Affordable beauty buys for a radiant complexion

It’s the week of love and many couples are planning dinners and romantic getaways. Getting your face beautified for your special date doesn’t have to be a bank-breaking exercise. Quick, home treatments can make the difference in your complexion looking and feeling more radiant.

Brighten and revitalise

A brighter complexion means working on pigmentation and looking more radiant, especially if you’re planning something romantic behind candlelight.

Vitamin C is a well-known ingredient for getting rid of marks and brightening up the skin. If used correctly, the vitamin will slowly brighten the skin appearance and give a fresh look.

Try a vitamin C mask that does not demand too much time. Sheet masks can simply be placed onto the face after cleansing. The ingredients will seep into your pores while you enjoy a cup of tea or your favourite TV show.

Try: Skin Republic Brightening Vitamin C mask, R40 at Dis-Chem stores.

Picture: iStock

Fine lines

When your skin looks dull, with enlarged pores, and sagging, an ingredient like argireline is needed. It’s a peptide that temporarily helps improve the appearance of fine lines or sagging. It’s an ingredient used in antiage serums.

Try: Instantly Ageless 25 vials at R1 300. Call 083-268-2458.

Acne

The magic portion to calm acne-prone and inflamed skin is salicylic acid. Tea tree oil is another important ingredient as it calms the skin and permeates into the pores without the clogging of regular oils.

It’s important to note that before treating acne at home with a facial, the skin should not be inflamed. That is a case best dealt with by a dermatologist.

Try: Garnier Pure Active 3-in-1 Wash, Scrub and Mask 150ml at R99.95. Special price R74.95.

Picture: iStock

Quick makeup fixes

Red and fuchsia lipstick: It’s said that red lipstick draws attention to your lips. Reds come in different blends from dark to very bright. Not everyone enjoys the colour, so the solution to those who don’t like wearing a bright red, wear fuchsia or a light pink shade.

This can be a gloss, crème or matte lipstick which can be quickly applied just before your date.

Eyelashes: Faux lashes aren’t for everyone, get good long-wear waterproof mascara that opens up your eyes, making them look sultrier.

Cheeks: Blusher comes in different shades and the trend is to have a natural golden tone by adding a slight touch of bronzer to your cheeks.

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.