Skin First: My Skincare Rituals for the Holiday Season

Pia Bedregal with glowing skin, sharing her personal skincare routine without makeup

As the holiday season approaches, our calendars start to fill with weddings, celebrations, dinners and all those lovely occasions that give us a reason to get dressed up.

And while it’s always fun to think about the makeup look, I believe beautiful makeup starts with looking after the skin underneath.

For me, skincare has never been about having an endless collection of products or following a complicated routine. It’s about finding the little rituals that make my skin feel comfortable, hydrated and cared for.

Today, I’m sharing a little more about how I look after my own skin, the products I enjoy using, and the habits that have become part of my everyday life.

My morning skincare routine

My morning routine is one of those small moments I like to take for myself before the day gets busy.

I start by cleansing my face with CeraVe Oil Cleanser. Then I use organic rose water, pressing it gently into my skin with my hands. I love how refreshing this feels.

Next comes Clarins Double Serum, which I use both morning and night. It’s one of those products I genuinely enjoy applying, and it has become a favourite part of my routine.

For my eyes, I reach for Clinique All About Eyes with the roller applicator. I love the cooling feeling around my eyes, especially in the morning. It gives me that refreshed feeling before I start the day.

For moisturiser, I use La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Cream during the day. And sunscreen is a non-negotiable step for me. I finish with an SPF 50 sunscreen and a little lip balm.

My skin is generally normal, but I’m always thinking about keeping it looking clear, hydrated and feeling comfortable.

My evening skincare routine

At night, I like to give my skin a little more attention.

After cleansing and removing any makeup, I apply my Clarins Double Serum. It’s one of those products I enjoy using both morning and night. Then comes moisturiser. One of my favourites is Clarins Super Restorative Night Cream. I love the feeling of applying a rich cream before bed. It’s one of those little rituals that makes me feel like I’m looking after myself.

I have always enjoyed using moisturisers, oils and creams on my face and body. I love that feeling of my skin being nourished and cared for.

For me, skincare is not about having a complicated routine with endless products. It’s about enjoying the process and finding what makes your skin feel comfortable.

A few habits I’ve kept over the years

I’m not someone who gets facials regularly, but I do enjoy a little extra care from time to time.

I like using sheet masks with hyaluronic acid, especially when my skin feels like it needs a boost of hydration. I also enjoy professional treatments such as microneedling or mesotherapy, which I tend to have around twice a year.

One habit I’ve been very consistent with is protecting my face from direct sun. I haven’t intentionally tanned my face since I was 19, partly because I’m prone to dark spots. I’m careful with sun exposure and make sunscreen part of my daily routine.

And there’s one little personal detail that always makes people smile: I’ve slept without a pillow since I was a child. My mum used to tell me it might help with neck wrinkles, and now I simply find it more comfortable. My husband, on the other hand, gets to enjoy all the pillows!

Of course, everyone’s skin and habits are different. These are simply the little things that have become part of my own routine.

Looking after my skin from the inside out

I love skincare products, but I also believe that how we look after ourselves from the inside matters.

I try to eat well and enjoy home-cooked meals. I’m Chilean, so avocado, or palta as we call it, and eggs are often part of my meals.

And when I feel like something sweet, one of my favourite little treats is Greek yoghurt with strawberries, lots of almonds, pepitas (pumpkin seeds), and a squeeze of honey.

I eat almonds and pepitas almost every day. I love that this snack feels like a little treat while also being nourishing. It reminds me that caring for our skin isn’t only about what we apply to it. It’s also about the everyday choices we make to look after our bodies.

I try to drink enough water, although I’ll admit I’m not always as consistent as I should be. I also take vitamins and minerals as part of my personal routine, but I know that what works for one person may not be right for another.

There isn’t one food, product or habit that guarantees perfect skin. For me, it’s about the bigger picture: a balanced approach, consistency, and finding what feels good for my body.

Why skincare matters to me as a makeup artist

Pia Bedregal wearing blue smoky eye makeup and glowing skin

As a makeup artist, skin is always at the centre of my work.

When a client comes in for makeup, I take time to prepare their skin, even if they arrive with a clean face and no makeup on. I cleanse and hydrate, and I want the skin to feel comfortable and look fresh before I begin.

Good skin preparation helps me create the kind of finish I love: skin that looks hydrated, fresh and beautifully balanced.

Makeup can enhance the features, add definition and create a beautiful transformation. But I also love seeing skin that looks like skin.

I don’t wear makeup every single day. On days off, I’m often happy to go without it. When I do want a little something, I usually reach for cream products, mascara, lip liner and a tinted balm.

I love both sides of it: feeling comfortable in my own skin, and the creativity of using makeup to create a look for a special occasion.

Getting your skin ready for the holiday season

If you have celebrations coming up, my advice is to keep things simple and consistent.

You don’t need to change your entire skincare routine just because the holiday season is approaching. A few thoughtful steps can help your skin feel comfortable and ready for makeup.

  • Keep your routine consistent. Stick with products your skin already knows and enjoys.

  • Focus on hydration. Use a moisturiser that suits your skin and helps it feel comfortable.

  • Wear sunscreen during the day. Make SPF part of your everyday routine, not just beach days.

  • Avoid experimenting right before an event. Introducing lots of new products at once can be unpredictable, especially if your skin is sensitive.

  • Give your skin time before makeup. Cleanse and moisturise, then allow your skincare to settle before applying makeup.

When I prepare a client’s skin, I’m looking for that fresh, hydrated feel. It creates a lovely starting point for makeup, whether we’re going for soft glam or something a little more defined.

And remember, your skin doesn’t need to look perfect to look beautiful.

A little reminder before the holidays

The holiday season can be busy, and it’s easy to put ourselves at the bottom of the list.

So take a moment for your skin, but also for yourself. Enjoy the products you use. Find a routine that feels manageable. Nourish your body, get some rest when you can, and don’t forget that looking after yourself is more than what you see in the mirror.

For me, skincare is a small, everyday way of showing myself a little care. And when it comes to makeup, that’s where the fun begins.

With love,

Pia x

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