Ever tried a new product, immediately experienced breakouts, and thrown the product away in despair? Well chances are, you’ve experienced skin purging.

Put simply, skin purging is your body’s way of kicking out all the gunk and build-up.

It usually happens when you introduce a new skincare product, especially if that product is designed to clear your skin because it increases how quickly your skin cells renew which, in turn, pushes dead skin cells to the surface of your pores.

Skin purging is one of the most annoying, and confusing parts of adopting any sort of skincare routine because it can be hard to know if it’s purging, your skin just doesn’t like the product, or the spots are completely unrelated.

Whilst it mystifies even dermatologists, we aim to break down what causes purging, how to avoid it, and what to do should it happen to you.

FURTHER READING: Best skincare for acne: Here are our top tried-and-tested products for acne-prone skin

What is skin purging?

Scientifically speaking, skin purging occurs when an active ingredient in a product increases skin turnover rate, pushing excess sebum, dead skin cells, and build-up to the surface of your pores, resulting in breakouts.

This is why it’s particularly common when you add a new exfoliator to your routine or a product with an exfoliant in it.

However, if you’ve not changed any skincare products and you’re getting a reaction, it could be a number of other things. We’ve listed some of these below.

• Acne cosmetica: This is a form of acne triggered by the use of certain cosmetic products. These products are known as comedogenic and create small rash-like bumpy pimples. It’s best to look out for products labelled non-comedogenic to be on the safe side.
• Inflammation: Mild inflammation causes excess skin turnover and can clog your pores. The worst offenders are mineral oils.
• Irritant dermatitis: This accounts for most of the reactions you’ll get from makeup and skincare and it causes an itchy, scaly red rash. Symptoms can make themselves known straight away, but some may take weeks or even months to develop if they are only weak or mild irritants. This can make it tough to identify the cause.  Irritant dermatitis can affect anyone but it’s more common in people with sensitive skin or those with eczema or rosacea.
• Allergic contact dermatitis: This occurs when a person has become sensitised to an ingredient that has been applied to the skin. A red, itchy rash, sometimes with swelling or blisters, will appear 12-48 hours after the product has come into contact with the skin.
• READ NEXT: Best face exfoliator: Get smoother skin using scrubs from Upcircle, The Ordinary, Nip+Fab and more

What does skin purging look like? 

Getty Images/iStockphoto

The reason why skin purging has baffled experts for years – and why you may not have even realised you’ve experienced a skin purge – is that it’s similar to regular breakouts.

They can take the form of whiteheads, blackheads, and even painful cystic acne. Purging can also present as dry, peeling skin. There are a few differentiators to look out for though.

Skin purging doesn’t usually last as long as a regular breakout, maybe even a day or two compared to breakouts that can take around a week to heal. That said, skin purging can also take a couple of weeks to come out and for your skin to get used to the product. Especially if you’ve not used an exfoliator of any kind before, so this timing isn’t an exact science.

Skin purging also tends to trigger breakouts in the places where you already get spots or acne symptoms. For us, this is always on our chin and jaw.

Getty Images/iStockphoto

If you’re suddenly getting large breakouts of spots in new places, there’s a strong chance it’s not skin purging. Again, though. It’s not an exact science!

Telling the difference between purging and a breakout is essential to maintaining the long-term health of your skin.

Whilst purging is an indicator that a product is working, if a product is breaking you out more severely, or causing other symptoms, it may suggest you are allergic or sensitive to an ingredient in that product and you need to reconsider your usage of it.

READ NEXT: Acne scars: How to get rid of acne scars or prevent pockmarks forming

What causes skin to purge?

Any new products or ingredients when added to a skincare routine can cause skin purging but there are some ingredients that are common culprits. Particularly so-called active ingredients.

Retinols and retinoids are among the worst/best, and are often present in acne and anti-ageing products because they help to get rid of blocked pores.

This may sound contradictory but they cause spots in order for them to clear.

The Ordinary

Chemical exfoliants can also cause a purging effect, including alpha-hydroxy-acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy-acids (BHAs). You can read more about AHAs and BHAs in our guide to the acids in your skincare. 

However, with many ingredients such as niacinamide and salicylic acid, it is less clear whether these can cause purging.

We should note that if you’re experiencing breakouts in new areas, or if you’re experiencing other symptoms of sensitivity such as itching, redness, burning or a rash, stop using the product immediately.

You likely have an allergy or sensitivity to an ingredient in the product. It may be worth visiting a professional to establish which ingredient you have a sensitivity to in order to avoid this reaction happening again.

If you’re using products that don’t seemingly have any obvious culprits, breakouts can also be caused by products that are simply too heavy for your skin, such as rich creams or thicker foundations that may be clogging your pores.

Introducing too many new products at once or having an over-complicated skincare routine can also result in unwanted breakouts, so try cutting back to a basic skincare routine to establish whether you’re experiencing purging or a breakout.

FURTHER READING: The best The Ordinary products for all your skincare concerns – from large pores to redness, wrinkles and acne 

How can I avoid purging? 

If we’ve scared you into never wanting to introduce a new product to your skincare routine ever again, please know that hope is not lost!

Whilst skin purging isn’t preventable, per se, it’s very much controllable. The key is to introduce it slowly. Start by using a new product two evenings a week for two weeks, and if you don’t experience a reaction, try three evenings a week. Keep increasing your usage if you experience a minimal reaction, and decrease your usage accordingly.  

Also make sure you only introduce one new product into your skincare routine at a time. We’d recommend waiting six weeks before introducing an additional new product to your routine. This reduces the likelihood of your skin experiencing a purging reaction but also allows you to identify quickly which product is causing the reaction.

It’s also worth checking that you’re not using two products that clash. Sometimes clashing ingredients will merely reduce the effectiveness of the product, but often they can cause a reaction. Some key combinations to avoid include

• Vitamin C with AHAs/BHAs
• Retinol with AHAs/BHAs
• Retinol with Vitamin C
• Niacinamide with Vitamin C 

As always, it’s very important to test products first before applying them to your face. Place a pea-sized quantity of the product to the side of your neck or inside of your elbow and watch for a reaction for 48 hours.

How to get rid of purges 

Purging can be uncomfortable and upsetting, especially if you were expecting miracle results from your expensive new cream. Thankfully, there are things you can do to minimise the breakouts.

Step 1: Keep things simple

CeraVe

Firstly, a simple skincare routine is vital.

Stick to a gentle cleanser, such as CeraVe’s Hydrating Cleanser (£9.50), and try to avoid any products with fragrances and harsh chemicals.

We have more recommendations in our best cleanser or best cleanser for acne list.

Additionally, if you’re experiencing skin purging it’s beneficial to use a light, oil-free moisturiser that won’t clog your pores. The best moisturiser we’ve used is the Purito Deep Sea Water Cream.

Step 2: Always use SPF

It’s also important to make sure you’re using SPF every day to protect against sun damage, as many active ingredients can also increase your sensitivity to the sun.

The Inkey List’s SPF 30 Daily Sunscreen (£14.99) uses mineral filters to protect against harmful UVA and UVB without causing further irritation.

During the summer months, we recommend opting for a stronger formula, such as the Body Shop’s Skin Defense Multi-Protection Lotion SPF50+ PA++++ (£22), which hydrates damaged skin while protecting against sun damage, pollution, and signs of ageing.

We’re also big fans of the Super Health Skin Ultralight UVA/UVB SPF 25 from Beauty Pie. This is super lightweight and hydrating, so even doubles up as a moisturiser, and acts as a great primer too. This is ideal if you want to reduce the number of products you put on your purging skin.

Just note that it’s not got the highest SPF rating so if you’re fair, you’ll need something stronger.

READ NEXT: Best sunscreen for face UK: Which sunscreen is best for your skin type and budget?

Step 3: Avoid harsh chemicals 

Caudalie

We touched upon this in Step 1 but to reiterate: Don’t use any harsh physical or chemical exfoliators while your skin is adjusting and purging.

This can cause more purging to happen, or cause a painful reaction.

If you really need to exfoliate, use a gentle physical exfoliator that won’t further aggravate the skin.

We love the Caudalie Deep Cleansing Exfoliator (£20), which has a 97% natural ingredient formula that purifies and restores skin, without leaving it feeling dry and sensitive.

We’ve also got the best skin of our life while using the Paula’s Choice BHA Exfoliant because it’s gentle enough to use every day, and you leave it on the skin.

FURTHER READING: Best face exfoliator: Get smoother skin using scrubs from Upcircle, The Ordinary, Nip+Fab and more

 Step 4: Be patient! 

And finally, patience is key. Purging will usually last for at least one cycle of the skin, and this is around a month. If it lasts longer than six weeks, slow down or cease use of the product as it may be a sensitivity or allergy.

However, after those six weeks, you should experience the glowy and revitalised skin you’ve been promised! And you can then look to add a new product, should you want to.

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Katie Lynch

After graduating from the University of East Anglia with a degree in History, Katie has gone on to pursue a Master’s Degree in Human Rights at University College London and is currently interning at a legal representation charity. When she’s not poring over books on politics and legal theory, she’s obsessing over cat TikToks, playing with makeup, or prowling ASOS

The post Skin purging: What does skin purging look like and how long does it last? appeared first on mamabella.

We also let you know which products are an essential investment (spoiler alert: it’s SPF. Always SPF), and which products you can pass if you’re in a hurry.

If you have any other questions, feel free to send them to us on Facebook or Instagram!

FURTHER READING: How your skin changes in each decade of your life – and what to do about it

How to layer skincare

Skincare order and the best skincare routine steps

mamabella

Before we go through the recommend skincare order, we want to stress that it is just that – a recommendation.

Different products work more effectively when used in conjunction with others, which is why knowing how to layer skincare is important, but not absolutely crucial.

For instance, the reason moisturiser comes at the end of a skincare routine is that it creates a barrier to lock in moisture. It also protects your skin against pollution and the elements.

This means if you put moisturiser on too early, the other products you layer on afterwards either don’t absorb as well, or don’t do as good a job. When products cost £25 plus in some cases, you don’t want to be wasting them!

That said, if you just don’t have time for a weekly exfoliation, or want a two-in-one multipurpose product because it’s cheaper and easier, then you do you! Please take this as a guide to help inform you, not preach. You can also learn more about what kinds of products will suit your skin best in our What skin type do I have? guide. 

FURTHER READING: Skincare ingredient checker: Get to grips with what’s in your skincare

How to layer skincare: TL;DR

If you want a simple way to remember the skincare order:

• CLEANSER cleans the skin
• TONER removes traces of cleanser
• TREATMENTS and SERUMS sort out the lower layers of your skin
• EYE CREAM sorts out your eyes
• MOISTURISER sorts out the upper layers of your skin and creates a barrier
• SPF protects you from the sun

How to layer skincare in the morning

1. Skincare order: Cleanser

Lookfantastic

That morning glow that you may sometimes have when you wake up? That’s sweat. Wash it off!

Even if you’ve washed/cleansed your face the night before, you still sweat during the night. There may be products leftover or your face may have been rubbing against a pillow that’s not spotless.

Whilst some swear by warm water and a washcloth for the morning, we prefer a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt or sweat that has accumulated in the night, and to leave a clean and smooth base for makeup.

We love the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser (Lookfantastic, £9.50). This cleanser effectively washes away dirt and makeup residue without drying out the skin.

FURTHER READING: Best cleanser: Discover which face cleanser best suits your skin from oily to dry and acne-prone

2. Toner

Clarins

Toner is often dropped from a morning routine but it does have its benefits.

It helps remove any traces of cleanser and it can help balance the skin’s pH levels, preparing it for serums and moisturisers that follow. Toners can be great for minimising clogged pores, too. You can read more in our What does toner do – and why is it so important? guide.

Toner tends to get a bad rep for drying our your skin but long gone are the days of harsh, alcohol-based toners. You can now buy gentle, hydrating toners for all skin types and this makes them better suited to using morning and night.

FURTHER READING: Best toner: Discover which toner best suits your skin type and budget

Toner is especially good for oily, congested, or acne-prone skin and it can be a quick and easy way to add clarifying and exfoliating active ingredients into your skincare order without having to buy separate exfoliators.

If you want to combine treatment and a toner, we recommend the Pixi Glow Vitamin C (Pixi Glow, £10) tonic with Ferulic Acid.

We use the Clarins Toning Lotion with Iris in the morning as it’s super gentle, and we’re big fans of Fenty Skin’s Fat Water Pore-Refining Toner Serum.

The latter isn’t cheap – well neither of them are – but the Clarins toner comes in a huge bottle that has lasted us more than six months and counting. And the Fenty Skin toner doubles up as a serum, so can save money on buying separate toners and serums.

FURTHER READING: How to make your own homemade toner using cheap, everyday ingredients

3. Treatment

The Ordinary

A morning treatment is a step that can be skipped if you’ve snoozed your alarm three times already (we’ve all been there), but it can give your skin a fantastic boost and its works beneath your makeup to improve the natural appearance of skin over time.

We love the Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (The Ordinary, £5.90) for dry, dehydrated skin.

Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant that can attract up to 1,000 times its weight in water for optimal moisture.

The addition of B5 supports the formula to preserve surface hydration, creating the perfect glowy base for makeup. Ensure to apply this to damp skin for best results.

READ NEXT: Best dark spot corrector: Brighten your skin with our pick of the best age spot creams and toners

Paula's Choice

Vitamin C treatments are also perfect to give the skin a boost in the morning, as well as working to brighten dullness and heal dark spots and scarring.

The C15 Super Booster from Paula’s Choice (Paula’s Choice, £46.00) also contains Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid to protect the skin from environmental damage throughout the day while protecting against the signs of ageing.

Glossier’s more affordable Super Glow serum (Glossier, £24) is similarly infused with Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter, and Sunflower Seed Oil to further hydrate the skin.

FURTHER READING: Glossier UK: The best Glossier products from across its makeup and skincare range

4. Serum

While cleansers, toners, and moisturisers are designed to clean and hydrate the upper layers of the skin when you’re learning how to layer skincare, a serum works below the surface.

It targets the layers you can’t see with typically high concentrations of active ingredients.

The concentrated nature of serums work well in delivering anti-ageing ingredients, like antioxidants, that help slow down DNA damage in your skin. This is, largely, what causes your skin to slump, sag and look sallow or dull.

You can buy countless serums for different skin concerns and many you can mix and match. You can read more in our guide to the science of serums and discover our recommendations in our best face serums list.

FURTHER READING: Best eyelash growth serums: Strengthen and lengthen your lashes and brows with these serums

5. Eye cream

The Inkey List

Eye cream is another product that you can skip in the morning if need be (or skip entirely), but if you want to keep your eyes looking fresh and youthful, it’s worth taking the extra time.

It is possible to hydrate the skin around your eyes with your day or night moisturiser, but we recommend you get a cream or gel designed specifically for the delicate, fragile area.

The skin around your eyes is much thinner than elsewhere on your face and body. It also doesn’t contain any oil glands, so dries out much faster than the rest of your face.

This is why dark circles are so visible and why the first signs of ageing typically occur around your peepers in the form of fine lines and creases.

Due to the fact it’s thinner, this skin requires certain levels of hydration.

Plus when you start applying your eye makeup, if it’s not hydrated enough it can make your makeup and concealer gather and look noticeable.

We like to use a thin cream in the morning (we’re currently using The Inkey List’s Caffeine eye serum) and then use a thicker mask-like balm at night.

We highly recommend The Body Shop Drops of Youth bouncy eye mask and the Tropic Eye Dream Age Defying Overnight Butterbalm.

FURTHER READING: Best eye cream for dark circles, wrinkles, fine lines and bags

6. Moisturiser

Liz Earle

Moisturiser provides an essential base for makeup and is vital in preventing your skin from becoming dry and dehydrated throughout the day.

It’s a product best picked according to your skin type; if your skin becomes oily and shiny throughout the day, opt for an oil-free gel formula, and if you have dry skin, we recommend picking a richer, heavyweight option.

Those with combination-oily skin are best suited to gel-based moisturisers. These provide deep hydration without leaving an oily sheen, won’t contribute to build-up of oils throughout the day, and won’t break down your makeup.

READ NEXT: Best tinted moisturiser: Brighten your skin with our fave creams from NARS, NYX, Tropic and more

The Liz Earle Skin Repair Gel Cream (Liz Earle, £23) is hydrating and refreshing and absorbs quickly so that you can get on with your morning.

For drier skin types seeking a boost of hydration, and the perfect base for makeup, Glossier’s Priming Moisturiser Rich (Glossier, £29) is sent from the heavens.

FURTHER READING: The science of moisturiser

7. SPF

Boots

Sun protection is the most important, yet most overlooked, of your skincare routine steps – and not just during the summer.

Firstly, SPF protects the skin from UVA rays, which penetrate deep into the skin to cause ageing and even skin cancer.

The intensity of UVA rays remains the same in summer and winter, so it’s essential to apply at least SPF 30, even on dark, grey days.

Sun damage can also result in some of the key signs of ageing, including fine lines, dark spots and discolouration. That doesn’t mean it’s just for mature skin, though – start using SPF young, and you’ll be able to slow the development of these tell-tale signs of premature ageing.

FURTHER READING: How your skin changes in each decade of your life – and what to do about it

However, finding the perfect sunscreen can be tricky. Often SPF can be thick, tacky, or even leave a white cast, which can be especially unflattering on darker skin tones.

To avoid this, we love the La Roche Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid SPF50+ Sun Cream (Lookfantastic, £17.50). It really does what it says on the tin – provides lightweight and invisible sun protection without a white cast, and without affecting the application of your makeup on top.

You can find more recommendations in our What SPF do I need? The best moisturisers with SPF, from Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen to Heliocare 360 guide.

FURTHER READING: What is SPF and why is it so important?

How to layer skincare in the evening

Evening skincare routine steps tend to be slightly longer and more complicated because you’re giving your skin the most nutrients right before its most restorative stage.

Research has shown that even one night of disturbed sleep can cause hanging eyelids, red and swollen eyes, pale skin and an increase in wrinkles and fine lines. This is because sleep is when your skin – particularly the epidermis – repairs itself.

FURTHER READING: Sleeping beauty: The best overnight hair masks, face creams and foot treatments

Cleansing in the evening 

Glossier

Whereas you can get away with a single cleanse in the morning, we recommend you do a double cleanse in the evening. Put simply, this means cleansing your face twice at the end of the day.

Cleansing twice is essential to ensure that you remove all the makeup, oil and dirt that builds up on your face throughout the day. If you’ve ever thought your skin was clean, only to wake up in the morning to foundation stains on your clean white pillow, you’ll understand why the second step in your cleansing routine is vital.

Whilst you can cleanse twice using the same product, we recommend using one product to firstly target removing makeup, and a second product to target any skincare concerns and reach deeper into your pores to remove build-up.

FURTHER READING: Best cleansing balm: From Elemis to The Body Shop, here are our fave cleansing balms for taking off the day

Oil cleansers and cleansing balms are our favourite for removing makeup effortlessly, without scrubbing at or irritating your skin.

The Body Shop’s Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil (The Body Shop, £12) is the perfect choice for sensitive skin, with soothing camomile that nourishes the skin whilst removing even waterproof makeup. We also love Wishful Skin’s Cleansing balm.

For dry to normal skin types, a second cleanse is useful to wash away the last remnants of makeup and prep skin for any treatments.

A gentle cleanser such as Glossier’s Milky Jelly Cleanser (Glossier, £15) is ideal for this, as it contains skin conditioners to nourish skin, as well as gentle cleansing agents that will remove even stubborn waterproof mascara.

For oily or acne-prone skin, we love cleansers with additional clarifying benefits, especially those with salicylic acid. We love The Inkey List’s Salicylic Acid Cleanser (Cult Beauty, £10.99) to unclog pores and minimise oil production.

FURTHER READING: The Inkey List launches affordable hair care range

Toning in the evening

The Ordinary

In the evening, you can get away with using slightly more intense toning treatments as your skin is not going to be seen by anyone, and has time to regenerate and repair.

Glycolic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that provides gentle exfoliation to improve the radiance of the skin.

We recommend The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution (The Ordinary, £6.80). It has added aloe vera and amino acids to soothe and clarify.

We also love the Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant from Paula’s Choice (Cult Beauty, £28), which contains salicylic acid to combat acne, excess oil, and enlarged pores.

FURTHER READING: The truth about the acids lurking in your skincare – from hyaluronic, to glycolic, lactic and salicylic

Treatments in the evening

La Roche-Posay

The evening is the ideal time to apply any prescribed skin treatments, such as acne creams, but we recommend speaking to your doctor before you introduce any active ingredients to your skincare order. Especially if you’re being treated medically for any skincare concerns.

The Inkey List’s Tranexamic Acid Overnight Treatment (Cult Beauty, £14.99) is one of the lesser-known but most effective treatments on the market.

This treatment works as you sleep to reduce discolouration, smooth the texture, and naturally brighten the appearance of skin. It is a real all-rounder if you have oily or combination skin.

For mature skin, the evening is also the perfect time to introduce a gentle retinol treatment.

READ NEXT: No7 Retinol review: Smart mirror results reveal if the Complex Night Concentrate is really as good as Boots claims

Retinol is clinically proven to have anti-ageing benefits, including the reduction of the appearance of fine lines, dark spots, and enlarged pores.

La Roche-Posay’s Redermic Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Treatment (Lookfantastic, £32) is the perfect option for starter retinol as it is gentle and suitable for sensitive skin. We also recommend Avon’s Plumping Shots because they contain Protinol, a retinol alternative without some of the downsides.

Ensure to introduce a retinol treatment slowly into your skincare routine, and always use SPF protection. You can read more in our What is retinol and what does it do to the skin? guide.

We’ve also handpicked retinol products in our best anti-ageing cream list.

FURTHER READING: Skin food: The best foods for clear, healthy skin – and why they work

Moisturiser in the evening

Embryolisse

It’s perfectly fine to use the same moisturiser morning and evening, but the evening can be a great time to introduce a more heavy weight formula since it won’t interrupt your makeup and has time to sink in while you sleep.

For dry or mature skin, we recommend Embryolisse Laboratories’ Lait-Crème Concentré (Cult Beauty, £13), a powerful hydrating cream enriched with fatty acids and vitamins to soothe dry patches and plump skin.

For combination or oily skin, we love the budget-friendly Simple Water Boost Skin Quench Sleeping Cream (Simple, £6.99) to give a boost to dull, dehydrated and sensitive skin. It’s water-based so it won’t encourage your skin to produce excess oils or block your pores.

FURTHER READING: Best foundation for oily skin, acne, spots and blemishes

Facial oils

Drunk Elephant

A luxurious facial oil is the final step in our evening skincare order, locking in all the moisture and goodness applied before it and adding an extra layer of hydration and nourishment.

They’re also perfect to use when doing a facial massage to decrease puffiness and soothe tired skin. You can find out more in our Skin serum, facial oil or moisturiser: What’s the difference and which one do you need? guide.

Facial oils don’t have to come with the luxury price tag – the Ordinary’s Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil (The Ordinary, £9) provides intense moisture and is rich in linoleic acid and pro-vitamin A, which reduces signs of ageing and helps to fade acne scarring.

READ NEXT: Skin gritting: The Reddit skincare trend is on the rise again – and it promises to get rid of blackheads as you sleep

We also love the Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil from Drunk Elephant (Cult Beauty, £61.00), which has antioxidant benefits to protect against environmental damage and free radicals, working to reverse signs of ageing.

It is also rich in omegas 6 and 9 which help to hydrate and nourish stressed-out skin, soothing redness, and discolouration.

FURTHER READING: How to do facial massage at home – and why it could make or break your skincare routine

How to layer skincare: Weekly skincare order

In addition to your morning and evening skincare order, there are products you can use weekly to give your skin an extra boost.

Neither are necessary but they can make a big difference.

Exfoliators and peels

The Body Shop

Face exfoliation, using face scrubs, is one of the best ways to rid yourself of dead skin cells and replenish moisture.

This helps prep your skin for makeup, helps fight the signs of ageing and keeps your skin clear from acne, spots and blemishes.

You can also do weekly peels, which involve slightly harsher ingredients that help refresh the skin.We highly recommend The Ordinary AHA and BHA peel.

FURTHER READING: Best face exfoliator: Get smoother skin using scrubs from Upcircle, The Ordinary, Nip+Fab and more

Masks

Saturday Skin

A face mask or sheet mask isn’t a necessity in the skincare order of things, but is a worthwhile luxury for when your skin needs a little extra pampering. There’s a wealth of options available on the market for every skin concern, and these are a few of our faves.

For dull and congested skin, we love the Caudalie Instant Detox Mask (Cult Beauty, £22), which contains pink clay and coffee to cleanse pores of dirt and oil, and papaya enzymes to visibly brighten the appearance of your skin.

If you’re in need of a boost of hydration that requires some TLC we love the Intense Hydration Mask from Saturday Skin (Cult Beauty, £4.60), which is packed with moisturising ingredients including hyaluronic acid and watermelon and aloe vera extracts.

FURTHER READING: Best face mask: The best face masques for acne, oily skin, dry patches and wrinkles

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Katie Lynch

After graduating from the University of East Anglia with a degree in History, Katie has gone on to pursue a Master’s Degree in Human Rights at University College London and is currently interning at a legal representation charity. When she’s not poring over books on politics and legal theory, she’s obsessing over cat TikToks, playing with makeup, or prowling ASOS

The post How to layer skincare: Knowing the best skincare order will help make the most of your products appeared first on mamabella.

While there’s still a long way for the beauty industry to go, the concentration of new beauty brands, such as Rare Beauty, on extensive colour ranges mark a new era of prioritisation of inclusion of all skin colours and types.  

However, truly inclusive beauty steps beyond diverse colour ranges, representing those of different genders, sexualities, and cultural identities.

For example, whilst it was fantastic to see Ellie Goldstein, a model with Down’s Syndrome, featured in Gucci Beauty’s 2020 campaign, there remains woefully inadequate representation of those with disabilities in the imagery of mainstream makeup brands. 

FURTHER READING: 4 of the best gender-neutral beauty brands designed to suit everyone

Our founder, Victoria, set up mamabella because she didn’t think the beauty industry ‘saw’ her, and people like her. And that’s from a privileged position of being a white woman.

If a white woman in her mid-30s didn’t feel like the industry was catering to her, we can’t even begin to imagine what it’s like for people from different races, of different ages, with different skin tones, types and all the other wonderful factors that make each and every one of us unique.

Here at mamabella, we’re committed to bringing you the most exciting new launches and brands that cater to all skin colours, skin types, and cultural needs.

We believe inclusivity is reflected not just in products, but in brand identities, so we’ve sought to uncover brands that boost important causes and reflect inclusivity in their ethos, too. 

There is always more that can be done, so please let us know on our social accounts or by email what else you’d like to see, or what you think we should be doing more of. 

︎ Beauty Bakerie

Beauty Bakerie

Black-owned makeup brand Beauty Bakerie exploded onto the makeup scene, with its cute bakery-inspired products and inclusive shade range. CEO Cashmere Nicole founded the brand having become a mum at 16 and surviving breast cancer. Her goal was to create long-lasting makeup that meant she spent less time touching up and more time living in the moment. 

Beauty Bakerie also founded the charity Sugar Homes, sponsoring children in orphanages across the world. Its first project was the Hopeworth Children’s Foundation, a female-led orphanage based in Uganda. Since its founding, the charity has raised over $100,000 in donations, and we adore the brand’s dedication to women beyond beauty. 

The brand is dedicated to increasing representation of Black people within the beauty industry itself. With an executive team that is 75% Black, and a Board of Directors that is 60% Black, Beauty Bakerie is leading by example, improving diversity in what is an unacceptably white-dominated industry.

The brand’s website also contains a wealth of resources relating to the Black Lives Matter Movement, further representing its dedication to racial justice. 

Beyond its impressive dedication to social causes, Beauty Bakerie is a makeup range packed with cult products. One of its most raved about products is the Flour Setting Powder (£22.50), a finely-milled loose setting powder that will keep your makeup in place all day.

The formula works to blur the appearance of pores and combats shine and oil throughout the day. It also comes in a range of six shades, so darker skin tones won’t be left with a white cast! 

As well as loving its creative product range, we adore Beauty Bakerie’s dedication to improving diversity within the beauty industry, involvement in education surrounding racial justice issues, and sponsorship of vital charitable causes. 

Buy now from Beauty Bakerie

︎ Fenty Beauty

Fenty Beauty

It’s been three years since Rihanna entered the beauty industry with Fenty Beauty and changed the game when it came to inclusivity. Instead of being an afterthought, Fenty Beauty was designed with an inclusive ethos from the get-go. The tagline is even Beauty for All.

Not only was it the first brand to launch an incredible 40 shades in its first foundation release, its marketing and advertising has included a wide range of faces and genders.

The singer has since launched Fenty Skin, a gender-free skincare collection, and her Fenty x Savage clothing line has been praised for showing models of different races, sizes, genders as well as models with disabilities.

What’s more, in 2012 Rihanna launched the Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF) in honour of her grandparents, Clara and Lionel Braithwaite. CLF supports and funds education, health and emergency response programs around the world to improve the life for young people everywhere.

You can read more about how Fenty Beauty sells great makeup for men on our sister site, MBman. 

Buy now from Boots

︎ Rare Beauty

Rare Beauty

With packaging to die for and reviews that’ll have you emptying your bank account, Selena Gomez’s cosmetics line – Rare Beauty – caused quite the stir when it launched.

Taking Rihanna’s lead, the singer wanted to release a makeup range that “breaks down unrealistic standards of perfection without hiding what makes you unique.” Gomez adds that Rare Beauty is “not about being someone else, but being who you are.”

It boasts one of the most impressive foundation and concealer shade ranges on the market, with 48 shades available.

The brand has launched in Sephora in the US, Canada and Mexico, but sadly is not on sale in the UK – at the moment. Rare Beauty’s website also does not offer shipping to the UK.

The brand has announced plans to expand in 2021 and we’ll update this page when we know more.

FURTHER READING: How to find your perfect foundation match

︎ ModBeautyKeeper

ModBeautyKeeper

Making sure you don’t get makeup in your hair while applying makeup is a problem faced by many women – it’s why there’s such a market for headbands – yet a headband doesn’t help when you’re wearing a hijab. To solve this issue, Nandi K Baker designed the The ModBeauty Keeper. 

As the world’s first modest beauty protector, the ModBeautyKeeper uses Peel, Press, Release adhesive to gently stick the protector around the face, protecting the fabric of a hijab or other religious or cultural head garment from the stands of stray creams or powders. 

Even better, the protector is made of an eco-friendly fibrous web and is reusable for up to 3-5 uses, so you don’t have to worry about harming the environment! 

The ModBeautyKeeper isn’t just for hijabi women. It could also benefit beauty influencers who share makeup videos online, makeup artists who may be applying base products, or for anyone who wishes to do retouches while out and about.

There is one major catch at the moment – it’s only available in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait,Bahrain, Oman, and within the United Arab Emirates. However, ModBeautyKeeper said it is “working around the clock to ship internationally, and working with distributors in order for all our Modest beauties to have the chance to purchase their very own.” We’ll update this page once we know more.

Explore the ModBeautyKeeper range

︎ Jecca Blac

Jecca Blac

The founding mission of Jecca Blac is gender-free makeup, encouraging inclusion of makeup wearers of all gender identities. The goal was to offer a safe space for trans women to experiment with makeup, without prejudice or judgement. 

Jecca Blac’s website and socials also represent models of all genders and skin tones, making this an exciting brand to follow for inspirational content! And, as well as boasting a varied product line and gorgeous packaging, all Jecca Blac products are vegan, cruelty-free, and made in the UK. What’s not to love? 

We are especially excited about Jecca Blac’s Complete Base Bundle, which features its Correct & Conceal Palette, Sculpt & Soften Palette, and Blur & Matte Primer, for the reduced cost of £52.80. For someone who may just be starting out with makeup, this is the ideal option to get all you need for a flawless base at an affordable price. 

We also love its versatile Play Pots (£16.50), which are cream pigments that can be applied anywhere on the face. Our fave is the Pink Pearl, which gives a light shimmery glow over the eyelids, and Gold Touch is a beautiful cream highlighter for deeper skin tones. 

Jecca Blac is a brand with an exciting, high-quality product range to match its inspiring dedication to gender inclusivity in the beauty industry. We can’t wait to see what it releases next! 

Buy now from Jecca Blac

︎ Dermablend

Vichy

Dermablend is a brand well-known among dermatologists and professional makeup artists, but one that you may be less familiar with. This high-performance makeup, which forms part of the wider Vichy range, is ideal for those suffering with hard-to-conceal skin concerns, ranging from vitiligo to severe acne. 

The brand was founded in 1981 by American dermatologist Dr. Craig Roberts with the goal of establishing a brand at the cross-section of dermatology and makeup. Dermablend has thus produced a range of products that are safe for use of all skin types and conditions, as well as being inclusive of a broad range of skin tones. 

Dermablend is PETA-certified cruelty free and is working towards its range being 100% vegan in the very near future. The brand is also free from SLS, Triclosan and phthalates, meaning that it’s great for your skin and the environment. You can learn more about this in our guide to clean beauty. 

We love the Fluid Corrective Foundation, a high-coverage, long-lasting base product which is suitable for moderate skin concerns including acne, rosacea, tattoos and scarring. This foundation is buildable, and can be applied in a thin layer for more sheer coverage. It can also be mixed with a moisturiser for lighter coverage or for use on the body.

The Fluid Corrective Foundation even boasts SPF 35 sun protection, providing ultimate skincare benefits. 

Dermablend’s dedication to makeup suitable for even the most severe skincare concerns, and ethos dedicated to beauty with and without makeup have earned the brand a well-deserved place at the top of high-performance professional makeup, and is the perfect addition to your makeup collection whether you suffer with skin concerns, or not. 

Buy now from Vichy

︎ Ivoree Beauty

Ivoree Beauty

Whilst skin tone inclusivity is frequently discussed in the beauty industry with respect to darker skin tones, we rarely see mentioned the difficulties that those with albinism have sourcing  beauty products that cater to skin at the other end. 

Ivoree Beauty was founded by influencer Jennifer Rhodes, or J Renée, who herself has albinism, to cater to this problem. Albinism is a genetic condition that impacts melanin production, resulting in a lack of pigment to the skin, hair and eyes. It can also result in sight problems. 

The brand produces False Lashes in a variation of colours, from white to light brown ($15.00 each), representing colours that are not seen on the high street. Unfortunately, the lashes are only currently available in the US, but we hope to see this move towards albino inclusivity reflected across the pond very soon! 

FURTHER READING: Ivoree Beauty is a new makeup brand created for people with albinism by J Renée

Explore the Ivoree Beauty range

︎ Guide Beauty

Guide Beauty

GUIDE Beauty is a makeup brand inspired by, and designed for people with Parkinson’s Disease. We hadn’t considered that people with Parkinson’s wouldn’t be able to apply makeup in the same way people without the disease do.

With this in mind, makeup artist and beauty educator Terri Bryant – who, herself, has Parkinson’s Disease – wanted to create makeup and tools that improve the precision of applying makeup for people with Parkinson’s and other, similar conditions.

The clean beauty brand also worked with chemists to introduce unique vegan, cruelty-free formulations that are “as forgiving as they are luxurious.” It’s another US brand but you can get the products shipped to the UK. You can spend up to £135 and not incur any duty on your order but VAT is 20% and due on any order above £15.

Buy now from Guide Beauty

︎ Thrive Causmetics

Thrive Causmetics

Thrive Causmetics is a luxury beauty brand with a cause. Established by makeup artist Karissa Bodnar after she lost her friend Kristy to cancer at 24 years old, Karissa was inspired to establish a brand that promotes female empowerment and boasts products containing proven ingredients with skincare benefits. 

The brand is 100% vegan and cruelty-free, and for every product purchased, Thrive Causmetics makes a donation to women’s charities supporting those fighting cancer, emerging from homelessness, and surviving domestic abuse. 

Thrive’s Buildable Blur CC Cream ($38.00) is a fantastic base product with a diverse shade range and skin-loving ingredients, including Broad Spectrum SPF 35.

This product works to correct any imperfections and uneven skin tone with its buildable formula, as well as being moisturising. It is also enriched with Vitamin C, which is proven to brighten the natural appearance of skin. 

We love Thrive Causmetic’s message of female empowerment and commitment to supporting causes that assist women in difficult situations. 

Although this is an American brand, it does ship to the UK. You’ll just need to pay shipping and customs charges.

Buy now from Thrive Causmetics

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Katie Lynch

After graduating from the University of East Anglia with a degree in History, Katie has gone on to pursue a Master’s Degree in Human Rights at University College London and is currently interning at a legal representation charity. When she’s not poring over books on politics and legal theory, she’s obsessing over cat TikToks, playing with makeup, or prowling ASOS

The post From Fenty Beauty to Thrive Causmetics, here are the makeup and skincare brands making beauty more inclusive appeared first on mamabella.

What’s more, regularly brushing your hair can help distribute natural oils.

This prevents your hair looking greasy – meaning you could get an extra day out of it before it needs washing again – and it’s part of the reason why brushed hair looks so much smoother and shinier than unkept locks.

Choosing a hairbrush based upon how thick, or how curly your hair is also the best way to protect your hair from unnecessary damage during brushing. So we’ve handpicked our favourites!

Best hairbrushes

Usually our Best Buys lists the best products in order but for this guide, we’ve split it into hair type to make it easier to jump straight to what you need.

Best hairbrushes for thick hair

Tangle Teezer

Folks with thick hair will know the feeling of waking up in the morning to a tangled mess, regardless of which luxurious leave-in conditioner you used the night before. Your priorities are detangling with as little pain and breakage as possible.

Hair brushes with widely-spaced synthetic bristles are ideal for this; effortlessly loosening knots without placing pressure on the hair.

The Tangle Teezer Thick and Curly Detangling Hair Brush (Lookfantastic, £12) is a classic option with the added bonus if fitting into even the smallest handbag.

Hershesons

This brush utilises Firmflex Technology to glide through thick hair – wet or dry – detangling knots without pulling on the hair.

A combination of nylon and boar bristles also has the power of detangling and oil distribution, nourishing the entire hair.

Hershesons’ Mixed Oval Cushion Brush (Hershesons, £24) works to gently tackle knots and add texture to flat hair. The mix of porcupine boar and nylon bristles reduce static for effortless styling.

For fine hair

Denman

It is important for those of us with fine hair not to cause damage whilst brushing, and to boost our hair’s volume.

Proper brushing can also be an excellent way to stimulate hair growth, massaging the scalp to stimulate blood circulation and releasing natural oils, encouraging healthier looking hair. You can read more about this in our guide to how to grow your hair faster. 

Boar bristle brushes are ideal for fine hair types, working to delicately comb hair without causing breakage.

Moroccan Oil

The Denman D82M The Finisher (Denman, £19) is the ideal option, smoothing and adding gloss to dull or frizzy hair. It’s gentle on the hair, so is perfect for daily use.

We also love the Moroccanoil Boar Bristle Classic Brush (Lookfantastic, £39.85) which also boasts high-quality boar bristles which are gentle on the scalp and distribute your hair’s natural oils, keeping your hair soft and manageable no matter what its density.

Best hairbrushes for curly hair

Cricket

Wavy and curly hair requires tough detangling that won’t cause breakage or ruin the natural pattern of your curls.

Thick and wide-spaced bristles on brushes and combs are ideal for this hair type; reducing tangles without making the hair look flat. You can read more in our must-have products for curly hair types to fight the frizz and tame their tousles.

For a brush that will enrich your curls as well as tame them, the Cricket Ultra Hair Conditioning Rake Comb (Amazon, £12.66) is infused with Argan Oil, Olive Oil and Keratin to nourish the hair.

Charlotte Mensah

Its wide-spaced teeth will detangle any knots without pulling on the hair or causing frizz.

For tighter curls and afro styles, we recommend brushes with wider teeth that won’t break your curl pattern or tug on the scalp.

The Charlotte Mensah Paddle Brush (Cult Beauty, £22) has a cushioned head to protect your scalp from pulling, and its wide bristles prevent split ends by effortlessly detangling knots.

For natural and afro hair

Kent

While many products that suit curly hair are suitable for natural, textured and afro hair, the hair types are different and have somewhat different needs and requirements.

From masks that add hydration to curl-defining creams, and – most importantly – detangling brushes that work on more complex knots than those experienced by curly hair, natural hair benefits from bespoke treatment.

Larger, paddle brushes and hairbrushes with wide-spaced teeth are both easy to use and effective at clearing the tangles. Two favourites include the Kent Maxi-Phat Detangling Hair Brush (Amazon, £9.25) and the Detangling brush from Wet Brush (Amazon, £11.24).

The Wet Brush

The Kent Brush is an oversized paddle brush, best suited for shoulder length and long hair. It also has an air cushioned head to protect your scalp from damage.

The Wet Brush is the closest we’ve come to getting the kind of detangling of the Tangle Teezer but in a brush with a handle – we’ve been known to accidentally launch the Tangle Teezer across the room when we haven’t got the grip quite right.

This is thanks to what the company puts down to the brush’s thin and flexible Intelliflex bristles. This is coupled with the bristles’ SofTips that massage the scalp to stimulate circulation at the follicle. It’s particularly good on wet or dry hair, and on extensions and wigs.

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Katie Lynch

After graduating from the University of East Anglia with a degree in History, Katie has gone on to pursue a Master’s Degree in Human Rights at University College London and is currently interning at a legal representation charity. When she’s not poring over books on politics and legal theory, she’s obsessing over cat TikToks, playing with makeup, or prowling ASOS

The post Best hairbrush: Our pick of the best hairbrushes for thick, fine and curly hair appeared first on mamabella.

Whilst we won’t deny they can be satisfying to squeeze, you could be doing damage to your skin in the long-term. There are far better options available, and we’re here to show you where to start.

What causes blackheads?

Blackheads are caused by a build-up of oil, dead skin cells and makeup in your pores. They turn black as the oils in the pore become oxidised – so while it’s not technically dirt inside your skin, which is the general assumption, it certainly doesn’t mean your pores are clean.

There are many causes of blackheads.

Some people are genetically predisposed to have enlarged pores which increases the surface area for cells and oil to get trapped in, and increases the appearance of blackheads.

READ NEXT: Best foundation for oily skin

Excess oil production, due to hormonal reasons, a poor diet or using the wrong skincare, is also a key cause of blackheads.

Blackheads can also be caused by improper removal of makeup, so whilst those makeup wipes may be convenient, the leftover makeup residue on your skin can cause build-up that turns to blackheads.

This is why using toner is so important – it helps remove any remaining traces of cleanser and makeup, and helps tightens the pores. You can read more in our What does face toner do? guide. 

FURTHER READING: Best toner: Discover which toner best suits your skin type and budget

Blackheads vs whiteheads: What’s the difference?

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Colored skin acne anatomy composition with types of acne pimples before and after vector illustration

When a blackhead forms, the pore itself remains open. This is why you’ll often experience recurring blackheads. With whiteheads, on the other hand, the pore is blocked over completely.

How to get rid of blackheads

Firstly, the bad news – no treatment will ‘cure’ blackheads completely.

No matter what blackhead removal product you use, blackheads will usually re-appear every 20 to 40 days. This is because the underlying problem of excess oil production has not been addressed.

The good news is, there are plenty of products available for every budget that can both reduce the production of excess oil and address the existing appearance of blackheads. The answer to blackheads is exfoliation, of which there are two types:

• Physical: Using a brush or face scrub that is physically abrasive to remove the top layer of dead skin, makeup and dirt helps get rid of blackheads. However, physical exfoliation cannot reach deep inside the pores, nor can it address the underlying problem of excess oil production. That’s where chemical exfoliation comes in…
• Chemical: Chemical exfoliation removes the top layer of dead skin and is able to reach deep inside the pore to remove build-up for a deeper cleanse. These can include AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) such as glycolic acid or lactic acid, or BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) such as salicylic acid. You can read more in our guide to the acids in your skincare. 

Both can be used in your regular skincare routine to both clear existing blackheads on the surface of your skin, and clear the build-up deep within your pores to reduce how many blackheads re-form.

There is also a rising trend known as skin gritting which combines oils, clay masks and acids to clear your pores and get rid of blackheads. You can read more in our skin gritting guide. 

Blackhead removal: What products actually work?

The best blackhead removal product we’ve used recently has been the Skin Glow Electric Cleanser. It’s a blackhead vacuum that sucks even the deepest dead skin cells out of your pores. You can read more in our Skin Glow Electric Cleanser review. 

Mamabella

We recently reviewed the Skin Glow Electric Cleanser which promises to get rid of blackheads easily and effectively

FURTHER READING: Skin Glow Electric Cleanser review: Can it really remove blackheads?

Below we’ve also listed other blackhead removal products we’ve used and can recommend. We’ve also got a whole list of the best face exfoliators, if you’re after more suggestions. 

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

£6.80 | Buy now from The Ordinary

The Ordinary

Why we love it: The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, is an excellent chemical exfoliation option.

It contains a mild AHA, which deeply exfoliates your pores, improving the appearance of blackheads, smoothing skin texture, and leaving skin looking visibly more radiant.

It’s alcohol free, so it won’t be excessively drying or irritating for most skin. However, we do not recommend this product if you have sensitive skin or any underlying skin conditions, such as eczema or rosacea.

This product only really needs to be used in evening, after using cleanser. Apply to a cotton pad and gently wipe over the face and neck. Allow to dry, then follow with serum and moisturiser.

FURTHER READING: The best The Ordinary products for your skincare concerns

Buy now from The Ordinary

The Body Shop Seaweed Pore-Cleansing Exfoliator

£11 | Buy now from The Body Shop

The Body Shop

Why we love it: The Body Shop’s Seaweed Pore-Cleansing Exfoliator is the perfect example of a gentle physical exfoliator that can sweep away the excess oil and dirt on the surface of the skin, giving immediately clearer looking skin.

This product contains jojoba beads and olive stone exfoliators which are gentle on the skin and won’t leave it looking inflamed or aggravated.

We recommend using this product once a week after cleansing. Apply to damp skin and massage gentle in circles around the face for a few minutes, focusing especially on areas which have more blackheads. Remove with a damp cloth and follow with a gentle, alcohol-free toner.

As a side note, instead of buying directly from The Body Shop, we always go through a local Body Shop representative.

This helps support people in and around our community and being part of a rep’s Facebook groups often means you can enter competitions and giveaways, or get discounts that aren’t always widely available.

Our Body Shop rep is called Zoe Copper and her group is Zoe’s Beauty Spot. 

Buy now from The Body Shop

Paula’s Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant Salicylic Acid

£28 | Buy now from Paula’s Choice

Paula's Choice

Why we love it: This fast-absorbing chemical exfoliant removes dead skin cells in order to reduce the occurrence of blackheads. Salicylic acid is a popular BHA known for its blackhead and acne-fighting qualities.

It is able to clear dead skin cells, dirt and makeup from both the surface of the skin, and deep within your pores, leaving skin visibly smoother and clearer.

We recommend using the BHA Liquid Exfoliant Salicylic Acid once or twice daily after using your usual cleanser and toner. Apply to a cotton pad and swipe over your face and neck, then leave to dry before following with other treatments. Ensure that you use a broad-spectrum SPF during the day.

Buy now from Paula's Choice

Clinique Clean Skin Great Skin Face Brush Set

£42.50 | Buy now from Lookfantastic

Clinique

Why we love it: The Clinique Clean Skin Great Skin Face Brush and other facial brushes on the market are the perfect option for a gentle, physical exfoliation that won’t cause irritation or redness.

As well as clearing the dirt and excess oil on the surface of the skin, the vibrations of electronic face brushes also promote circulation.

We recommend using the Clinique Clean Skin Great Skin Face Brush once every other day with a foaming facial cleanser.

Buy now from Lookfantastic

Blackhead removal: What should you avoid?

While there are plenty of options for blackhead removal on the market, there are also some that are best avoided.

• Harsh physical exfoliants: any face scrub with sharp or large beads or particles can be overly harsh on the skin, causing irritation. They can also cause micro-tears within the skin which can exacerbate scarring, dryness, and acne.

• Peel-off masks and pore strips: While many of us will know from experience the satisfaction of peeling off a pore strip and seeing beautiful, clear skin underneath, the results of these treatments are temporary and can make blackheads worse in the long run. They can be effective at removing build up from pores, but they cannot provide the deep cleansing of a gentle chemical exfoliant, and they can leave pores looking larger.

• Over-exfoliation: Using scrubs or exfoliants on your skin more often won’t decrease the likelihood of developing blackheads, and it can force inflammation deeper into the skin, making the problem worse. Over-exfoliation can also cause dryness and irritation. We therefore recommend using facial scrubs only once a week.

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•  

Katie Lynch

After graduating from the University of East Anglia with a degree in History, Katie has gone on to pursue a Master’s Degree in Human Rights at University College London and is currently interning at a legal representation charity. When she’s not poring over books on politics and legal theory, she’s obsessing over cat TikToks, playing with makeup, or prowling ASOS

The post Blackheads: What causes them and how to get rid of blackheads without damaging your skin appeared first on mamabella.