Follow these simple tips for beauty basics that spell common sense.

The biggest challenge faced by aging skin is dryness. When wearing makeup, use a luminizing primer before you apply foundation. This is the key to good makeup applications.

A primer will hide acne scars, wrinkles, and lines. Primers prepare the skin for an application of foundation to your face, so it goes on more smoothly and looks more natural. Use less foundation by using a makeup sponge or brush. Less foundation on your face achieves a look that is more youthful and dewy. Cream blushes are preferred over powder for aging skin. So, avoid that dry powder blush. A light application of powder over the makeup can keep it looking fresh longer. Keep lips healthy with moisturizing lip glosses and lipstick in shades that are light, nothing too dark. A pale pink is more flattering to mature faces rather than hot pink.

Exfoliate by removing dirt from the skin and letting it breathe. A tablespoon of raw sugar and 1 tablespoons of olive oil mixed together in a small bowl creates an excellent facial application. Rub into your face and leave on for 15 to 20 minutes. Later remove by rinsing with cool or warm water. Learn to establish a cleaning routine that you use every day. Wash and cleanse your face daily in the evening. Use a good cleanser and add a good moisturizer in the morning and at night because the skin dries out. Using a moisturizer after a shower is the best time because water and heat dries skin.

Buy a humidifier for your bedroom to add moisture to the room. Heat in winter robs the body of moisture, so a humidifier will add moisture to the air. This is good for your skin on the body inside and out. Taking lukewarm baths or showers is another tactic that helps with keeping skin from drying out. Hot water tends to dry out skin faster. Keep baths and showers short, five to ten minutes is enough. You will use less water and dry out your skin less.

If you like to go outside and sun bathe, use a good moisturizing sun block. The rays of the sun dry skin, and excess rays can lead to skin cancer. Sit under an umbrella or shade tree when at the beach. Don’t stay in the sun too long. Drink plenty of water to keep cool in the heat and as a way to remove toxins from your system. Drinking water prevents dehydration in hot weather.