An expert guide to perfecting DIY facials

Each week, Stephanie Darling roadtests a different makeup or skincare trend to find out whether it’s worth your time. Ahead, Melanie Grant shares her spring facial routine.

Road test

I want to perfect my DIY facial, so I ask skin aficionado Melanie Grant to share her go-to home routine.

The lowdown First, double cleanse with a balm to break down make-up and grime and follow it with an AHA cleanser to deep-clean pores. Next, exfoliate with a scrub, enzyme mask or gentle peeling solution to buff away dead cells and boost the complexion. Massage with a face oil, starting with your neck and working upwards and outwards to release tension and reduce puffiness, using enough product to prevent tugging at the skin (you can also use a gua sha tool). Next, apply a clay mask to any congested areas and a hydrating mask over the rest of your face, neck and décolletage. Then use a concentrated serum to treat redness, dehydration, congestion and uneven skin tone. Vitamin C serums are great for brightening, hyaluronic acid formulas hydrate, and niacinamide tackles redness and pigmentation. For the finishing touch, apply a favourite moisturiser or oil to seal everything in.

Downtime One luxurious hour.

Results The tension is gone from my face and my skin looks super clean.

At home Try Rationale The PreCleanse Balm (rationale.com, $120), Augustinus Bader The Face Oil (skincareedit.com, $320), Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 (skincareedit.com, $107), Société Rejuvenating Peptide Gel Mask (adorebeauty.com.au, $155), SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Serum (adorebeauty.com.au, $228).