Beauty Spot. Beauty Rules

Wash your make-up off every day

This may be the last thing you feel like doing at the end of a long day, but make-up, pollution and sunscreen all wreak havoc on our skin overnight. At the very least a warm washcloth over the face followed by moisturiser will do you the world of good. At best, cleanser, serum, a night mask and you’re basically an angel.

Exfoliate

Gently removing dead skin cells not only makes skin look brighter it helps the absorption and effectiveness of topical skin care. Regular exfoliation can also help prevent clog pores, which means fewer breakouts. Try – Pure Fiji Coconut Exfoliating Scrub with Papaya and Pinepple Enzyme.

Double cleanse

Using an oil-based cleanser followed by a foam or gel cleanser has a multitude of benefits. The first step dissolves stubborn make-up and build-up within the pores while the second step ensures skin is squeaky clean but not stripped of moisture. Remember always rinse your face with tepid water as hot water can compromise the skin barrier. Try – Summit Vanuatu Sandalwood, Tamanu & Coconut Natural Soap

Know your skin type

Oily skin reacts differently to certain product than dry flaky skin so it’s important to determine your skin type before building an effective skincare routine. An easy trick is to wash the face with a gentle cleanser, pat dry and leave it for 30 minutes. If the skin looks shiny all over, you have oily skin. Only shiny on the T-zone? Combination skin. If it feels tight and dull you have dry skin and if it’s itchy and irritated, you are the (maybe not so proud) owner of sensitive skin. –

Add Vitamin C

With so many different skincare options available choosing something that’s right for your skin can be a daunting prospect however introducing a product that contains Vitamin C is pretty good bet. This powerful antioxidant protects against free radical damage, evens skin tone and promotes collagen production. Winning! Try – Nama Fiji Gel Serum

Less is more

Maximalism may be having a fashion moment but there’s no reason to apply this to your beauty routine. Slathering your face in a multitude of serums, creams and potions can do your skin more harm than good. Always do your research before starting a new skincare routine – retinol products, for example, should only be used in the evening when sun exposure is lowest – and when in doubt stick to simply cleansing and moisturising. Try – Mailelani Samoa Frangipani & Lau Ti Organic Coconut Body Oil

Love your hair

Whether we’re trying to curl it, iron it into submission or dye it a radical shade of pink, hair gets a hard time of it. Consider working with your hair not against it. Embrace that texture, treat it regular to trims and stay within three shades of your natural colour for flattering and less damaged locks. Try –- Fiji Spice Queen Body & Hair Oil Cardamon and Nutmeg.

Beauty myths

Shaving makes your hair grow back quicker. Lies! Shaving may give facial or body hair a blunt tip as it grows back but it cannot change the colour, thickness or rate of growth of hair.

Don’t use oil on oily skin. Although it may seem contradictory a good facial oil can help all skin types stay soft and supple. Excess oil is often caused by lack of moisture so keeping skin hydrated can be a good way to manage oily skin. You don’t need eye cream. False. The skin around the eyes is fragile and more prone to dryness. That soft skin is also prone to wrinkles, under eye bags and dark circles. All these

concerns can be addressed with a good eye cream. You don’t need sunscreen on cloudy days. You do! Remember prevention is better than a cure. Wear sunscreen every single day. It’s the number one thing you can do to prevent sun damage and pigmentation.

Toothpaste makes pimples go away. Toothpaste contains harsh chemicals that can make breakouts even more inflamed. Products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide are best for treating spots.

Washing your face with cold water reduces pores. This is another fallacy. There’s no way to shrink pores but keeping skin clean and exfoliated can reduce their appearance. Expensive skincare is superior. You needn’t spend a fortune to be a kind to your skin. There’s a reason French pharmacy brands are so loved by beauty experts, they’re cheap and effective. There are plenty of brands with active ingredients like retinol or hyaluronic acid for hydration.

Celebrity secrets

Elle Macpherson “I maintain my mediation program and drink three litres of water a day”.

Christy Brinkley “I start every day by exfoliating my face”.

Cate Blanchett “Anything that you can do to remove stress will give you a better glow”.

Olivia Palermo “Stay out of the sun, drink lots of water. Also, eat lots of berries; they’re full of antioxidants.”

Jennifer Lopez “The number one tip is to get lots of sleep: I always make sure I get at least 8 hours”.

Jennifer Aniston “I do infrared saunas a couple of times a week right after I do the gym