In today's first of the monthly Skin Elxiir Nourish the skin you're in monthly guest blog spot we hear from Parisienne MUA Caroline Barnes:

Spring is just round the corner, yeahh!!!

So many things to look forward to, from nature coming to life again to being able to go back to some sort of normality and who knows dream of a cheeky holiday this summer. I think we all deserve it. But let’s not forget what is the most important, ourselves! Hopefully warmer days are in the horizon so it’s time to prepare our skin. Here are my top tips to get the perfect glow this Spring!

1. Exfoliate

You must of heard it a million times, but exfoliating your skin regularly will lead you to a brighter, clearer complexion that enables products to seep into pores easier.

Over time, stimulating the skin renewal process by getting rid of dead skin cells will help to promote collagen production, which is helpful for minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as leaving your skin plumped and glowy.

I am loving the Upcircle coffee face scrub – Citrus blend great for dry skin and they also have one for oily complexion. If you don’t know this brand you should try it as they repurpose ingredients like coffee grounds and make them into amazing skincare. 100% organic, vegan and sustainable.

My skin feels noticeably smoother and brighter. It also contains citrus oil which will keep your skin moisturise even after the action of the scrub.

I then like to massage a couple of drops of the Magnificent night oil from Skin Elixir with the Jade Face Roller. It’s like receiving a luxurious spa treatment but in the comfort of your own home!

2. Wear SPF

 Another classic tip and so important to the skin.

After the year we’ve had, I’m sure you are looking forward to sitting outside with a glass of wine and get a bit of colour on your skin but we mustn’t forget the long term damage this can cause. Whether you are into skincare or not, wearing an SPF is the best way to prolong healthy, glowy skin.

Look at formula that offers broad-spectrum protection to guard against UVA rays (The ones that cause premature ageing) and UVB rays (one of the main causes of skin cancer).

You can find SPF in moisturisers and/or foundations. It usually says it on the front of the product.

3. Bronzer

 As we come out of winter our skin may look on the pale side so if fake tan is not for you then bronzer is a great way to get that healthy glow. Whether it’s matte, cream or illuminating bronzer that brings you joy, a good bronzer should spark your natural warmth and add a little “zing” to your face and skin anytime of the year.

Cream based textures give natural, skin-like finish.

Applying a thin layer on the forehead, cheeks and bridge of the nose with a blending/blusher brush will give you a healthy, natural glow.

Regarding choosing the right shade, look at your skin colour. You don’t want to end up more terracotta than tanned.

The Charlotte Tilbury, Airbrush Bronzer is finely milled and melts into the skin. The colour choice is great too.

The Guerlain Terracotta is a classic bronzer that never goes out of fashion.

Talking of fashion if you want to try something new, the brand Milk offers cream bronzer 100% vegan, Paraben-free and cruelty free.

 4. Invest in a skincare mist

 Have you heard a lot about face mists and setting spray, and wondered what all the hype is about?

Face mists are typically known for their moisturising abilities as it attracts moisture at the surface of the skin, leaving it plumped and radiant and can also offer sun protection or add shimmer to give your skin a glow.

I remember using it on a plane, during a long haul flight when my skin felt tight. It was an instant moisture boost. I felt refreshed too.

Applied on top of your moisturiser, it leaves a nice natural glow. You can also use it during or after your makeup to set it and make it last longer.

I love the Prep & Prime Fix + spray from MAC Cosmetics or the Beauty Elixir from Caudalie.

5. Clean your makeup brushes

A British study found that 72% of women never wash their brushes or sponges, even though they collect dirt and bacteria which can cause breakouts; not what you want when you’re trying to get better skin.

You should wash your brushes every 3/4 weeks, depending how often you use them.

Pour a couple of drops of shampoo or washing up liquid in the palm of your hand, wet your brush and gently remove all the dirt by doing circular motions. Rinse it thoroughly. Let it dry FLAT on some tissues, overnight preferably so they ready to use the next day.

Otherwise if you can also buy a brush cleansing mat and repeat the same movements.

About Caroline Barnes MUA

Looking after my skin is as important to me as how my makeup looks. I use makeup to enhance certain features of my face, not hide them. 

Guiding women to see makeup in a different way and making them feel more confident is what I love doing. That’s why part of my service is makeup lessons. You maybe feel stuck in a makeup routine, don’t wear a lot of makeup but would like to learn new techniques or want to know what to do with what is in your makeup bag. 

1:1 makeup lesson are ideal to learn new tips and tricks and gain confidence in the same time, in the comfort of your own home. With lockdown, I had to adapt so the lessons can be done online too! 

Caroline's offer to you:

I would like to offer £10 off 1:1 makeup lessons to all Shona’s readers.

All you have to do is to quote SPRING BLOG when contacting me on carolinebarnesmua@gmail.com.

You can also find me on Instagram