Ball Skincare

I go with the basic cleanser, toner, moisturizer routine: one in the morning, one at night. Girls with more sensitive skin could just cleanse and tone once a day, but moisturizer is a must. It’s best to use a moisturizer that is also a sunscreen as that way you will be protecting yourself against sun damage (products with SPF 15 and above).

In the mornings, I use Neutrogena Cream Cleanser, Dove Toner and Olay Complete Defence. The Cream Cleanser is so mild but so effective. I don’t scrub very hard because that damages your skin but washing out the natural oils and you’ll end up with even worse breakouts. You don’t need a lot of the Cream Cleanser but it really works and makes your skin feel squeaky clean.

The Dove Toner I came across by a stroke of luck. It was actually my sister’s. But, as sisterly affection goes, we often steal. I was desperate and I swiped hers. Jackpot! It smells lovely (all Dove products too), you don’t need a lot, doesn’t sting my skin but feels nice and tingly.

I had been searching for a good moisturizer for a long time. I am prone to mild allergic reactions which leave my skin lumpy and rashy - not very attractive. I decided to give the Olay Complete Defence a try because the adverts were everywhere, and it was perfect. It has a good SPF content which means I have minimal sun damage. You can use as much or as little as often as you like because even though it’s oily when it comes out of the bottle, it rubs in so fast and doesn’t leave a shiny sheen on your face as some moisturizers do. You also don’t really need a lot so one small bottle lasts you ages.

I use different products at night. The Neutrogena Cream Cleanser I don’t change (although sometimes I don’t use it if I feel that my skin’s a little dry lately). But I use the Avene Cleanance Lotion. This is designed for sensitive skin and is great at night when my face is dry after a whole day of being blown at by the wind. I follow that up with a liquid sleeping mask by The Face Shop. It’s Raspberry Slim & Lift. This is a Korean label, but it says to tone my face while I sleep and really works very well. So maybe instead of moisturizer at nighttime, a sleeping mask would be better.

A good tip is to work fast. Always wash and cleanse your face with warm water. This way your pores will open up so more clogged pores will be washed clean. Work fast while your pores are still open and tone and moisturize so your pores receive the best treatment. Be gentle with your skin. It’s your biggest organ and one of your first lines of defence when it comes to virus infiltration, so treat it well. Don’t scrub away at it like a madman.

Recently I tried the Clinique three step care system. I must say, the liquid soap (which is really like a cleanser) is extremely mild. I can’t say I felt anything which was… different. The Clarifying Lotion (toner) works wonderfully although I will say it made my eyes water when I applied too close to them. The moisturizer is very, very oily. I applied it at night and my face was shiny for the whole of the next day still. The results are wonderful (clear, soft skin), but I just don’t love the moisturizer like I do my Olay Complete Defence.

Clear skin gives you confidence. Everyone has a different skin type and it takes a long time before you find what you love and what works best. A skincare regime is so important and you have to stick with it.

Always wash off your makeup or it will become stale, clog your pores, and VOILA! Breakout.

When you do get a breakout, do not panic. First use a spoon that was left in the freezer to hold against the spot to lighten the redness. The lightly cover with concealer and a sprinkle of powder (do not pile on the cover up. It will look very fake and obvious). If it still looks bad just dot it with a black eyeliner and it becomes a beauty mark!