Moisturizers are the final stage in a cleansing program and help restore the moisture loss caused by the drying effects of sunlight, central heating, wind, cold, and pollution. A good daytime moisturizer should contain a sunscreen and will be easily absorbed into the skin. If it leaves an oily film on the surface, it will be difficult to apply makeup on top. At night, you can use a richer, more nourishing cream since this is when your skin most readily absorbs moisture.
Choose a moisturizer to suit your skin (see above, right). Place five small dots of moisturizer on your face and neck (one on each check, one on the forehead, one on the chin, and one the neck). Using your fingertips, distribute the moisturizer evenly all over the face and neck. Always be careful not to use too much moisturizer-the skin can absorb only a certain amount at one lime.Dot moisturizer over the face and nech to help you distribute it more evenly. Stroke the moisturizer gently into the skin using light circular movements. Avoid the eye area, which needs to be treated specially. Wait at least five minutes before applying makeup to give the moisturizer time to be absorbed by the skin. If you put makeup on too soon after moisturizing, it will begin to “glide” off your face.
Choosing a Moisturizer
Normal skin – Light creams or lotions, with an added sunscreen.
Dry shin – Protective cream fonnulas, with an added sunscreen.
Combination or oily shin – Very light, non-oily formulas, with an added sunscreen; should also be noncomedogenic (will not block pores).
Sensitive shin – Hypoallergenic creams, with an added sunscreen.
Night TREATMENT – All skin types should use a richer, more nourishing formula than their daytime moisturizer.