How to detox your skincare and makeup routine after heavy-duty partying

Good intentions are everywhere in January: Instagram is awash with posts declaring resolutions for 2019; your favourite cafe is offering raw energy balls in lieu of cake, and an oat mylk alternative to dairy; and the gym is full of keen new members. Whether you’re joining in the current mood for positive change, or resisting the dry-January vegan-uary furore with equal passion—beauty is somewhere we can all happily embrace a refresh.

“The holidays are undoubtedly stressful for skin—a boozy, indulgent, sleep-deprived December can easily lead to a lacklustre, clogged complexion that may be more sensitive and prone to irritation, especially given the cold January weather,” says London-based cosmetic dermatologist Dr Sam Bunting. “What I do advise is to declutter your routine. Hone in on the right basics, strip out any steps that deliver little in the way of benefits and then carefully select appropriate actives and introduce them gradually to stimulate repair and regeneration.”

To restore your skin to its former glory, Vogue presents a post-party detox for your beauty regime. After all, ‘tis the season for hunkering down and getting cosy, letting your skin breathe and embracing a natural, nourished look.

How to do a skincare detox

Cleanse like a pro

Embrace the double cleanse: taking the time to cleanse the skin daily, morning and night. The best kind of formulas are balms that you can warm up on your skin, before removing makeup, dirt and pollutants using warm water and a flannel or soft muslin cloth. Cleansing oils will also emulsify smoothly, getting deep into the skin to leave it clean and fresh.

Vogue recommends: Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish, NYX Professional Makeup Stripped Off Cleansing Oil

Peel away those skin sins

A peel is a great way to rejuvenate lacklustre skin, bringing back a healthy glow. Pre-soak cotton pads with the peel solution, especially if you have sensitive skin (more common at this time of year), as this makes it easier to apply a milder concentration to avoid any reactions. You can then increase the intensity with a second application if you like. Remember you don’t need to steer clear of active ingredients. “Retinoids are especially helpful at getting dull, bumpy skin back on track. Start slow and build up gradually and don’t be afraid to lean into moisturising to manage any initial transient dryness,” says Bunting.

Vogue recommends: Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel, Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask

Detox with mud

A deep cleanse twice a week will give your skin the clean slate it needs for an effective detox. Try a mud-based mask to draw out any toxins and stimulate skin cells to accelerate regeneration, restoring natural radiance.

Vogue recommends: Forest Essentials Facial Ubtan Multani Mitti, Caudalie Instant Detox Mask

Hands-on nourishment

Now for the nourishment phase. Treat your skin to some TLC, with a morning skin routine that allows time for the products to really get to work. Apply a hyaluronic-based serum after cleansing, then give the face a quick five-minute massage—this stimulates lymphatic drainage to reduce puffiness, and activates layers of the dermis for a revitalised complexion. Finish with a rich, hydrating moisturiser. “Give yourself four to six weeks—one skin cycle—to get your glow back,” advises Bunting.

Vogue recommends: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, Drunk Elephant B-Hydra™ Intensive Hydration Serum

How to do a makeup detox

Strip it back to the bare necessities

There’s no better time of year to clear out your makeup bag. For complete commitment, go full Marie Kondo and ask yourself which products you truly love, and when you last used each one. To simplify, the main staples for any daytime look—the more natural the better—are: tinted moisturiser or foundation, concealer and mascara.

Vogue recommends: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, Charlotte Tilbury Magic Away Concealer

It’s all about the base

Pared-back makeup shifts the focus to the complexion, so it’s important that the base is just right in texture and tone—a mis-matched or cakey application of foundation will only exacerbate any appearance of tiredness. “My trick when applying makeup is to use two or three foundation shades—our skin isn’t all one tone, so we shouldn’t just cover it with one,” explains Gucci Westman, celebrity makeup artist and founder of Westman Atelier.

Vogue recommends: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, M.A.C. Studio Fix Fluid Foundation

Look for the multitaskers

Choose foundations and base products that will treat the skin, as well as provide the daytime coverage you need. Formulas that include ingredients such as peptides and antioxidants will soothe and hydrate the skin, while smoothing out skin tone. “My Vital Skin Foundation Stick also has skincare benefits, giving you the confidence that what you’re putting on your skin is good for you,” says Westman. These dual-approach products are more than just skin deep, they really boost the complexion.

Vogue recommends: Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation Serum, BareMinerals BareSkin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation

Glow-getters

An often underrated product, the right blusher is the easiest trick to bringing a little life back to the skin. “I love creating that healthy outdoorsy, post-sport flush with my Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks. Glow isn’t just about highlighting, there are so many different finishes—bronzed, glossy, warmth,” says Westman.

Vogue recommends: Glossier Cloud Paint in Dusk, Maybelline New York Master Flush Stick

Also read:

We put together the perfect makeup kit for you, whatever your budget

The secrets to long-lasting makeup for party season

10 winter skincare tips for a head-to-toe glow, according to experts