Essential Skincare Before Makeup
The secret to flawless makeup doesn't start with foundation or concealer—it begins with proper skincare. As professional visagistes, we know that a well-prepared canvas is essential for creating beautiful, long-lasting makeup looks. Here's our comprehensive guide to skincare steps that should always precede your makeup application.
Cleansing: The Foundation of Good Skin
Always begin with a clean face. Use a gentle cleanser appropriate for your skin type to remove any oils, dirt, and residual products from your skin. For morning applications, a light cleanse is sufficient, while evening prep might require double cleansing if you're wearing makeup from earlier in the day.
Exfoliation: Smooth the Canvas
Regular exfoliation (2-3 times weekly, not daily) helps remove dead skin cells that can make makeup appear patchy or flaky. Choose between chemical exfoliants (like AHAs or BHAs) or gentle physical scrubs depending on your skin's sensitivity. Avoid exfoliating immediately before special events as it can sometimes cause temporary redness.
Toning: Balance and Prep
A good toner helps balance your skin's pH and prepares it to better absorb the products that follow. Look for alcohol-free formulations with hydrating ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid. For oily skin types, toners with witch hazel or niacinamide can help control excess sebum.
Targeted Treatments: Address Specific Concerns
This is the time to apply any serums or treatments that target specific skin concerns like hyperpigmentation, fine lines, or breakouts. Vitamin C serums work well in morning routines for brightness, while retinol products are better saved for evening use.
Hydration: The Key to Radiance
Regardless of your skin type, hydration is crucial. Dehydrated skin emphasizes texture and causes makeup to cling to dry patches. Apply a lightweight moisturizer appropriate for your skin type, allowing it to fully absorb before moving on to makeup. For extra dehydrated skin, a hyaluronic acid serum beneath your moisturizer works wonders.
Sun Protection: Non-Negotiable
For daytime makeup application, sunscreen is essential. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher that works well under makeup. Many modern formulations are specifically designed to create a smooth base for foundation rather than leaving a white cast or greasy finish.
Priming: The Final Step
A good primer creates the perfect interface between your skincare and makeup. It helps fill in pores, smooth fine lines, and create a surface that allows makeup to adhere properly. Choose primers based on your skin needs—mattifying for oily areas, hydrating for dry patches, or color-correcting for redness or sallowness.
Remember to allow each skincare step to fully absorb before applying the next product. Rushing this process can cause products to pill or prevent them from working effectively. With a properly prepped skin canvas, your makeup will not only look better but also last longer throughout the day.