With the winter months behind us and foundation calling for a lighter touch, here is the routine you need to lift, refresh and revive a tired complexion.

With freakishly (yet I admit it, fabulous) warm days ahead, it’s time to get in shape for summer. That means draconian workouts at F45, languid coastal walks and steams at the Icebergs Spa and Sauna.

But while those abs harden and your buns lift, what are you doing to reboot a sallow, wintery complexion? Winter can be a gnarly season for the skin, resulting in broken capillaries, gaping pores and a dull pallor thanks to weakened circulation.

But, apart from a few invigorating slaps across the face (I’m kidding), here is what else can you do to get the life back in your complexion so you look as if you’ve just auditioned for Victoria’s Secret (rather than been frozen in a crypt).

See below for my list of wonder products that promise to revive, reboot and rejuvenate.

1. DETOX

Aesop Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque

If your heaven is a garden of lavender, then prepare for paradise once you inhale this product’s scent. Its main aim is to gently yet thoroughly lift and extract any impurities that are clogging your pores while refining the skin texture which will help with the penetration of your day-to-day moisturising. Tip: apply to pre-cleansed and exfoliated skin. By exfoliating your skin beforehand, it will remove any dead skin cells and allow the mask to penetrate deeper, maximising its pulling powers. Leave the mask on for 15-20 mins before rinsing with warm water.

2. DEEP CLEANSE

(MALIN + GOETZ) Detox Face Mask

Is there anything this deep cleansing, hydrating and anti-aging treatment doesn’t do? Using complex amino acids and natural almond extract to gently purify and soothe skin, it’s also infused with Vitamin C, anti-oxidant Vitamin E and Soy Protein to help firm and give a helping hand to those fine lines (why do these always seem deeper by the end of the week, btw?). Apply right on top of a full face of makeup (?) or day-to-day grime and watch this bad-boy go to work as it oxygenates right before your eyes. Leave on for roughly 5 minutes and rinse to see and feel the results. I use this product in-between looks when shooting beauty editorials to avoid irritating the skin with detergents and to replace the moisture that makeup sucks out. Tip: use daily on dry skin as a night-time cleanser and weekly on oily skin as a deep-clean and hydration booster.

3. NOURISH

SKII Facial Treatment Mask

A piece of luxury every woman (or man for that matter) should experience at least once a month in their skincare routine! SKII is an extreme moisture boosting mask to hydrate, revitalise and replenish skin. Used backstage before major runway shows and beauty campaigns, or on celebrities before walking the red carpet, you too can now immerse your skin in moisture – resulting in plump, radiant and crystal-clear complexion. Tip: use before and/or after flying to protect and repair dehydrated skin OR right before a special event to look like you have a spotlight on you all night long!

4. EXFOLIATE

Bob’s Red Mill Aluminium-Free Baking Soda

This is a little tip I picked up years ago from my dermatologist when my skin was prone to an odd pimple or two (or three…!). She recommended I use baking soda for ‘at home microdermabrasion’. I would mix three tablespoons of baking soda with one tablespoon of water until it formed a thin paste. Try it with me! Apply this simple mixture with your fingers in a circular motion onto your face, let it sit for five minutes, and then rinse with warm water. Tip: this is also really great for those that are prone to body acne/pimples (i.e. the fella’s) on the chest or back.

5. LIFT

NuSkin AgeLoc Galvanic Spa

I’ve only recently discovered this device and I am obsessed! Not only does it give you a facelift in 10 minutes, but used twice a week, it removes impurities, soothes and conditions the skin, slows visible signs of ageing and revives and invigorates tired skin by promoting cellular energy. This two-part treatment utilises a galvanic current to get the active cleansing and youth-activating ingredients deeper into the skin layer, all the while lifting and massaging the facial muscles. Essentially, it’s a salon-grade treatment you can do in the comfort of your own home – with serious results. Tip: use an hour before going to a special event for cheekbones that pop.

CREDITS

Product Review and Hair & Makeup: Max May | Words: Alina Berdi | Photographer: Max Papendieck at DLM for Maxmade.com.au