Caring For Your Décolletage

Awards season has begun and with it comes a slew of plunging dresses revealing the décolletage of some of the world’s most beautiful women. In homage, we’ve taken a closer look at this oft-neglected area and can reveal exactly why and how it deserves some extra TLC.

decollete

What Is Your Décolletage?

Décolletage comes from the French word décolleté, which literally means to bare your neck. In fact the area we’re referring to begins at the bottom of the earlobes and sweeps all the way down to the top of the nipples. Hiding in plain sight, we can see it clearly, but it is so often neglected; being too low for skincare and too high for body care. In France, the décolletage is seen as a legitimate area to beautify, with not only its own word, but also many skincare products tailored to care for its specific needs.

In addition, thanks to modern technology we now spend hours and hours each day looking down at mobiles and laptops, giving rise to a whole new set of wrinkles and lines known as ‘tech neck’. Combat by always holding your phone up to your eyeline (also good for toning biceps) and ensure your laptop and computer are raised to eye level when you’re working.

How To Take Care Of Your Décolletage

Take special care of this delicate area, by ensuring you incorporate it into a thorough cleansing routine every morning. This will prevent blocked pores and keep skin clean, smooth and hydrated.

Use either your own facial cleanser for ease or try the rich and creamy Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm. Next up is exfoliation, even if you skip this step for your face it’s important to include it in your décolletage. Skin here is not as reactive as the face so try an acid exfoliator to efficiently slough away dead skin cells, such as Ren Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic or Malin + Goetz Resurfacing Glycolic Pads.

Now for the all-important moisturiser, choose a nourishing formula to help fight the signs of ageing, such as Veneffect Firming Neck & Décolleté Crème which is specially formulated for hormonally ageing skin and helps to boost elasticity and improve skin texture and tone. For a lighter option try Sarah Chapman Skinesis Neck and Chest Rejuvenating Complex which has a silky texture and contains a blend of actives to help improve the look and feel of the décolletage. If you’re going to be in the sun make sure you extend your daily facial SPF to include your neck and chest or for extra glow try a tinted formula such as Natura Bissé Diamond White Oil-Free Brilliant Sun Protection SPF50 PA+++ which adjusts to every skin tone for a flattering, glowing finish.

Prepare For A Plunging Neckline

Accentuate your newly refined and ultra-smooth décolletage with a light dusting of flattering bronzer and highlighter. Pair Nars Sun Wash Diffusing Bronzer with a large round brush, such as Space NK’s 101 and lightly dust across the shoulders and chest, moving outwards from the cleavage line. Now take an easy-to-use highlighter stick, such as Ilia Beauty Illuminator and smooth along the collarbones for a gleaming finish.