We all have that one big day. A wedding, interview, date, photoshoot, or some mysterious event we need to look ridiculously good for. And let’s be honest, the real prep starts the night before. While some people rehearse speeches or plan outfits, my ritual? Skincare reset. Specifically, exfoliating and masking my stress away. It’s the glow up equivalent of pressing “refresh” on my skin.
Let’s Scrub Away the Stress!
First up, exfoliation. I can’t stress this enough, but scrubbing is not about rubbing your face raw like you’re trying to erase your pores! It’s about gently buffing away the dead skin cells, pollution, and regret (ahem, yesterday’s full face of makeup). This step makes way for smoother skin and better absorption of whatever comes next in your routine.
If your skin leans sensitive or gets cranky easily, the Papaya & Apricot Scrub is a dream! It’s made with micro-granules of papaya extract and enriched with apricot kernel oil, a gentle combo that clears out blackheads and whiteheads while giving your skin a hydrating hug. Papaya enzymes (specifically papain) have mild exfoliating properties that help improve skin tone and texture without being abrasive. Apricot oil, on the other hand, is packed with vitamin E and fatty acids, which means you’re exfoliating and moisturizing in one go.
Now, if your skin is like, “Give me something a little stronger,” meet the Indian Berberry Scrub. It’s one of those underrated gems that suits every skin type. Berberry extract has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, so it helps calm the skin while sweeping off dead cells and blackheads. Bonus? Regular use can even encourage cell turnover, giving your face that fresh, just back from a facial vibe.Mask. Manifest. Moisturize.
Once the scrubbing is done, it’s mask time! And not the horror movie kind. I’m talking about a cooling, soothing, instant pick me up kind of mask that gives you that “I drink three litres of water and sleep for nine hours every night” glow.
My go to? The Cucumber Peel Off Mask. It’s hydrating, brightening, and packed with skin loving ingredients that sound like a botanical fairy tale! Cucumber is basically the spa MVP. It’s cooling, calming, and packed with water content to plump up tired skin. Dermatologists often recommend it for its ability to reduce puffiness and soothe irritation. pores and wake up your skin, evening primrose to boost elasticity and rescue dry spots, calendula to calm redness like a gentle hug, witch hazel to tone and balance oil without being harsh, and rosemary extract to guard your skin barrier like a little antioxidant knight.
The best part? Peeling it off is weirdly satisfying. Like shedding a layer of dull skin to reveal a brighter, softer you underneath.
The Aftercare Ritual
Now that your skin is smooth, clean, and baby soft, everything you apply after this will work so much better! Whether it’s your serum, moisturizer, or makeup primer the next morning. Your foundation will glide on like silk, your glow will be blinding (in the best way), and you’ll be walking around like the star of your own skincare commercial.
If you’ve never added a scrub and mask combo to your pre big day routine, this is your sign! It’s simple, relaxing, and makes a noticeable difference the next morning. And let’s be real, half of looking good is feeling like you’ve got your life together. And nothing screams “I’m ready!” like fresh, bouncy, glowing skin.
