A flawless makeup look requires more than just applying the right products. It also needs a proper skincare routine.
Prepping your skin is key to achieving a smooth base and ensuring makeup lasts all day.
Follow these steps to ensure your makeup adheres beautifully. Remember to adjust them for your skin type.
Here is our quick guide to properly prepare your skin for flawless makeup that lasts all day.
Cleanse Your Skin Thoroughly
The first step to flawless makeup is starting with a clean slate.
Cleansing your skin removes dirt, excess oil, and impurities. These contaminants can clog your pores and interfere with smooth makeup application.
A clean face is the perfect base for your makeup. It helps your foundation glide on smoothly and prevents it from looking cakey or uneven.
Choose a cleanser that suits your skin type—whether it is oily, dry, or sensitive. This is important to maintain balance without stripping your skin.
Exfoliate to Remove Dead Skin Cells
Exfoliating is a game-changer when it comes to prepping your skin for makeup.
It will remove dead skin cells and create a smooth surface. This surface will help when applying foundation and other products.
Do not overdo it. Exfoliating once or twice a week is ideal, especially for sensitive skin.
Always choose a gentle exfoliator that matches your skin type to avoid irritation.
Over-exfoliating or using a harsh product can leave your skin raw. This will make your makeup look patchy. If you are unsure about a product, consult a dermatologist.
Apply a Hydrating Toner
After cleansing and exfoliating, your skin may feel a bit tight or dry—which is where a hydrating toner comes in.
Toners help restore your skin's pH balance while delivering a quick boost of moisture.
This step preps your skin to absorb the next products in your routine, such as serums and moisturizers.
To use a toner, dampen a cotton pad and gently swipe it across your face. Or, you can pat the toner directly into your skin.
Either method will give your skin a refreshing boost.
Moisturize According to Skin Type
The right moisturizer not only hydrates the skin but also helps create a smooth base for makeup application.
Here is how to choose a moisturizer based on your skin type.
- Oily Skin. Opt for a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to reduce shine.
- Dry Skin. Choose a rich, deeply hydrating formula to combat dryness and tightness.
- Combination Skin. Get a product that hydrates without clogging pores, like Kinship's Supermello Hyaluronic Gel Cream Moisturizer.
- Sensitive Skin. Select a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to avoid irritation.
Apply moisturizer when your skin is still slightly damp from cleansing or using a toner.
This helps lock in moisture and keeps your skin fresh and dewy all day.
Apply Sun Protection
No skincare routine is complete without sunscreen.
Even on cloudy days, harmful UV rays can sneak through and damage your skin. Wearing sunscreen is a must, no matter where you are.
Before applying makeup, slather on a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. This will protect your skin from sun damage and help prevent wrinkles and fine lines.
Reapply sunscreen throughout the day, especially if you are sweating or swimming.
This will ensure your skin stays protected from the sun's harmful rays.
Our Self Reflect Zinc Oxide Sunscreen has an SPF of 32, designed to be light and gentle on your skin while protecting you from the sun’s harsh rays.
Prime Your Skin
Apply primer after the moisturizer has been fully absorbed. This will create the perfect base for makeup.
Primer acts as a barrier between your skin and makeup. It will also prevent your foundation from fading or transferring.
There are different types of primers for different skin types.
If you have oily skin, look for a mattifying primer that helps control shine. If your skin is dry, a hydrating primer will keep your skin looking plump and refreshed.
Choosing the right primer for your skin type is key to flawless makeup application.
Let Each Product Absorb
One of the most important steps in prepping your skin for makeup is patience.
Giving each product time to fully absorb before moving on to the next step ensures that it can do its job properly. This also ensures that the products you use to prep your skin for makeup do not mix.
Rushing through your routine and layering products too quickly can cause pilling. This will lead to uneven makeup application.
To avoid this, let each product—whether it is your moisturizer or primer—settle into your skin for a minute or two.
This allows your makeup to go on smoothly and helps it last longer throughout the day.
NOTE: If your skin feels sticky or greasy after applying a product, wait a bit longer. Then, apply the next one. Thicker products may take longer.
Addressing Specific Skin Concerns
Do not let skin concerns prevent you from achieving a flawless makeup look. Acne, redness, and dullness are normal, and targeted treatments can help manage them.
Use spot treatments or serums to address specific skin concerns before applying makeup.
Say you have acne, for example. Using an acne spot treatment helps address topical issues caused by acne.
Our Pimple Potion is formulated with 2% salicylic acid and retinal. It reduces dark spots and scarring caused by pimples while remaining gentle, especially on sensitive skin.
If you are struggling with redness, use a serum with calming ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile. These ingredients can help soothe and reduce inflammation.
This will help improve the appearance of your skin and ensure your makeup looks its best.
Final Tips and Tricks
Here are some extra tips to help you keep your skin looking radiant and your makeup looking flawless.
- Use a facial mist. A refreshing mist can help hydrate and revitalize your skin throughout the day.
- Reapply sunscreen. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, especially if you are outdoors.
- Use blotting paper. For oily skin, blotting paper can help control shine and keep your makeup looking fresh.
- Adjust your routine. Your skincare routine may need to change depending on your skin type, the weather, and your desired look.
- Consider your diet. A healthy diet can also impact your skin's health. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to nourish your skin from the inside out.
- Always wash your makeup brushes. Dirty makeup brushes can house bacteria and cause skin problems. Wash them regularly with a gentle cleanser.
- Get enough sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to help your skin regenerate. Sleep on clean pillowcases to prevent skin irritation and breakouts.
- Manage stress. Stress can contribute to skin problems. Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga to manage stress.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Use the Same Skincare Products for Both Morning and Night?
Yes, but you might want to make adjustments. For the morning, consider products with SPF for sun protection. At night, switch to a more hydrating formula to help with skin repair while you sleep.
What if I Do Not Have Time for a Full Skin Prep Routine?
Skipping skin prep can lead to dryness, breakouts, irritation, or premature aging. Even a simplified routine can make a significant difference. Focus on cleansing, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen.
Can I Skip Prepping My Skin if I Have Good Skin?
Even if you currently have good skin, it is important to maintain healthy skincare habits. Start these habits in your 20s and 30s. It will help prepare your skin to handle aging and environmental stress later.
Key Takeaways on How To Prep Your Skin For Makeup
Prepping your skin is essential for achieving smooth, long-lasting makeup. It’s about creating the foundation for your makeup to look its best.
Here is a quick breakdown of key steps to prep your skin for makeup.
- Cleanse your skin thoroughly
- Exfoliate gently
- Apply a hydrating toner
- Moisturize according to your skin type
- Apply sun protection
- Prime your skin
- Let each product absorb
- Address specific skin concerns
Follow these tips and consult a dermatologist for personalized advice. This will ensure your makeup looks flawless every time.