Calm your complexion

A consistent, twice-daily beauty routine is the key to optimal skin health, says Emma Hobson, education manager for The International Dermal Institute. She suggests a simple five-minute regimen that includes cleansing and toning to remove dirt, oil and make-up; a moisturiser to hydrate and nourish; and a sunscreen to protect your skin. Consistency is the key to a healthy complexion, so if you want to change or add a new product, be sure to gradually introduce it: alternate between the old and new for about a week to keep your skin calm and to prevent breakouts.

CLEANSE AND TONE
You don't need to spend a lot on a cleanser and toner, but look for products that are gentle and remove impurities. You want your skin to feel supple, not tight.
Best buys: RoC Demaquillage Actif Skin Toner, $25, and Simple Regeneration Age Resisting Facial Wash, $12.95.


MOISTURISE AND PROTECT
"Your skin needs all the help it can get to protect itself from the environment," warns Hobson, who recommends choosing a moisturiser for your skin type (oily, dry or combination), and then consider which "extras" you need, such as a hydration boost or anti-ageing ingredients. Follow with an SPF 30+ sunscreen to help prevent ageing.
Best buys: Estée Lauder Time Zone Line and Wrinkle Reducing Creme SPF 15, $80; Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream , $49.99; Nivea Sun Light Feel Daily Face Veil SPF 30, $10.99.

Reveal radiance

Get your glow back with a moisture boost and regular gentle exfoliation.

HYDRATE: To prevent dull and lifeless skin caused by dehydration, Hobson suggests applying a hydrating serum under your moisturiser. If you need an extra boost, once a week apply a mask after cleansing.
Best buys: Biotherm Aquasource Superserum, $92, and Natio Ageless Hydrating Mask, $17.95.

SMOOTH: Twice-weekly exfoliation of dead cells not only reveals a new radiance and improves your skin's health, but also enables your serum and moisturiser to penetrate more effectively.
Best buy: Yes To Carrots Gentle Exfoliating Facial Cleanser, $15.95; or, for a granular-free option, try Decléor Phytopeel Natural Exfoliating Cream, $70.

BRIGHTEN: Pigmentation and age spots also contribute to a lacklustre pallor. Products such as specialist masks and serums can help to exfoliate and diminish their appearance.
Best buys: Avon Anew Rejuvenate Flash Facial Revitalizing Concentrate, $79.99; or, for an intensive, targeted treatment, use SK-II Whitening Source Derm-Revival Program, $180

Minimise your pores

Before you apply your foundation, use a primer to create a perfecting veil over your complexion to conceal enlarged pores. If you tend to be oily through your T-zone, opt for a pore minimiser that also mattifies. "Put it on under your foundation and then reapply over the top of your make-up throughout the day to keep unwanted shine at bay," suggests make-up artist Sarah Tammer.
Best buys: Avon Magix Face Perfector SPF 20, $24.99, and L'Oréal Paris Derma Genesis Pore Minimising Smoother, $30.95. Dr. Brandt Pores No More, $75, is a great choice for combination or oily skin.

Create a perfect base

"Treat your foundation more like a concealer," advises Tammer. "Use it to perfect your complexion, not as a mask." Follow her advice for creating a natural result: pump a pea-sized amount of liquid foundation onto the back of your hand and, using a brush, blend the product into your skin. Apply it to red areas, such as on the chin or around your nose, as well as under your eyes to cover any darkness; blend outwards. "By the time you get to your cheeks and hairline, you shouldn't be applying any product at all," she says. "I then use my fingers to finish it off. I think the warmth of the fingertips works the make-up into the skin a little bit more." To finish, swirl a powder brush over a compact powder, tap away the excess, and lightly dust through your T-zone.
Best buys: Clinique Even Better Makeup SPF 15 in Ivory, $48, provides light coverage, while diffusing the appearance of pigmentation. For extra value, invest in a foundation with a built-in brush, like Revlon Age Defying Spa Foundation SPF 18 in Medium Deep, $35.95. Or, get an added anti-ageing boost with Lancôme Teint Rénergie Lift R.A.R.E. Foundation SPF 20 in 03, $89, and Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Radiance Makeup SPF 15 in Warm Porcelain, $142.

Go undercover

Once you've applied foundation, use concealer to mask any pimples, pigmentation or dark circles.
SPOT TREATMENT: If you can still see a pimple after applying your foundation, Tammer recommends using a thick, oil-based concealer. Opt for one with a yellow undertone to help neutralise the redness of inflammation. Apply the concealer with a synthetic brush and then pat powder over the top to set it.
Best buy: Face of Australia Concealer in Warm, $8.95.

LIGHTEN UP: To cover pigmentation and darkness under your eyes, Tammer suggests using a water-based, liquid concealer in a neutralising apricot tone. "Avoid an oil-based concealer as you'll emphasise lines," she warns. Dot the concealer on, work it in with a concealer brush "and then press it in with your fingertip. If you need to, go over the edges with the smallest amount of foundation to help blend it in."
Best buy: Bourjois Brush Concealer, $24.

Add light

"Illuminators are beautiful for brightening your skin. I like to blend it along the top of the cheekbones," says Tammer, who also enlists the help of a rosy cream blush as the final step in creating a natural glow. If you tend to have an oily complexion, opt for a mineral powder blush or bronzer instead.
Best buys: Bloom Sheer Colour Cream in Rosie, $22; Lancôme Tropiques Minérale Mineral Smoothing Bronzing Powder SPF 10 in Ocre Dorée, $82; Rimmel Metallic Cream Shadow in Soho, $9.95.

Prices and availability correct as at June 3, 2009.