5 often-ignored lessons on beauty and selfcare—from a beauty editor

My job as a beauty and wellness editor never bores me; I’m constantly learning and growing with it. I’ve spoken to everyone from colour cosmetologists and gut health experts to beauty entrepreneurs and alternative healing therapists. Visited makeup factories and jasmine farms to understand what goes inside your beauty product and how, and interviewed individuals who diversify the definition of beauty through their choices!  

I have spent more than a decade reading, writing, and dreaming of all things beauty. After familiarising myself with thousands of wonderful products, trends, expert advice, and constantly discovering something new here, I have (and continue to) gather many lessons, some that have stuck with me through time—especially the often-ignored nuances that get lost in the clutter of information and marketing strategies. Here are a few I would like to share 

There is a dark side to being squeaky clean

Lesson number one: don’t take ads that promise a ‘squeaky clean’ face too seriously. Over-cleansing is one of the most common mistakes people make—rubbing and scrubbing your face so it feels ‘squeaky clean’ is simply unacceptable. In doing so, not only are you damaging the skin barrier but also stripping the skin off its natural oils, causing an imbalance in your skin microbiome. Be gentle with your skin—emulsify the product in your hand, then gently massage it onto your face in circular motions—no rubbing. Always wash it off with cold water and pat dry. 

Less is enough and more  

Whether it comes to your skin or hair care routine or the amount of product you use (except sunscreen—always be generous with that!), you don’t need to follow a complicated 10-step routine or use too much of anything for it to work. A coin-sized amount of shampoo and conditioner is enough, face wash, even less. Your skincare routine can be stripped down to the essentials—cleanser, moisturiser, sunscreen in the day and the occasional retinoid at night. Skin likes consistency and routine—stick to what works for you instead of getting sucked into trying more. 

​Don’t ignore the back of the bottle 

Reading and understanding the ingredients that make up your glow-giving night cream will help you make the right choice. Every brand will tell you they have the best mascara or vitamin C serum, so it’s important to read the ingredient list to back up their claims, and do your research before you make them part of your routine. Try to avoid certain ingredients that can irritate your skin, like alcohol, oxybenzone (also harmful to coral life) and sulphates, and read up on banned ingredients overseas (because they may still be legal in your country). 

Sometimes, all you need are your fingers 

They’re free, easy to clean, and create the right amount of warmth to blend in your makeup product. I rarely use anything but my fingers to blend in my foundation, blush, eyeshadow and even my lipstick, which are most often liquid or cream-based, unless of course, I’m doing an artistic eye that requires all kinds of brushes for the intricacy. Using your fingers will also make you realise that a little product can go a long way. Try this: a little dot of liquid lippie on your upper and lower lip, then use your ring finger to smudge it along your lips for a lived-in effect and subtle touch of colour. 

Your gut does affect your skin (and mood!) 

While nothing can beat the joy that food brings, giving your gut healthy, wholesome foods that keep it happy will ensure your mind and skin reflect that state. Our gut and brain are derived from the same cells in the embryo, maintaining a healthy relationship between the two requires one to nourish both. We already know processed and high in sugar foods and low fibre diets don't do any good to our gut microbiome. Poor gut health leads to inflammation, thereby leading to impaired mental and physical health. Creating a healthy, balanced, gut ecosystem simply requires adding vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, legumes, lentils and berries in our diet. Afterall, you’re guaranteed to look and feel good if you fuel yourself the right way!