Cosmetic products are no longer restricted to women, as an increasing number of men now regularly apply makeup as part of their personal grooming. However, applying cosmetics without understanding proper skin preparation often results in severe skin damage. In many instances, poor makeup techniques lead to chronic dermal irritation that requires ongoing medical consultations with dermatologists. Furthermore, the absence of appropriate methods causes the final look to appear bizarre, cakey, and visibly distorted rather than enhancing natural features.
Addressing these practical concerns, prominent Delhi-NCR skin care expert Narendra shared essential grooming guidelines during the 'Beauty Land' event held at Omaxe Chowk in Chandni Chowk. He highlighted the fundamental steps individuals must follow before applying any cosmetic product to ensure skin safety while preserving an organic finish.
The Essential CTM Formula Before Applying Cosmetics
According to beauty specialist Narendra, everyone must adopt the 'CTM' procedure as a foundational routine before starting their makeup. The acronym CTM stands for Cleansing, Toning, and Moisturizing, serving as a protective protocol that safeguards the epidermis and extends cosmetic wear.
- Cleansing (Skin Hygiene): The very first and most critical action is thoroughly washing the face. Applying cosmetic products directly over sweat, dirt, or environmental grime severely clogs pores, accelerates dermal damage, and makes the resulting coverage look uneven and degraded.
- Toning (Harmonizing Skin Undertones): Within this sequence, toning emphasizes selecting products that naturally complement an individual's organic complexion. Those with deeper or darker skin tones should choose matching base shades rather than artificial ones. Conversely, individuals with fairer skin should strictly avoid heavy and overly dense cosmetic applications.
- Moisturizing (Hydration Shield): The concluding phase of the CTM cycle is comprehensive moisturizing. Once the skin has been purified and balanced, a suitable moisturizer must be applied evenly before introducing any base product. This protective layer ensures that the skin barrier remains shielded from direct chemical exposure while allowing makeup to remain intact for extended durations.
Avoiding Excessive Foundation and Ensuring Uniform Coverage
Skin care expert Narendra highlighted that both men and women frequently make the error of applying an excessive amount of foundation. Overloading products completely strips away the face's natural appearance, leaving it looking as though a heavy layer of paste has been applied on top. When perspiration sets in later, this built-up coverage begins to crease and separate, producing a messy and unpleasant visual outcome.
To avoid this, foundation must always be used in restrained, moderate quantities suited to one's natural skin tone. Additionally, application should never remain confined to the facial perimeter alone. Foundation must be spread evenly across the face, ears, and neck in identical proportions. Applying product solely to the face creates an awkward contrast where the face shines brightly while the ears and neck display a noticeably different complexion. Distributing the base uniformly across the face, ears, and neck is the only dependable method to ensure a smooth, seamless, and completely natural finish.
