Everyone wants the look of fresh dewy (not to be confused with oily) skin. One free of flaws and hyperpigmentation and not in need of concealer or foundation. Truth is it’s attainable, but the other part of that truth is that it takes diligence and time. For those of us willing to take the time to care for our skin, I salute you/us/we??

Ever hear your friends (or you utter these words as well) say they were so tired they slept in their makeup? I’m sure we’ve all done this at least once in our lives but let me tell you why this is NOT the way you’re going to get the skin you want.

Your skin needs to breathe. It needs air. Yes, there are mineral makeup brands out there that brag you can sleep in it but let’s face it, your face feels different with makeup on and without it. This “feeling” is what I’m talking about. You can FEEL when your face is clean and breathing and you can feel when it’s not. However, let’s pretend that you don’t mind leaving your foundation, powder, bronzer, and blush on. Let’s also pretend that there is makeup out there so perfect that it will in fact never make you break out even if you never wash your face and let it breathe again. What about eye makeup?

Did you know that one of the reasons that you’re supposed to dab eye cream under and around your eyes with your ring finger is because its the weakest finger on your hand? This is because the skin underneath and around your eyes is so delicate and thin that it needs to be cared for in a particular way. Did you know that the skin is so thin that in fact the eye makeup that you were too tired to take off at night can be absorbed leaving a stain that looks like under-eye circles? Neutrogena wipes people!!

With all that being said (little food for thought and a springboard for my suggestions) I’d like to point out that you don’t have to buy the most expensive skincare line out there. You simply must dedicate time to properly wash and moisturize your skin.

Start small, say, Dove soap. Washes your makeup off, cleanses your skin, leaves it feeling clean but not dry. Moisturize, maybe with Aveeno or Neutrogena. They’re light and moisturize and keep your skin from feeling greasy. Let’s not neglect those peepers. How about an inexpensive but quality choice like Clinique’s All About Eyes or Even Better Eyes?

No matter what brand you use just make sure that you use something to keep your skin looking radiant. Before you know it all you’ll reach for on a sizzling summer day are sunglasses and lip gloss.