While our daily skin care habits may differ, it’s safe to assume that we’re all striving for the same goal: maintaining youthful-looking skin. And
brightening up skin (especially during the winter months) requires a tailored regimen that focuses on clearing away dead, dull skin and enhancing your complexion with luminous makeup. So for expert ways to wage this two-pronged attack on dull skin, we chatted with Dr. Lori Shapiro, dermatologist at Thornhill Dermatology Centre, and Vancouver-based makeup artist Hayley Miller, about the best skin care and makeup tips to get a healthy-looking and luminous complexion.


Improve the appearance of dull skin

Before you can
illuminate skin with concealer and foundation, brighten it from within by clearing away any buildup of dead skin cells that causes a dull-looking complexion. “Dead skin is just that—it is dead, retained superficial skin cells that make the skin look dry and flaky,” says Shapiro. And
dry skin can happen when you fail to properly wash and exfoliate regularly. “No matter how much you try, you cannot moisturize dead skin.”


Skin care products: The best CLEANSING WATERS

Commit to a daily skin care routine by washing your face with a washcloth that provides gentle exfoliation. “You can use an exfoliating cleanser or go deeper with a treatment such as microdermabrasion,” says Shapiro. Try an exfoliating tool such as the Clarisonic Pro. “It will clean the face at least six times more effectively than manually washing the face.”


Add luminosity to your complexion

Once skin is cleansed and exfoliated, apply makeup to warmed skin. “The ingredients in our makeup are activated by heat,” says Miller. And it sits better on the face than when it’s applied to cold, dry skin. Use a concealer that has a silky, iridescent finish to it for a
flawless-looking glow (try DaLish Cosmetics Illuminating Concealer). Apply concealer under the eyes and nose, and on the cheeks as a highlighter. “It’s important not to have luminosity all over the face,” says Miller. “It’s more effective to create shadowing.”


FLAWLESS SKIN: Expert makeup primer tips

Expert tips to eliminate dead skin and get a glowing complexion on the next page...

dull-skin-booster-page-two.jpgTry mixing your foundation with your moisturizer to create a sheerer texture, which leaves a fresh, dewy-looking complexion. “If there’s no dewiness, skin can appear flat and washed out,” says Miller. And if you’re going for a matte finish, be sure to add a touch of shimmer under the brows and on the eyelids to create depth when the light hits those spots.

How to wear METALLIC EYE SHADOW

How to maintain glowing skin

Beautiful skin that naturally radiates from within needs a holistic regimen that not only treats current issues like dead skin but prevents the buildup of dull skin. “For long-term maintenance of a youthful appearance, I suggest an integrated approach,” says Shapiro. “Sunscreen is the mainstay of the regimen.” Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 (SkinCeuticals UV Defense SPF 30). For prevention, add a Vitamin C serum into your morning routine, and look for products containing retinol to even out skin tone and improve fine lines and wrinkles. “This should be combined with a product designed specifically for the delicate skin around the eye,” she adds.”

The best way to wake up with a well-rested and fresh complexion is to practice good skin care habits at night. “On a Sunday night, get ready for the week with a hot bath and exfoliation,” suggests Miller. Apply a face serum (preferably one with jojoba oil) on the skin to moisturize and soothe any irritation.

Skin care 101: The benefits of FACE MASKS

Try a targeted facial treatment to reduce the effects of long-term skin damage and improve the overall brightness of your complexion. “At Thornhill Dermatology Centre, we often recommend the Silkpeel Microdermabrasion treatment, which combines the benefits of exfoliating with the infusion of either a hydrating, brightening or anti-aging serum.”

But gradually improving the appearance of dull skin all comes back to your daily skin care routine and lifestyle. “Of course, good eating and sleeping habits as well as regular exercise, all impact positively on overall skin health,” says Shapiro.

Read more:
Flawless skin: The best face serums

Skin care: The best concealer for clear skin

Flawless skin: Get a matte finish
Best skin care products: Cleansing waters