If you’ve ever wondered why your foundation doesn’t sit quite right, it might be time to show your skin a little more love before diving into your makeup routine. Proper skincare prep can be like laying the perfect base for a flawless-looking makeup application. These simple steps may make all the difference:
Start With A Clean Canvas
For makeup to look its best, it helps to start with clean skin. Wash your face with a mild cleanser to wash away oil, dirt, and any leftover products. This helps provide a fresh and even-looking base to work with. Pro tip: Avoid cleansers that leave your skin feeling tight – they can strip away moisture and might make makeup look cakey!
Exfoliate (But Don’t Overdo It!)
Exfoliation is an important step for the look of smooth skin and a seamless makeup application. Once or twice a week, use a mild exfoliator to buff away surface dullness and smooth the look of rough patches. This helps avoid makeup clinging to dry spots. If you have a big event, consider exfoliating the night before for that perfect, glowing base.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Moisturizer is a favorite step, no matter your skin type. It helps your skin look plump and works to create an ideal canvas for makeup. If you have dry skin, choose a richer cream, and for oily skin, go for a lightweight gel. Be sure to give your moisturizer time to sink in before moving on to the next step.
Don’t Skip Primer
Primer is like the unsung hero of makeup. It helps smooth out the look of your skin’s texture, blurs the appearance of imperfections, and helps your makeup stay in place. There are primers for different needs, like blurring the look of pores or shine-controlling, so choose one that works best for your skin.
Treat Your Lips With Love
Your lips appreciate love too! Carefully exfoliate with a lip scrub or soft toothbrush, then follow up with a nourishing lip balm. This will help your lipstick glide on effortlessly and help keep it from clinging to dry patches.
Give Yourself Time
Patience can be key for effective skincare prep. Allow each step (especially your moisturizer and primer) to fully absorb before moving on to the next. Taking a few extra minutes can help save you from dealing with pilling or uneven-looking makeup later.
A little skincare prep can help take your makeup from good to great. By following these steps, you’ll not only enhance your makeup look but also give your skin the TLC it deserves.
