Remedies Skin Clarifier No. 75 Pore & Oil Control serum, R695 for 14ml, uses salicylic-rich willow bark extract to encourage quicker cell-turnover.
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How To Stay Shine-Free All Day Long
If a pressed powder is a no-go for your oily skin, try a mattifying primer instead. After cleansing, spread a layer over your face, press it in and leave to set for a minute. Make-up will last twice as long on your T-zone.
We love new Benefit The POREfessional Hydrate Primer, R495 for 22ml.
Brighten Up Dull-Looking Skin
A wide-awake glow is easy to fake with a multipurpose radiance booster. Spread a thin layer over cheeks and forehead, then, after applying your base, blend a little onto your cheekbones, brow bone and the tip of your nose.
Clarins Beauty Flash Balm, R580 for 50ml, not only contains smoothing witch hazel but gives a lovely and natural-looking luminous finish to the skin, too.
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