Probably the most important part of looking good is to take care of your facial skin. Wearing the most perfectly applied make-up will not cover up a poor skin.

Take the time to practice a regular cleansing routine. To clean facial skin use a gentle, fragrance free cleanser, preferably one that is pH balanced. Deodorant soaps shouldn't be used on your face. They may irritate your skin and eyes or clog your pores.

Dip into your fridge for facial cleansers when your regular cleanser runs out. Buttermilk or yogurt are gentle, natural skin cleansers.

While much time and attention is lavished on the face, the neck area needs as much care and consideration so always include the neck area in your skincare routine.

Moisturizing is a necessity. Again, the product with the least amount of chemical additives is the best. Always use a light moisturizer on your face and neck after cleansing.

Dry Skin - If you suffer from dry skin it's very likely you've tried numerous 'miracle cure' products only to discover they were not. You do not necessarily need to buy those expensive creams or lotions to treat the problem, you can often find good solutions by following a few useful tips.

Do not use tap water when cleansing dry skin. The deposits are too drying and never, ever use hot water.

Unless your skin is oily, avoid washing your face with soap as it removes the natural oils protecting the skin.

Nourish and hydrate with Chamomile, Evening Primrose or Aloe Vera.

Massage your face with a nourishing cream every night, paying particular attention to the area surrounding the eyes where tiny lines and crows feet develop.

Refrain from using toner as this can dry out the skin.

Oily Skin - One great advantage of oily skin is that it ages at a slower rate than other skin types.

Cleanse with plenty of warm water and pure or lightly medicated soap to prevent the clogging of pores. (contrary to popular belief, hot water can deprive your skin of much needed moisture). Limit washing your face to two or three times daily as too much stimulation will produce more oil. Rinse your face thoroughly and apply a toner/astringent on the oily areas of your skin by massaging with your fingertips using upward and outward strokes.

Harsh products deprive your skin of natural oils and encourage flakiness. This in turn can lead to a reaction known as reactive seborrhoea, where the oil glands work overtime to compensate for the loss of natural oils. When skin becomes dehydrated it causes the outer layers to shrink and restricts oil flow through the pores leading to blockages and spots.

Use a cleanser that contains benzoil peroxide or salicylic acid and avoid heavy creams.

The skin around your eyes and mouth and on your throat may benefit from a nightly moisturizing, plus a mere touch of moisturizer in the morning.

If your oily skin is scaly, you can often correct the problem by using a deep-cleaning exfoliant on alternate nights, and following the treatment with a light coating of moisturizer.

Try using a clay or mud mask. If you have sensitive skin, use white or rose-coloured clays.

Exfoliate skin regularly with a natural exfoliant such as glycolic acid to remove dead skin cells, balance oil production and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.

Before applying makeup, use an antiseptic day cream with active ingredients that diminish sebaceous secretions. Look for benzyl peroxide in the list of active ingredients.

Use a light antiseptic night cream from time to time if you wish, and apply a clarifying mask one or two times a week.