Applying a primer, a foundation, concealer, and for a huge amount of people, resorting to a technique called baking has become the norm in the face makeup department, and we haven’t even included contouring, bronzing and highlighting. Then we proceed to apply the rest of our makeup, and only once everything is sealed with a foolproof setting spray, are we ready to take that perfect selfie. It goes without saying that our go-to filters are an integral part of the process, and some people go as far as to actually adjust and change their features and erase blemishes and other imperfections. Now, there is absolutely nothing wrong about playing with makeup. It should be used as a fun tool with which we express our personality, mood and creativity.

However, the one thing makeup should not be is a shield behind which to hide. The emphasis is, and always should be on nourishing your skin to perfection, so even when you’re bare-faced, you have the confidence not only to trust around town, but actually let the virtual world see you in your full makeupless glory. And how does one achieve that photo-ready skin? It takes dedication and just the right steps, but trust us, there is nothing difficult about it.

The Glow Prerequisite



Many women out there are still not convinced of the important role exfoliation plays in the process of getting that perfect complexion. Dead skin cells that stay on top of your skin don’t only prevent your skin from breathing, but also clog the pores and the result is lifeless, dull skin. This is particularly visible when using a camera, as you will notice that your skin has become opaque and doesn’t reflect light. In order to shed those dead cells and reveal the radiance that lies beneath, exfoliate two to three times a week. Everything more than that can actually cause irritation and inflammation of the skin, as overzealous exfoliation can actually strip your skin of the natural oils since the dead cells haven’t had time to surface.

All The Right Foods



The connection between the gut and skin is one that cannot be denied, and a dehydrated body can be spotted from a mile away as when you’re dehydrated on the inside, it reflects on your appearance as well. Insufficient water intake definitely takes a toll on your skin, makes it dull and dry-looking, so it’s vital to maintain your water intake, and if plain water is ‘boring’ there are tons of water-rich foods that are delicious and that will, in the long run, pay off big time, so choose your favorites and don’t hold back.

Pick Your Tools Wisely



One of the most common mistakes we make is choosing the wrong skincare for our concerns, skin type as well as our age. Therefore it is paramount to rectify this mistake and how does one go about it? First, you need to establish what your skin type is. Then, you go and look for the best skincare products for your type, and if you’re dealing with acne-prone skin, hyperpigmentation and other issues, choosing wisely is all the more important. Arm your bathroom cabinet with everything from the right cleanser and toner, makeup remover, serum, moisturizer, all custom-picked and personalized to cater to your specific needs.

Be Diligent



Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was great skin. It takes good products and plenty of diligence to get your skin where it needs to be. This is why, rain or shine, you should never skip on your skincare rituals and proper steps, both evening and morning ones. The evening calls for a double cleanse, toning, overnight serum, moisturizer, and mornings are a tad breezier as you can get away with a quick wash, daytime serum and an SPF rich moisturizer, and you’re almost ready to go.

The reason nighttime routine is more extensive is because we usually have makeup that needs to be thoroughly removed at the end of the day, and let’s not even get started on the external pollutants that attack our skin constantly. In addition to that, it’s vital not to give up on your products if they don’t work magically within the timespan of two minutes – think of great skin as a marathon, not a sprint; do your best, take it slow and trust in your products as they will deliver. Everything good takes time.

Camera Up!



Ok, once you’re skin is in spick and span shape, you can add a touch of makeup for that perfect no-makeup makeup look before snapping that perfect selfie, although when the time comes, you will be confident enough to go truly makeup-free. Sheer foundations and radiance-boosting tinted moisturizers are all the rage this season – the season of healthy glow, so snag one of those lightweight products and add an extra smidge of radiance to the skin. Apply some stick or liquid highlighter to the high points of the face, add a few coats of mascara and plump those lips with a touch of lip gloss and you are more than camera-ready.

Find that perfect light, hold the camera above you and point it slightly downward – this way you’ll capture your best angle perfectly, and snap away. Of course, feel free to adjust that pic to fit in with the rest of your Instagram feed in terms of saturation and exposure, but you will be pleasantly surprised with the fact that you don’t have to make any other adjustments. Happy snapping!