Great makeup starts with great skincare prep. You can be using the best products in the world, but without taking the time to look after your skin, you’ll never achieve a flawless, long-lasting finish. Let’s break down how to prep your skin for makeup that makes you feel as beautiful on the inside as you look on the outside.
The Importance Of Skincare And Makeup Preparation
The key to a good makeup day is how you take care of your skin beforehand. Think of your face as a blank canvas that needs to be prepped and primed before going in with paint, or in this case, your makeup faves.
It makes your makeup last longer
Finding that your makeup seems to fade as the day goes on? You probably aren’t prioritising that all-important skin prep. Even a quick skincare routine helps to create an optimal base for your makeup, so it stays looking fresh, even on long work days.
It helps your makeup apply smoothly
We’ve all had the mini breakdown that occurs when your makeup and skin just don’t seem to be getting along. From patchy foundation to immediate creasing, these are all signs that your skin probably needed some extra loving before starting your glam session. Ensuring your skin is cleansed, exfoliated and hydrated allows your makeup to apply smoothly and seamlessly for that flawless payoff.
It boosts skin health and vitality
Skincare is healthcare, and the better condition your skin is in, the happier you will be with how your makeup looks every day. Taking a few extra minutes to complete quick skincare prep before applying makeup will not only boost the health and vitality of your complexion but will make your makeup routine even more enjoyable.
How To Prep Your Skin For Makeup
Giving your skin a good, purifying cleanse is the first step of glowing skin prep. Use a gentle cleanse to wash away dirt and impurities, revitalising your skin for a fresh feel. The Milky Jelly Cleanser from Glossier gives a nourishing and rebalancing cleanse, the perfect first step of prep for all skin types.
Depending on your skin type, you might want to take this opportunity to use a gentle chemical exfoliant. This helps to boost glow and create a smoother surface for makeup appliance by buffing away dead skin cells. If you have particularly dry skin, you might want to exfoliate a few times a week. Those with sensitive skin may want to be less regular to avoid irritation. This gentle AHA tonic from REN is designed for daily use to help improve radiance and smooth skin texture.
The toners, creams and serums you use at this stage of your skincare routine depend not only on your skin type but also on the makeup look you're trying to create.
Here are some of our favourite skincare products for glowy, dewy makeup looks:
- Fenty Skin - Fat Water Milky Toner
- Sunday Riley - CEO Vitamin C Hydration Moisturiser
- Kiehl’s - Creamy Eye Treatment
Here are some of our favourite skincare products for matte, shine-free makeup looks:
- Paula’s Choice - Skin Balancing Moisturiser
- DISCIPLE - Balancing Mist
- The Ordinary - Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
Yes, you need to wear SPF every day no matter your skin tone, and no matter the season. Even on cloudy days, the sun’s UV rays can deceivingly still cause skin damage, which is a threat to your health in general. You might also think that a full face of makeup is enough cover and protection for your skin - not true, make sure to apply a generous layer of sun protection daily. Ultra Violette has a range of face and body SPFs to suit a range of skin types and concerns.
We’ve reached the final stage of skin prep and it’s a hotly debated one. Many consider makeup primers to be a bit of a scam, but as with all beauty, if it works for you and your skin then go for it! If you’ve been sticking with a solid skin prep routine but still find your makeup doesn’t last all day, a primer might be your solution. This award-winning primer from MILK has a name that says it all, shop the Hydro Grip Primer here.
All prepped? Here’s our makeup must-haves for the rest of your routine
Luminous Skin Finish Cream in Zinnia Hydrating Lip Lumizer in Star Gurl
Radiant Glow Cream Highlighter in Stardust
Find your TRU makeup match here