By Despina Ziliaskopoulou – Makeup Artist in Greece
Healthy, glowing skin is the foundation of every beautiful makeup look.
As a professional makeup artist in Greece, I often say that makeup doesn’t start with brushes—it starts with skin care and self-love.
Today, I want to share simple, effective face care tips that I personally recommend to my clients in Athens and across Greece. So grab a cup of coffee ☕ and let’s begin.
Your Face Care Routine: Where Self-Love Begins
Many people tell me that skincare feels boring.
What truly worries me, however, is when I hear: “I sleep with my makeup on.”
Let’s forget the word routine for a moment and think of skincare as a daily ritual of self-care.
Here’s something important to remember:
- In the morning, your skin protects itself from external factors like pollution, radiation, and sun exposure.
- At night, your skin rests, repairs, and regenerates.
That’s why sunscreen in the morning (yes—even in winter) and night care in the evening are absolutely essential.
Below are the basic steps I believe everyone—women and men—can easily follow, regardless of age or lifestyle.
Step 1: Makeup Removal (Always!)
Even if you didn’t wear makeup, cleansing is necessary.
Use a cotton pad with micellar water and gently cleanse your face and eyes. This removes impurities, excess oil, and environmental residue.
✔️ Clean skin = better hydration & healthier glow.
Step 2: Deep Cleansing
Choose a cleansing product you love—foam, gel, or soap—and wash your face thoroughly.
Finish by splashing cold water.
Pro Beauty Tip from a Makeup Artist in Athens:
Cold water helps wake up your skin and, over time, improves firmness and tone.
Step 3: Toner – The Most Underrated Step
Yes, TONER, and yes—it’s essential.
A tonic lotion helps restore the skin’s pH balance and prepares it for hydration.
I personally recommend toners with rose water or chamomile, known for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Optional but powerful:
- Exfoliation (1–2 times per week):
Choose gentle exfoliants with fine, plant-based grains. - Face Mask (after exfoliation):
Hydrating, cleansing, or soothing—choose what your skin needs.
Step 4: Hydration Is Key
Hydration is where real skin transformation happens.
- Start with a serum
Serums penetrate deeper into the skin.
A hyaluronic acid serum is suitable for all ages and skin types. - Continue with a moisturizer
Choose a light cream or gel texture.
Use a small amount, avoid the eye area, and never forget the neck & décolletage.
✨ Treat this step as a mini facial massage—it makes a real difference.
Eye Care: The Most Delicate Area
The eye area is the first place to show signs of fatigue and aging.
From around the age of 25, an eye cream should be part of your daily care.
Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamins, and rich textures for puffiness or dark circles.
💡 I also love eye patches, especially before events, photoshoots, or weddings.
Lip Care for a Smooth Finish
I personally avoid petroleum-based products.
Instead, I recommend lip balms made from natural oils and butters.
Before applying balm:
- Gently exfoliate using a lip scrub
- Or mix honey & sugar for a natural exfoliant
Your lipstick will apply much more smoothly—trust me.
Night Products: Let Your Skin Repair
At night, your skin regenerates.
Night creams are richer and often contain photo-sensitive ingredients—this is why they should never be used in the morning.
Sunscreen: Non-Negotiable
As a makeup artist in Greece, where sun exposure is intense, I cannot stress this enough:
☀️ Sunscreen is essential—even in winter.
It protects against:
- Premature aging
- Skin damage
- Long-term skin conditions
Make it part of your daily life, and your skin will thank you.
Final Thoughts from a Makeup Artist in Greece
These tips can be adapted to your:
- Age
- Skin type
- Lifestyle
- Personal needs
Choose products you love and use them consistently.
Healthy skin is the most beautiful gift you can give yourself.
With love,
Despina Ziliaskopoulou
Professional Makeup Artist – Athens, Greece
