Skincare Basics

July 3, 2025

Good skin = Beautiful Makeup

Here at the Blush Parlour we strongly believe in a less is more approach when it comes to skincare. If you have a wedding, event or just feel like taking the best care of your skin, this article is for you :)

When we overwhelm our skin with products nothing works the way it should and it’s not practical or realistic to spend 20 minutes on our skincare every night.

Your 3 step skincare routine:

1 - CLEANSE

2 - SERUM

3 - MOISTURIZER

Cleansers

Cleansers are the most important part of a skincare routine. Not only do they clean our skin by removing pore clogging impurities but cleansed skin allows for our other skincare products to work more effectively. The most important thing to look out for with regards to cleansers is making sure that they don’t strip your skin. If your skin feels dry and uncomfortable after cleansing then you need to switch to something more gentle.

Cleanser - Splurge

Drunk Elephant Mello Marula Cream Cleanser with 1.0% Colloidal Oatmeal

Price: $49

Shop: https://bit.ly/3FNNPEo

Cleanser - Save

La Roche Posay Toleriane Caring Wash

Price: $24.50

Shop: https://bit.ly/3ZXZ4Rr

Serums

Serums are a powerhouse step in your skincare routine because they deliver a high concentration of active ingredients directly into the skin.

Here’s why they’re important:

Targeted Treatment – Whether it’s fine lines, dark spots, dullness, or acne, serums are designed to tackle specific concerns more effectively than other products.

Fast Absorption – Their lightweight texture allows them to penetrate deeper into the skin, working faster and more efficiently.

Boost Your Routine – Serums amplify the effects of your moisturizer and sunscreen, making the rest of your skincare work harder.

Customizable – You can layer serums or switch them based on your skin’s daily needs (like hydration in winter or brightening in summer).

Serum (AM) - Splurge

Paula’s Choice C15 Vitamin C Super Booster

Price: $80

Shop: https://bit.ly/4kzj7hF

Serum (AM) - Save

Timeless Skin Care Vitamin C Serum with Vitamin E & Ferulic Acid

Price: $36.99 (30 ml)

Shop: https://bit.ly/43yTreS

Serum (PM) - Splurge

Biossance Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping & Hydrating Serum with Hyaluronic Acid + Squalane

Price: $92

Shop: https://bit.ly/3HOli23

Serum (PM) - Save

Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum

Price: $32.99

Shop: https://bit.ly/3HwCjhn

Moisturizers

Moisturizer is essential in any skincare routine because it:

Hydrates the skin – It replenishes water and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and smooth.

Protects your barrier – A good moisturizer strengthens the skin’s natural barrier, shielding it from environmental damage, pollution, and irritation.

Prevents premature aging – Well-moisturized skin is less likely to develop fine lines and dullness.

Balances oil production – Even oily skin needs moisture; skipping it can cause the skin to overproduce oil.

Improves makeup application – Moisturized skin creates a smoother, more even canvas for foundation and concealer.

Moisturizer - Splurge

Paula's Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Gel-Cream Moisturizer

Price: $70

Shop: https://bit.ly/4dVQbOi

Moisturizer - Save

NeoStrata Restore Moisture Infusion Hydrating Cream

Price: $31

Shop: https://bit.ly/4kT7f9H

SPF (am)

Why SPF Is Non-Negotiable for Mature Skin:

As we age, our skin gets thinner, drier, and more prone to sun damage — and that damage shows up faster and stays longer.

Here’s why daily SPF is essential:

Prevents Premature Aging: UV rays break down collagen and elastin, leading to more wrinkles, sagging, and age spots.
Protects Thinning Skin: Mature skin is more fragile. SPF adds a layer of defense against daily environmental stress.
Reduces Hyperpigmentation: Uneven skin tone, melasma, and dark spots get worse without sun protection — even on cloudy days.
Supports Skincare Results: No point in investing in serums and treatments if UV damage undoes all the progress.
Lowers Skin Cancer Risk: Especially critical as the risk of skin cancer increases with age and cumulative sun exposure.

Bottom line: Daily SPF is your best anti-aging product — more powerful than any cream, serum, or treatment.

SPF - Splurge

Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Milk Sunscreen

Price: $48.50

Shop: https://bit.ly/3zigzyi

SPF - Save

La Roche Posay Anthelios Ultra-Fluid SPF 50+ Facial Sunscreen

Price: $32.95

Shop: https://bit.ly/4kEXhcC

Additional notes:

If you want to really take it up a notch with your skincare, add these into the mix.

EXFOLIATION PADS:

As we age the skin's natural exfoliation process slows down. This means we aren’t shedding as many dead skin cells naturally which leads to a dull and textured looking skin.

Exfoliation pads are AMAZING because they offer a very gentle exfoliation, are not abrasive and get rid of any gunk hanging out on the surface of our skin. You can use them 3-5 times a week.

Exfoliation Pads - Splurge

Elemis Dynamic Gentle Resurfacing Pads with Lactic Acid

Price: $88

Shop: https://bit.ly/4mYbuTy

Exfoliation Pads - Save

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads

Price: $32.73

Shop: https://bit.ly/4mUaOOI

HYDRATING SHEET MASK:

These are outstanding for giving your skin a boost of much needed hydration. I recommend using a mask once a week if you can and bonus: it’s a full 10 minutes of relaxation which is a win-win in my books.

Sheet Mask - Splurge

Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin™ Skin Barrier Moisturizing Mask

Price: $13.50

Shop: https://bit.ly/3HzTHle

Sheet Mask - Save

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Face Sheet Mask

Price: $3.74

Shop: https://bit.ly/3HMex0G

UNDER-EYE PATCHES:

If you follow me on Instagram you will know that I love under-eye patches. I find that daily under-eye patches make a huge difference when it comes to dry and crepey under eyes. If you find that you are always struggling with your concealer looking dry then you will love the results of under eye patches.

Under Eye Patches - Splurge