As the countdown to the Lunar New Year visits begins, bringing your skin back to a bright, calm and stable state matters more than any makeup look

Restore skin to a stable state

During a skin emergency, cleansing should be gentler than usual. Avoid exfoliation, acids, or any irritating steps. Opt instead for a low-irritation cleanser that leaves no tightness after washing. Preserving the skin’s natural barrier ensures that the skincare steps that follow can actually be absorbed.

Intensive hydration

Choose toners and serums with simple formulas to build a hydrating base. In the evening, you can add a sheet mask or short-term intensive mask treatment to help saturate the stratum corneum. Once the skin is properly hydrated, texture naturally appears smoother.

Lock in moisture

La Roche Posay toleriane sensitive cream (HK$250)

Many people focus only on hydration during emergency care and forget to seal it in. You don’t need a heavy texture, but a cream or gel-cream with a slightly richer slip helps trap moisture and keep a healthy glow on the skin. Pay extra attention to the cheeks and eye area. Also, adding an eye cream here can noticeably reduce signs of fatigue.

Gentle physical stimulation

Before makeup in the morning, a simple facial massage, alternating warm and cool towels, or brief ice compresses can help boost circulation and reduce puffiness. These steps quickly bring facial contours and complexion back to an alert, refreshed state.

Make-up

Charlotte Tilbury pillow talk beautifying cushion foundation (HK$505)

Estee Lauder double wear stay-in-place foundation SPF 10/PA++ (HK$440)

After skin recovery, opt for base makeup with hydrating or luminous properties to enhance your complexion. Focus on strategic highlighting and use concealer sparingly. This preserves a natural, well-rested look rather than an overly made-up finish.

Also see: Perfumer Quentin Bisch on creating scents for Diptyque