How to Prep Your Skin for Flawless Makeup

You have mastered the art of makeup but do you know how to prep your skin before make-up? Because piling up makeup on top of a face that hasn’t been prepped is bad news and will cause your makeup to appear creasy and cakey. Be aware that when prepping your skin, the steps are totally different from your morning or evening skincare routine.

For instance, when doing your morning skincare routine, you would cleanse, exfoliate (occasionally), tone, moisturize and apply sunscreen. Also, when prepping your skin, you should be aware of what your skin type is. If your skin is dry, you should not use products recommended for oily skin. It would definitely affect your make-up look and finish.

You definitely want that perfect make-up finish. This includes flawless finish, defined cheekbones, bright eyes and hydrated lips. Follow these six essential steps to prep your skin for flawless makeup.

Step 1: Use A Cleanser

Start with a clean canvas. Use a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type to remove dirt, oil, and impurities. This step ensures that your makeup adheres better and lasts longer. Cleansing also helps to prevent clogged pores and breakouts.

Always choose a cleanser that is best for your skin type. Whether you have oily, dry or sensitive skin types, you will surely find a cleanser for you. Visit how to cleanse your skin post for more info on the best types of cleansers for your skin type.

Start by splashing some lukewarm water on your face. Then apply a pea-sized amount of the product to your face and massage for 60 seconds moving your hands in a circular motion. This process will help remove any specks of dirt. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat your face dry with a clean towel.

Step 2: Apply Serum

Now that your face is clean, it’s time to apply a serum. Using a serum on clean dry skin helps hydrate and refresh your skin before applying make-up.

If you have oily skin, get a serum that is light and water-based to help with excessive sebum production. This will help control natural oil and balance your skin. You can go for Sunday Riley Good Genes Serum, Its Skin Power 10 Serum or The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum. The point is to keep your skin hydrated not dry pre-makeup.

For dry skin, look for hydrating serums like Pai Back To Life Hydrating Serum, TruSkin Hyaluronic Acid Serum. Any serum you decide to use is fine. So far it is moisturizing to give you that instant boost.

Step 3: Don’t Forget The Eye Area

Don’t forget the eye area. If your makeup gets too cakey or greasy around the eye area, then you should not miss this step.

Not only do eye creams provide a flawless makeup finish, but they also provide anti-aging skin benefits. Applying eye creams or gels gives you the perfect amount of moisture to prevent a cakey foundation.

If you find out that you are getting a cakey texture underneath your eye after applying your makeup, it means that area is extremely dry. One good tip is to mix a tiny bit of eye primer with eye gel or cream and pat the product under the eye gently. Products such as ELF illuminating eye cream, CeraVe Eye Repair Cream.

Step 4: Prime Your Lips

If you are going to wear lipsticks, then you need to hydrate your lips. First, you will need to use a lip scrub like the Burt Bees Conditioning lip scrub. This will exfoliate dead skin cells allowing your lips to be smoother.

Then dab on your favourite lip balm. You may also use Vaseline, shea butter, chapstick or lip oil. Finally, line your lips with a lip liner to prevent your lipstick from going outside your lip area.

Step 5: Apply Moisturizer And Sunscreen

Moisturizing is crucial for all skin types, even oily skin. Choose a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer that hydrates without leaving a heavy residue. Well-hydrated skin helps your makeup glide on smoothly and prevents it from settling into fine lines.

No matter what your skin type is, you need to moisturize your skin. If you have a moisturizer with sunscreen combined in a single product like the CeraVe AM Moisturizing Lotion, then you are good to go to the next step. Otherwise, you need to apply your moisturizer first, wait 2 minutes for the moisturizer to sink in then add your sunscreen.

Even if your foundation contains SPF, it’s important to apply a dedicated sunscreen first. This step protects your skin from harmful UV rays, preventing premature aging and sun damage. Opt for a broad-spectrum SPF that doesn’t leave a white cast.

Step 6: Prime Your Skin

Primer is a must for flawless makeup. It creates a smooth surface, helps to minimize the appearance of pores, and ensures that your makeup lasts throughout the day. Choose a primer that suits your skin type—whether it’s mattifying for oily skin or hydrating for dry skin.

A primer gives you temporary facelifts, hydrates and proffers anti-aging benefits without feeling heavy. There are different primer options available in the market such as mattifying, illuminating, hydrating, blurring and much more. Apply a pea-sized primer to your face using your hands, that way you can spread it evenly. Let it sit for at least one minute to dry before applying your makeup.

Conclusion

By following these six essential steps, you’ll create the perfect base for your makeup, ensuring a smooth, flawless finish that lasts all day. Prepping your skin properly is the key to enhancing the look and longevity of your makeup, so don’t skip these important steps!