Gone are the days when using a single soap bar (from head to toe) would suffice as your grooming routine. Today, there are face washes, beard oils, shaving balms and everything in between to think about.
Don’t know where to start? No problem, here at Cult Beauty, we’ve got your complexion covered with our guide to building the best grooming routine – think
BEST SKIN CARE ROUTINE
Following a simple yet structured skin care regime is an essential part of any grooming routine. From targeting your common concerns (we’re talking everything from blemishes to redness) to leaving your face feeling soft and smooth, these steps are primed to keep your complexion happy, healthy and hydrated.
STEP ONE: CLEANSE
A key stage for both morning and night, cleansers allow you to melt the day away, diminishing any leftover dirt, debris, make up, SPF and more. Creating a clean canvas to optimise the results of the rest of your skin care products, they prevent clogged pores while balancing and maintaining your complexion’s pH levels.
How to use:dampen your face and rub a small amount of the formula onto your skin. Then rinse with lukewarm water.
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STEP TWO: TONE
While toning isn’t always necessary, it’s highly recommended. Taking your grooming routine to the next level, the featherweight formulas dissolve dead cells that your cleanser can’t always reach. Available in a variety of textures – from mists to waters – they also work hard to banish blackheads, balance skin tone and protect your barrier function.
How to use:soak a cotton pad or spritz the mist in an upwards motion from your nose to your forehead and across the brow line.
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STEP THREE: EXFOLIATE
Fun fact incoming… Did you know that on average humans shed around 50 million flakes of skin? With that in mind, it’s essential to keep your complexion looking fresh. How? By using a manual exfoliator two to three times a week to help remove the top layer of your epidermis. Opting for a manual formula rather than a chemical solution not only unclogs pores but also keeps blemishes and irritation at bay.
How to use: apply the exfoliator to a wet face using a gentle massaging motion, avoiding the eye area. Then rinse thoroughly with water. Use 2-3 times a week.
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STEP FOUR: SERUMS
Serving up some serious potent, problem-solving solutions, serums are made up of small molecules that target specific skin concerns – from fine lines and pigmentation to dullness and dryness. Plus, concentrated with active ingredients (such as vitamin E and hyaluronic acid), they protect from daily pollution to shield your complexion.
How to use: softly pat the serum into your skin, starting at the centre of your face and moving outwards to cover all areas.
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STEP FIVE: MOISTURISE
No matter your skin type, moisturising is a must. Why? Well, firstly, they quench your complexion’s thirst, flooding it with hydration. Secondly, these nourishing creams replenish the nutrients you may have lost through the previous steps of your grooming routine. And, last, but by no means least, they’re infused with barrier-building ceramides to enhance a subtle all over glow. Our top tip? Choose a moisturiser that suits your skin type – if you have oily skin select a light, matte finish moisturiser or if your face feels tight and dry, opt for a thicker, richer texture.
How to use: smooth all over your face and allow your skin to naturally soak it in.
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STEP SIX: EYE CREAM
We know what you might be thinking… If I’ve moisturised, why do I need to use an eye cream too? Well, it’s because the skin around your peepers is more delicate and thus requires more attention. Oh, and if that’s not enough, it works hard to hide last night’s antics too – getting rid of dark circles, puffiness and fine lines.
How to use: lightly pat the cream with your ring finger until the formula fully soaks into your skin.
SHOP ALL EYE CARE >>> STEP SEVEN: SPF
And for the final, and arguably most important, step, it’s time to slather on the sunscreen. Shielding your skin from damaging UV rays, SPF should be applied at least 15 minutes before being exposed to sunlight – whether that’s heading out the front door or sitting by the window at home. Want to know about the importance of applying SPF? Head over to our Ultimate Guide To Sunscreen for everything you need to know about keeping your complexion protected… Come rain or shine!
How to use: using the three-finger rule spread the sunscreen out evenly over your face (avoiding your eye area). Use before exposure to the sun and reapply daily to maintain protection.
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BEST BEARD CARE ROUTINE
If facial hair is your thing, then it’s important to give it some TLC during your grooming regime. Whether you’re sporting stubble or a fully-fledged beard, keep scrolling to discover the best beard care routine for your preferred style.
STEP ONE: WASH
Cleansing is the most important part of beard maintenance. Shampoo doesn’t just keep the hair clean, but the skin underneath it too. Regular washing helps to remove dust and dead skin, to prevent everything from ingrown hairs and clogged pores to itchiness and odours. But, it’s important to remember that the hair on your face is different to the hair on your head, which is why it’s crucial to use a specialist beard shampoo rather than your usual cleanser (or body wash). We recommend washing your beard two or three times a week – anymore and you’ll strip away too many of your natural oils and leave your beard and skin feeling (and looking) dry.
How to use: splash your beard with water and then massage a small amount of your specialist shampoo into your beard until it forms a lather. Then, rinse it out with water.
STEP TWO: EXFOLIATE
Warning: beard ‘ruff can strike at any time, so it’s important to incorporate a beard exfoliation into your grooming routine at least once a week. Think of it this way, just because hair is covering half of your face, that doesn’t mean the skin underneath should be neglected. Scrubbing this area helps to unclogs your pores while encouraging hair growth. The result? A happier, healthier and fuller beard.
How to use: thoroughly wet both face and beard with lukewarm water. Using a circular motion, gently massage the formula evenly onto both your beard – making sure it reaches the skin beneath. Rinse well with water.
STEP THREE: MOISTURISE
After cleansing your beard, the next important step is to replenish its natural oils. The best way to do this is by using a balm or oil. Working hard to hydrate both your skin and hair, they prevent itchiness during the growth phase while keeping dreaded dandruff at bay. How much of the moisturiser you use will depend on the length and thickness of your facial hair.
How to use: towel dry your beard, then apply the product onto the palm of your hands, before distributing evenly through your facial hair. Use daily, or twice a day depending on the dryness of the area.
STEP FOUR: COMB
Brushing through your beard boosts bountiful benefits. Not only does it stimulate the blood flow to the beard follicles to encourage hair growth, but it also tames and untangles your facial hair to help distribute its natural oils along the hair shaft. The best time to comb is after applying your balm or oil as the silky solutions prevent pulling and minimise breakages.
How to use: after applying your balm or oil, gently rake through your facial hair from top to tip with a beard comb.
STEP FIVE: SHAPE AND STYLE
Finally, style your beard as desired. If you’re confident enough to trim it from home, take your tools and trimmers to maintain your preferred shape and length.
How to use: trim your beard when it’s dry, as you’ll be able to see exactly where it needs trimming. Use your comb to coach everything into place and snip any stray hairs that stand out or hang over your lip. Use the naked guard on your beard trimmer or a razor to tidy up your neckline and cheek line for a polished finish.
SHOP ALL BEARD CARE >>> BEST POST SHAVE ROUTINE
A shaving routine shouldn’t end with the last razor stroke. Oh no, there’s still the post-shave steps to complete before you’ve aced your grooming routine.
STEP ONE: CLEANSE
Yes, we know this isn’t technically a ‘post’ shave step, but the prep is just as important either way. Cleansing your face and neck before hair removal will help soften hairs, making them easier to shift. Then once removed, make sure to wash your face with warm water to remove any stragglers and excess product that may be left over. Et voilà, now you shaving ritual is complete!
How to use: dampen your face and rub a small amount of the formula onto your skin. Then rinse with lukewarm water.
STEP TWO: SPLASH YOUR FACE WITH COLD WATER
Once your shaving ritual is complete, begin your post shave routine by rinsing your face with cold water. This is a great way to soothe irritation, not to mention making you feel refreshed for the day (or night) ahead.
How to use:let your tap run cold and splash your face with water hitting all areas – including your neck. Then gently pat your skin dry with a towel.
STEP THREE: APPLY POST-SHAVING BALM
Not to be confused with aftershaves (which are used for their fragrances), post-shaving balms hydrate and soothe your skin, counteracting the irritation which can occur during shaving. Incorporating a post-shave balm into your post-shaving routine can help avoid redness, dryness, and ingrown hairs.
How to use:use your fingertips to gently massage the balm into the areas you’ve just shaved to leave a light layer.
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So, there you have it…Now you can look and feel your best by simply upping your grooming game. It really is that easy!
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