PacoTurf

Beauty & skincare are a lot like baking—get the right ingredients, mix them in the right order, and, with a little bit of time and patience, you’ll end up with something magical. On the flip side, mess it up, and you’re stuck with a less-than-perfect result. But don’t worry—whether you’re after a natural, no-makeup glow or looking to slay the full glam look, achieving that flawless, radiant skin doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s break it down.

1. Get on a Skincare Routine—And Stick to It

I cannot stress this enough. Skincare is like that one friend who keeps asking you to work out, eat veggies, and drink more water. At first, you ignore them. But then, slowly, you notice you actually feel better—and start looking better too. When it comes to beauty and skincare, consistency is your best friend. If you stick to a daily routine, you’re halfway there.

I learned the hard way that skipping steps in my routine doesn’t work. Cleansing, toning, moisturizing—start there. Cleansing gets rid of all the gunk—dirt, oil, and that weird sticky stuff that clings to your skin after a day in the city. After that, a toner can help reset your skin’s pH (whatever that is… it sounds official, though). Then—moisturize! Trust me. Your skin will thank you later, especially if you live in a dry climate like I do.

Don’t forget to exfoliate a couple of times a week. This is like a mini spring cleaning for your face. Dead skin? Gone. Dull complexion? Revived. But hey, don’t overdo it. Scrubbing your face like you’re cleaning a greasy pan is only going to irritate your skin. (Been there, done that, and now my face is permanently mad at me.)

2. Know Your Skin Type—You’re Not Everyone Else

I used to think my skin was “just fine.” But it turns out, it was more “confused” than anything. Skin types are real, and they matter. There’s oily, dry, combination, and sensitive—so before you try the latest TikTok beauty trend, take a second to figure out what your skin is actually doing.

If you’ve got oily skin, mattifying products are your besties. If you’re rocking dry skin like me (ugh, the struggle), you need hydration like a thirsty person at a desert oasis. For sensitive skin, I’d recommend avoiding anything too harsh. Trust me on this one; I once used a fancy face mask that made my skin redder than my sunburn from last summer. RIP, glow.

Fun fact: Did you know that, way back in the 1800s, people thought lemon juice could “fix” all skin problems? Yikes. Anyway, today, we have much better options, like gentle serums and soothing moisturizers.

3. Sunscreen is Non-Negotiable

I don’t care how cloudy it is outside or how good that new foundation feels. If you don’t wear sunscreen, you’re asking for trouble. It’s like playing Russian roulette with your skin’s health. My mom used to say, “You don’t see the damage now, but in 20 years, it’ll catch up with you.” She wasn’t wrong. Now, every morning, I slather on sunscreen like it’s my job. And trust me, it’s not just for summer. That SPF is your shield 365 days a year, rain or shine.

Here’s the kicker—did you know you can still get UV damage through windows? Yeah. So, even if you’re just chilling inside, the sunscreen still goes on first. Pro tip: Get a sunscreen that works under makeup. I personally use one that has a little tint, which not only protects but evens out my skin tone. Double whammy.

4. Hydrate Like You’re a Cactus in the Desert

Water. Water. Water. You’ve heard it all before. But—here’s the twist—I’m not just talking about drinking it (although, yes, do that). I mean putting it in your skin. I make it a point to drink at least 8 glasses a day. (Except when I forget, then I guzzle three cups in 10 minutes, and feel like I’m gonna burst.)

But it’s more than just drinking enough water. Foods rich in antioxidants (hello, berries!) and fatty acids (thank you, salmon) can do wonders for your skin too. My neighbor Tina swears that her kale patch cured her Zoom fatigue—and she’s not wrong. If you’re looking to boost that inner glow, try to add more plant-based foods, healthy fats, and vitamin-packed fruits to your diet. Maybe don’t expect immediate results, though. It’s like waiting for a sourdough starter to rise. Sighs.

5. Be Gentle with Your Skin—Seriously

I get it. Sometimes you just wanna scrub the day off. But please—don’t. Treat your skin like it’s fragile. No need for rough washes or scrubbing your face like you’re cleaning a cast-iron skillet. Be gentle, y’all.

When I first started taking skincare seriously, I treated my face like it was a dirty dish—scrubbing like a madwoman. Guess what? My face didn’t like that. It turned red. It got irritated. And no one wants that. Use a soft towel or just pat your face dry. And always use lukewarm water, not boiling hot, unless you’re trying to turn your face into a lobster.

6. Sleep Like You’re Getting Paid for It

Sleep isn’t just for the lazy—it’s for the flawless. Sleep is when your skin goes into repair mode. Think of it as a nightly spa treatment, but you don’t have to do anything. Just close your eyes and let your skin do its thing. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve woken up after a solid night’s sleep, looked in the mirror, and thought, “Who’s that glowing goddess?”

One thing I learned—don’t skimp on your pillowcase. Invest in a silk one. My cotton ones used to leave my face creased like I’d just been through a wrinkle factory. But now, with silk, I wake up to smooth skin (and I’ll leave the rest of the drama for the day).

7. Pick Makeup That Loves Your Skin

Makeup can be magical—when it plays nice with your skin. But when it doesn’t, it’s like a bad relationship. So, I’ve learned to be picky about what I put on my face. Primer is a must, folks. If you’ve got oily skin, go mattifying. If your skin’s on the dry side, get a hydrating one. Don’t skip this step—it’s like the foundation of a house. Without it, everything falls apart.

Foundation? Be picky here too. Find one that actually matches your skin tone—not too light, not too dark. And blend. Blend. And then blend again. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that blending is where the magic happens. Otherwise, you might as well walk around with a stripe of foundation on your face.

8. Manage Stress—It Shows in Your Skin

Stress is sneaky. It creeps in, and before you know it, your skin is breaking out, looking dull, and just… tired. Trust me, I’ve been there. My first job out of college? Breakout city. My face looked like a teenager’s nightmare, and no amount of concealer could hide it.

Anyway, here’s the kicker: stress messes with your skin. So, take care of yourself. Go for a walk, meditate, or treat yourself to a bubble bath. Whatever calms you down, do it. Your skin will thank you.

9. Clean Your Makeup Tools—Don’t Be Gross

This one’s easy, but I’ll admit, I used to forget. Brushes and sponges are like little petri dishes for bacteria. Clean them regularly, like once a week, using a gentle brush cleaner or baby shampoo. I learned this after one too many breakouts from using dirty brushes. Plus, your makeup will apply better if your tools are fresh. Think of it as cleaning your kitchen tools before cooking dinner. It just makes everything smoother.

Wrap-Up

If you’re still reading, you’ve officially got the lowdown on how to achieve a flawless look with the right beauty and skincare routine. Sure, it’s not all about the products, but a little consistency goes a long way. And if you can manage to keep stress at bay, stay hydrated, and wear sunscreen like it’s your job, you’ll be well on your way to glowing skin in no time. Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way.