How To Apply Face Cream Properly

Face creams have been used for centuries already. Using and applying face creams is essential for every skin type and for every age. Face creams protect the skin from the environmental aggressions, from dehydration and keep the skin healthy-looking. There are different creams that are formulated for different needs, there are regenerating face creams, emollient face creams, anti-aging face creams, hydrating creams, moisturizing face creams etc. All of them bring essential for the skin active ingredients and the epidermis remains fresh and elastic.
Common ingredients in face creams are – chamomile, honey, beeswax, minerals, vitamins, paraffin, glycerin, lanoline, castor oil, almond oil, olive oil, Vaseline, Aloe Vera fragrances and conservatives.

How to choose the perfect face cream for your skin:

The most important rule when choosing face cream is to make sure it is appropriate for your skin type and your skin’s needs. For example if your skin is dry you should look for a product that is specially designed for dry skin. The cream should be oily and well moisturizing and make sure it’s hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.
If you have oily skin prone to breakouts look for a less oily texture. There are great face creams for oily skin that not only keep the skin hydrated and fresh-looking but also absorb the excess oil from the skin’s surface and regulate the production of oil. Look for a matifying cream that is hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic (won’t clog pores).

Many of my clients ask me whether there is a difference between a face cream and a moisturizer. Face creams are thicker in texture than the moisturizers and contain more nourishing ingredients that repair and condition the skin. In other words face creams not only keep the skin well-hydrated but they also nourish and replenish it. Moisturizers also do a great work but their main aim is to moisturize the skin. Both moisturizers and face creams help retain moisture in the skin and boost its ability to protect itself from the environmental irritants.

The benefits of using and applying face creams are:

• protect the skin from the sun, wind, cold
• nourish the skin
• moisturize the skin
• comfort and plump the skin
• improve skin’s quality
• slow down the natural moisture loss
• prevent skin dehydration
• work as a day treatments
• create a base for the makeup application
• prevent dryness and cracking
• keep the skin smooth and supple

Step 1 Cleanse and tone your face
Always apply the face cream on cleansed and toned skin.Use a mild cleanser and wash your face with circular motions. Apply facial toner depending on your skin type to remove any excess oil, dirt or makeup residue. Let your face dry for a few minutes before you apply the cream, otherwise it will just slide right off your face.

Step 2 Apply the cream
Always wash your hands before applying any skin product or makeup product to prevent infection. Take appropriate amount of the cream with your fingertips (on the fourth finger) and apply it to the face, avoiding the eye area. Use an eye cream to moisturize and nourish the skin around the eyes. Dot the cream, an inch away from the eyes to avoid irritation. Starting with the centre of your face applying the product up and out to give your face a bit of a lift. Make sure you apply the cream evenly and massage it very lightly. Never rub the cream. If your have looks and feels too oily use a tissue to absorb the excess.
Step 3 Don’t forget your neck
Always apply moisturizer or face cream to your neck too. Stroke upward so that you don’t pull the skin down.

Useful tips:
• Always apply face cream or a moisturizer before applying the foundation even if your skin is oily.
• If your skin is prone to breakouts or is prone to acne choose a cream containing alpha hydroxy or benzoyl peroxide.
• A face cream should be applied daily , even if you aren’t going to apply makeup.
• always apply the cream to a clean and toned face.
• Always make sure your hands are clean before applying moisturizer, face cream or foundation.
• Select a products with SPF at least 15 to protect your skin from the harmful UVA/ UVB rays.
• You can wear a sunscreen over your cream.
• Make sure the cream is appropriate for your skin type.
• Don’t use heavy and too thick cream even if your skin is very dry.
• If your skin is oily select a oil-free and non-comedogenic matifying cream.
• If your foundation disappear within few hours of application, or drags when you blend it that means that probably your skin needs more moisture.
• Always apply calming or hydrating face cream after exfoliation, because exfoliating causes the skin to dry out and needs more moisture.
• Never use heavy creams or moisturizers around the eyes as these could irritate your eyes.
• The better the quality of your cream the more protection from dryness it will give you.
• Never keep your moisturizer, face cream or other skincare or makeup products in the bathroom as water may get in them, which can spread bacteria.
• Many brands offer day and night face creams that work together to achieve best results.
• Always make sure the cream is well-absorbed into the skin before you apply makeup.
• Choose a cream with sun protection (SPF 15 or higher) , specially during the summer months to prevent skin discoloration, brown spots, post-pimple scars and redness.

To learn more see also the articles:

How To Use And Apply Facial TonerВ

How To Use Facial Cleanser And How To Apply Facial Cleanser

How To Treat Brown Spots And How To Get Rid Of Brown SpotsВ

How To Use And How To Apply Facial Mask

Recommended Face Creams:

Nivea Visage Simply Glowing ($9) – Energizes your skin’s own natural radiance. With apricot extract and essential minerals.

Clinique Repairwear Day SPF 15 Intensive Cream ($47) – an all-day defense system that helps block and mend the look of lines and wrinkles while protecting skin against damaging UVA/UVB rays. Fuels a sustained antioxidant replenishment. Appropriate for all skin types.

EstГ©e Lauder ‘Hydra Complete’ Multi-Level Moisture Gel CrГЁme ($34) – Instantly quenches skin’s deepest thirst, and helps it adapt to the daily stresses of internal and external dehydration, keeps skin looking soft, smooth and absolutely revitalized.

Bobbi Brown Hydrating Face Cream ($45) –the hydrating face cream replenishes skin with the moisture it loses daily. Formulated with algae extract, a hydrating botanical, and kukui nut oil, a natural extract that effectively softens skin and prepares it for smooth, seamless makeup application.

Laura Mercier Moisturizer Cream with SPF 15 ($45) – Appropriate for everyday and for all skin types, including sensitive. Keeps skin pH balanced. Contains SPF 15 to protect skin against UVB rays.

LancГґme ‘Pure Focus’ Matifying Skin Revitalizing Gel-Cream ($46) – This refreshing, skin-purifying face cream helps oil and shine disappear for fresh, pure, matte skin. Lightweight, creamy gel formula provides targeted hydration.

Clarins ‘Bright Plus HP’ Repairing Brightening Night Cream ($58) – A nourishing nighttime treatment that reduces the effects of daytime stressors and helps prevent the formation of dark spots for a brighter, more luminous complexion each morning.

Shiseido ‘The Skincare’ Multi-Energizing Cream ($40) – This multi-function cream provides effective treatment to dehydrated, dull or fatigued skin. Intensively nourishes, energizes and fortifies skin, leaving skin soft, revitalized and healthy looking.



Clinique CX Redness Relief Cream ($75) – gives persistent face redness and blotchiness the attention it needs. A highly effective treatment for flare-ups triggered by diet, temperature extremes, emotions or environmental irritants that can get worse with age.

Dior ‘HydrAction’ Visible Defense Light CrГЁme SPF 20 ($46) – Helps help prevent lines and age signs caused by everyday light exposure with essential moisture.

DeclГ©or ‘ExpГ©rience De L’Age’ Triple Action Light Cream ($95) – an anti-aging cream with corrective action on wrinkles, firmness and radiance. A daily skincare partner, it energizes and boosts the natural functions of your skin.