When you’re a beauty addict by trade and a product addict by nature, there are certain occupational hazards to negotiate. There’s the desk so crammed with vials, bottles and tubs that you can’t get to your keyboard, a dangerous urge to tell complete strangers to switch lipsticks and sometimes you’ll even contract a condition known in certain circles as Beauty Editor’s Skin.
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I risk being excommunicated for revealing this, but it’s a fact that not all beauty editors have amazing skin. Sure, some have enviously impeccable complexions, but some of us get caught up in a fever of trialling and testing that leaves our faces a little over-loved.
We call it research, but during my last class at the International Dermal Institute, a teacher called it “product cherry picking” and explained how bad it is for the skin. As my inner skincare junkie screamed a silent noooo, she explained how chopping and changing skin regimes can leave your skin prone to irritation, breakouts and general freak outs. You get better results and fewer problems to deal with if you just find products you like and keep to that routine.
Sadly, I have to admit it all makes sense. I can’t tell you how many beauty writers, myself included, say their skin was great until they started trying everything that crossed their desks. So, on one hand my overloaded dermis is breathing a sigh of relief, but, on the other, I’m spot-inducingly stressed. How can I choose just one regime and forsake all others? Isn’t it a mortal sin to waste all those gorgeous cleansers, toners, moisturisers and booster serums in my bathroom cupboard? Oh well – bathroom sale, this weekend, my place…
I am guilty as I am probably one of those using too many skincare products but I have recently discovered the 10 step Korean skincare routine – does that justify the situation? Time will tell.