"My focus is always beautiful skin, that looks like skin!

This is fairly straightforward for anyone with clear skin but

the natural look can feel daunting when you suffer with acne or breakouts.

I’ve always had hormonal, diet and stress-related breakouts, so

this advice comes from many years of experience."

1. Wash Your Hands!

I wouldn’t dream of touching a model's face without washing and sanitising my hands, so the same should apply to your own lovely face. If you prefer to use brushes or sponges, be mindful of the bacteria they carry and regularly wash them.

2. Skin Prep is ESSENTIAL

Clean your face and neck by sweeping over a cotton pad with Miceller water. I prefer Bioderma or Garnier.

Apply lip balm now so it can work whilst you’re prepping. Lanolin Nipple Balm is very good.

Apply 47 Skin's Anti-blemish and Scar Repair Serum, for an incredibly hydrating and soothing base. Take a moment to massage this in. It contains Silver Chitoderm™ which has incredible antibacterial properties - I always imagine it healing my breakouts and scars as I apply it.

Mostly I just wear the serum, but if my skin is feeling especially dry I will apply either Avene’s Oil Control Moisturiser or Embryolisse’s Lait Creme Concentrate. Your skin should now be looking more alive. Then curl your lashes with Surratt Beauty’s lash curler. Truly the best I’ve used. 

3. Smooth Your Skin

If your spots are textured, I highly recommend Instant Touch by Clarins. Use a clean spatula to scrape a little onto the back of your hand and apply some to the spot. It will create a smooth base to apply your concealer.

4. Conceal

Laura Mercier’s Secret Camoflauge is a true icon. I love using the warmth of my fingers to ensure the concealer melds into the skin and looks as natural as possible.

I always apply a little under the eyes and to the redness around my nose and then on individual spots. Focus the majority of the product on the blemish and tap around to blend into the skin.

Day to day, I just wear concealer, but for a more polished look, I apply a pump of foundation (Armani’s Luminous Silk) on the back of my hand and then dip a tiny touch on a brush. Buff in whatever you have on the brush before applying more product - sheer layers will allow more coverage, but blending in will ensure your skin looks natural. 

5. Highlight

To me, the perfect highlight is studying someone’s skin trying to figure out whether they have make up on - balm is very good for this.

I apply balm from my index finger to ring finger and distribute evenly over both hands and then tap over the high planes of the face where the light hits. Top of cheekbones first, a touch on the bridge of the nose and a little on the brow bone. Egyptian Magic Balm, Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream and Weleda’s Skin Food are fabulous for this.

Step back now and see whether any of your breakouts need to be re-concealed. Day to day, I will avoid powder but if needed, I will lightly apply powder (Make Up Forever HD) with a small fluffy brush over breakouts, concentrating on the spot to keep the texture of my face glowy. Try not to touch! Any bacteria on your face could inflame the breakout and extend your healing time. If you do need to re-conceal, be sure to do so with clean hands.

For more tips from Jessica visit her Instagram @jessicataylorgarvin