The beauty industry of skincare products and makeup in Kenya is booming, and gaining immense popularity across different age groups. However, a growing debate among enthusiasts and professionals is whether to prioritize skincare or makeup.
I started a skincare routine about a week ago. Now, I’m not going to lie and say that all my dark spots have magically disappeared, and my face looks like a porcelain doll’s, but it’s getting there. My skin feels plumper, softer, airier, and healthier, and I should be dropping the Instagram filters soon. And all I did was to embrace skincare and part ways with makeup in Kenya.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I love makeup as much as the next girl. I have been stealing my mum’s lipstick since I was 5. But if I had to choose, I’d go skincare over makeup – and I’m not the only one. Let’s take a look at why so many people are turning to skincare and how you can set up your own simple skincare routine and be on your way to that Barbie-smooth skin:
Skincare makes your skin healthier. It’s a no-brainer, really. Just as watching what you eat improves your gut health, watching what you put on your face makes your skin softer, brighter, plumper, and more resilient to the ravages of time and the environment.
But it’s not aesthetics, full stop.
Proper skincare heals your skin from within. It alleviates and eliminates the harmful effects of years of heavy makeup on your face and neck, such as:
• Clogged pores
• Breakouts
• Pimples
• Hyperpigmentation
• Premature aging, and
• Irritation
By prioritizing skincare over makeup in Kenya, you use products that improve rather than cover up your flaws. The result is healthier, glowier skin that looks good all the time.
Healthy skin looks amazing. Makeup in Kenya is a double-edged sword.
Sometimes, we use it to enhance our features, sometimes to cover up flaws, and sometimes, we use it so much that we end up looking like entirely different people.
The good thing about skincare is that you look like yourself – only better.
Taking care of your skin enhances your natural features and gives you that glow that makeup can’t reproduce. It’s like painting where your face is the canvas, except you’re not trying to hide it.
Skincare routines are simple
Applying makeup can suck the living light out of you. If you’ve drawn and redrawn that cat eyeliner swoop, you know what I’m talking about. It’s hours upon hours of chasing symmetry and perfection.
With skincare, you can achieve that infinite glow in no more than 10 minutes. The right products go right on your face with minimal fuss and no need for special brushes or acrobatic stances against the mirror.
That’s a win in my book!
Taking care of your skin is relaxing.
Your skincare routine is an act of self-care. Nothing beats coming home after a long day, wiping the makeup and grime off your face, and putting on a moisturizing mask.
Seriously, try it.
It’s a time to nurture yourself. You’re not going for precision; you’re touching your face, getting back in touch with your skin, taking stock of the day, and preparing to wind down.
I’ve even incorporated meditation into my nighttime skincare routine. The idea is to practice wellness, self-awareness, and self-love in those minutes when it’s all about me.
Now, the good stuff: Implementing a skincare routine
Everyone’s skin is different. What works for me may not work for you or the next person. Think of it like exercise – some people are cardio people, and others have to hit the weights for a soul-burning session.
Whatever your style, beauty and skin experts agree that your routine should include at least these five essential building blocks:
• Cleanser
• Toner
• Face serum
• Moisturizer
• Sunscreen
You can add to and remove from this list as you like. You can also create a routine as simple or as elaborate as your schedule, budget, and skin type dictate.
Mine goes something like this:
1. Clean face with water + soap /cleanser
Always start with a clean palette.
I wash my face every morning with Moringa or Black soap and warm water, but with my new skincare routine, I am transitioning to a face cleanser.
To use a cleanser, gently apply it to your face in circular motions, then rinse and pat dry. A good cleanser has vitamins like:
• E
• B12
• B2
• C, and
• A
My cleanser contains vitamin C, an antioxidant that boosts your skin’s collagen levels, eliminates free radicals, and reduces the signs of aging.
You can also use micellar water.
2. Exfoliate (Optional)
I say optional, not because you should skip this step but because you don’t need to exfoliate every day. Once to three times a week is enough.
An exfoliating cream or mask is a great way to get rid of dead skin cells. Apply it as you would your cleanser (unless the instructions say otherwise) and rinse with warm water.
If it’s not an exfoliating day, skip right to the toner.
3. Apply toner
Toner helps rebalance your skin’s PH, remove toxins your cleanser might have missed, and tighten your pores for that smooth, porcelain look.
Research also shows that toners, especially those containing antioxidants like ginseng powder and vitamin E, can alleviate some symptoms of hyperpigmentation.
To apply toner, use a cotton ball to spread the liquid onto your clean face.
4. Apply face serum
You see that slimy liquid those TV models pour on their faces through a dropper? That’s serum—magical stuff.
Serum creates a barrier on your skin, helping it hold in moisture. It protects your dermal layers from germs and other bacterial and fungal agents.
Think of it as moisturizer Pro Max.
To use serum, place a couple of drops on your forehead, nose, chin, and cheeks and rub in gently with your fingers.
5. Moisturize
Where would we be without moisturizer?
After letting your serum set in for a minute or two, apply a moisturizer of your choice. Moisturizers lock moisture into your skin and keep your face looking and feeling plump and healthy.
I use natural, cold-pressed jojoba oil because it’s very mild, and my skin can tolerate it.
However, you can use any moisturizer that fits your skin tone.
I, in fact, plan to transition into a different moisturizer soon.
6. Apply sunscreen (During the day)
Lastly, top off your moisturizer with sun protection. Find a product with an SPF higher than 50, preferably one that doesn’t leave a white cast on your skin.
Mineral sunscreen is great for sensitive skin.
If you want to apply makeup, do it after this step. Products actually sit better and last longer on the face when applied after a skincare routine because your face is primed.
Applying your makeup last also limits your skin’s exposure to harsh chemicals.
7. Do your nighttime routine
At night, repeat your regimen, leaving out sun protection (for obvious reasons).
You can also do a mask, apply a night moisturizer (instead of your regular moisturizer), and use eye cream.
Finding a routine that works for you
For your personal reasons, and for you who understands our society, is it skincare or makeup in Kenya?
Both are great, but in the battle of wills, skincare comes out on top.
A good skincare regimen heals your skin so that glow becomes a natural part of you.
But, like makeup, skincare is particular.
You can and should find a routine that works for you. Experiment with different products and brands, eliminating anything that doesn’t jive with your skin. Remember to do a spot test for a few days before applying a product to your face to see how it reacts to your skin.
And, of course, have fun. A skincare routine is your “me-time.” Enjoy it.
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