We've spoken to some of the industry's most skilled beauticians - those who really geek out on effective skin care and products. We start with Camilla Bauer, beauty editor for GO Beauty and Instagrams at @abeautyboost. She knows as well as anyone what gives her beautiful skin and when she shouldn't slack off on her routines.
Do you have a beauty ritual? If so, which one?
I swear by my Gua sha, both for the face but also for the body. When I'm not using it, I can immediately see it on my skin, especially on my face. The daily massage around the eyes results in far fewer fine lines and a fresh look with a fine glow.
How is your morning and evening beauty routine?
I have my regular routines, that way I know that I always get to give my skin the love and attention it needs. What works best for me is to do the big work in the evening. In the morning I take a shower, clean my face with a gentle cleanser, then I apply my serum followed by a day cream and a CC cream with spf so that my skin gets a nice even skin tone.
In the evening, I cleanse my face and apply a serum or oil, then use my gua sha. The gua sha massage gives me peace and a feeling of pampering that makes it easier to get down to speed after a long day. You can easily use your gua sha without product underneath, I just prefer to have product on the skin. When I've used my Gua sha, I finish with a night cream and then I'm ready for my beauty sleep.
What skin care products do you use and why?
Because of my job as a beauty editor at GO beauty, I try quite a few different products. However, I use up every single product as I am not in favor of product waste. It is easy to jump around in different products and brands, as I am so spoiled to be able to try a lot of different things. However, I do not do this, as I would like to give the products I test a completely honest and sincere attempt to make a difference. I am a trained beautician, and when I worked as a beautician I always advised my clients to use the product for 2-3 months, as that is the time it takes for your skin to form a completely honest picture of what the various ingredients can do and that I follow the advice myself. Beautiful skin does not come by itself, it requires commitment!
When are you happiest with your skin?
I'm actually so genetically lucky that I never really have any problems with my skin – Thanks Mom! But having said that, I can tell right away if I slack off on my routines, so I don't! I'm most happy with my skin when I'm not wearing make-up, have a slight complexion and look a little shiny after using a rich cream or oil. I love the fresh look, that's where I feel most fashionable.
Has your skincare routine changed over the years - how?
I've taken very good care of my skin over the past several years, but the older I've gotten, the more I've become aware of what it takes to keep the skin youthful and healthy.
What's your best green/sustainable/free beauty tip?
I have become more and more aware of what is bought both when it comes to food, but also when it comes to my skin care routines. We can't save the whole world alone, but if we all think about it and change our habits, I'm sure we can lift the crowd and make our beautiful planet an even better place to be. Today there are many manufacturers that produce much more sustainable products, packaging, cotton pads, cotton buds, toothbrushes made of bamboo and my latest discovery a Paper Water Bottle which is a biodegradable drinking bottle that can be used again and again for up to 2 years, and then it costs only DKK 29 at organicbeautysupply.dk
Jump into the sea all year round, it's completely free and your body will thank you for it! Winter bathing makes you happy as the brain reacts to the cold by releasing a lot of signaling substances and hormones, including adrenaline and endorphins.
What do you do to pamper yourself and your body/face?
As far as possible, I try to get a massage more or less continuously to relieve the sometimes rather tense office body. In addition, a good facial every now and then is a must. A skilled beautician in combination with good products can really do wonders for the skin. It ranges widely from an active fruit acid treatment to a more alternative treatment, where old techniques time and again prove to be able to work magic on the skin. In addition, I prioritize my night's sleep, which is crucial for me to be functional and look fresh.