The perfect at-home facial

"Regular facials, whether at home or at your favourite spa, help to maintain healthy skin," she says. DIY facials every couple of weeks can maintain pro results and let you hit the salon or spa once per season (or a week before a big event) for a more thorough treatment.

According to Decourt, whose skilled touch has blissed out such beauties as actresses Halle Berry and Jessica Biel, every week or two is about right for doing your own facial. Before trying your first one, though, she recommends having a thorough skin analysis done by a professional to make sure you're using the right products.

You need a block of uninterrupted time, preferably in the evening. "Cell renewal is more intense overnight," she says. "Turn on your music, light a candle -- spending time on yourself can help you sleep, which always helps skin look good."

Use a creamy moisturizing cleanser for dry skin, gel for normal skin, or a clay-based or purifying formula for oily skin. Massage lightly over face and neck and rinse with warm water.

Choose either a manual scrub or a chemical formula. Manual is either a powder that forms a paste when mixed with water, or a gel or cream with tiny round buffing beads. Chemical exfoliating products can include glycolic kits (follow the instructions faithfully), or, says Decourt, enzyme types which might use natural acids from fruit such as pineapple or papaya. 

Massage over skin in small light circular motions, letting the ingredients do the work, then rinse thoroughly with warm water or wipe away with a warm, wet washcloth.