5 flawless skin secrets from a beauty pro

Do you want to have flawless skin? I don't know anyone who doesn't want to have great skin. As a cosmetologist, I am always looking for the latest and greatest in skin innovations. But what I've found is that the tried and true beauty skin secrets are the ones that work the best. Here are my five best cosmetologist secrets for flawless skin.

Treat your skin with loving care. The first steps to great skin are to wash it twice a day. If your skin is dry, use a creamy cleanser. If your skin is oily or blemish prone, use a cleanser with salicylic acid, such as Neutrogena Acne Stress Control cleanser. You want to wash it gently, in a light circular motion, first thing in the morning and before you go to bed at night. Use a wash cloth to make sure you remove all the dirt, impurities, and to rinse away the cleanser completely.

Treat your skin issues. Since everyone's skin is different, everyone's skin routine will be different. While we all need to use toner to pH balance our skin, we also need treat our individual problems. For me, that means using a blemish control toner, also by Neutrogena. Just apply with a cotton circle and let dry. For others, it means using an eye cream, such as Mary Kay Firming Eye Cream, to tighten up those crow's feet. Dab on gently, using your ring fingers and don't ever tug!

Moisturize. This may seem like more of a no-brainer than a skin secret, but truly, you have to find the right moisturizer. For my blemish prone skin, Target brand Dual Action moisturizer is cheap and surprisingly effective. I just gently apply, and it soaks right in. My friends with dry skin, however, are much better off with Mary Kay Timewise Age Fighting Moisturizer in normal to dry. Not only does have a rich feel, (it should, it costs much more than mine!), it also helps fight the signs of again.

Protect your skin. No, you can't really create a bullet proof vest for your skin. But you can prevent it from getting sun damage. This is the biggest secret to preventing aging. Always wear SPF. My favorite is by Peter Thomas Roth. Mineral powder with SPF is contained right inside the travel brush, so you can toss it your bag. After you've applied your foundation, you just shake the brush to activate the product, and swirl it on. If you prefer a liquid SPF, try Neutrogena Sensitive Skin SPF 60. You'll get great coverage without the blemish-causing effects of traditional sunscreen.

Apply a flawless finish. If you want flawless skin, you have to apply a flawless finish. First, you'll need a great concealer for covering blemishes, dark circles, and shadowy spots. I love Meet Mark's Save the Day anti-acne concealer stick. It's a big name for a small product with great results. This concealer has a little bit of salicylic acid in it, in order to fight blemishes and oiliness. Just dab anywhere that needs covered or brightened, and blend with your ring finger. I also like to put it under my eyes and around my nose. Next, I cover my face with a foundation mousse. Mousse is the best because it goes on light but has good coverage. To keep it sanitary, just squirt a little bit onto the back of your hand, and use your hand as a palette. Apply with your fingertips or a beauty blender sponge. Next, apply your powder. This will help your foundation last as well as give it one more layer of coverage. I love Physician's Formula Mineral Powder foundations because they are talc free. Talc can cause irritation and pimples, so I avoid that for more flawless skin.

Blot as necessary throughout the day. Don't just add layer after layer of powder, or you'll get thick, cakey-looking skin that is anything but flawless. And never, ever touch your face. The dirt, oil, and grime on your hands will smear your makeup and cause more blemishes. Instead, stay hands free and keep that gorgeous, flawless skin you worked so hard to achieve.