Buzz
When it comes to makeup, most people focus on applying foundation, eyeliner, eyeshadow, mascara, and a stunning lipstick shade. However, many overlook the essential skincare steps needed to prepare the skin for makeup application. Well-cared-for skin ensures a smooth and long-lasting makeup finish. The better your skin, the more flawless your makeup will appear. Therefore, it’s crucial to cleanse, moisturize, and apply primer before starting your makeup routine.
Steps
Cleanse Your Face
Choose a cleanser that suits your skin type. Applying makeup on clean, fresh skin yields the best results. Before makeup, wash your face with a gentle cleanser tailored to your skin type.
- For dry skin, opt for a cleanser with added moisturizers to help retain hydration.
- Use a gel or foam cleanser if you have oily skin. These products remove dirt and excess oil without causing irritation.
- If you have combination skin, meaning both oily and dry or normal areas, look for cleansers specifically formulated for combination skin to address both concerns.
- For sensitive skin prone to irritation, choose the mildest cleanser available, often made with plant-based oils.
- If you’re acne-prone, select a cleanser containing salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or tea tree oil to prevent breakouts.
Cleanse your face. Start by splashing lukewarm water on your face to wet it. Next, apply a small amount of the cleanser you’ve chosen and gently massage it into your skin for about 45 seconds to let it work effectively. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- Be gentle while cleansing. Facial skin is delicate, so avoid scrubbing harshly. Instead, use your fingertips to massage in circular motions.
- Rinse thoroughly to ensure no cleanser residue remains on your skin.
- Pat your face dry with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing to prevent irritation, redness, or flaking.
- Lukewarm water helps open pores and remove dirt and bacteria, but avoid using water that’s too hot to prevent drying out your skin.
Apply an alcohol-free toner. Many people skip toner, but it’s a crucial step in skincare. Toner helps remove dead skin cells, leftover makeup, or bacteria that your cleanser might have missed.
- Avoid toners with alcohol as the main ingredient, as they can dry out your skin.
- Pour a small amount of toner onto a cotton pad and gently swipe it across your face. Avoid rubbing—just lightly glide it over your skin.
- Notice what comes off after applying toner. You might see traces of leftover foundation on the cotton pad, which shows that your cleanser didn’t remove all the makeup.
Exfoliate your skin. Once or twice a week, exfoliate to remove dead skin cells that can build up. If your skin turns red or bleeds, you’re exfoliating too much. On the other hand, if your skin looks dull and uneven, you may need to exfoliate more often.
- You can exfoliate by using a washcloth. Instead of your fingers, gently rub the cloth in circular motions. Remember to wash the cloth after each use to avoid spreading bacteria.
- You can also use a store-bought exfoliating cleanser (scrub) that contains exfoliating particles. Alternatively, make your own scrub using ingredients like sugar and olive oil.
Make it a habit. Always cleanse your face every night before bed with a gentle cleanser to remove impurities accumulated throughout the day. In the morning, cleanse again, ideally before applying makeup.
- If you wake up late and don’t have time to cleanse, at least splash cool water on your face to refresh your skin. This will also help wake you up and make your skin look more vibrant.
Moisturize your face
Choose the right moisturizer. It’s best to have two types of moisturizers: a lighter one with SPF for daytime use and a slightly richer one for nighttime. Before applying makeup, opt for the lighter moisturizer. Ensure your daytime moisturizer has at least SPF 15 to protect your skin from the sun.
- If you have acne-prone or oily skin, look for an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer that won’t clog pores.
- For dry skin, consider a slightly thicker moisturizer for daytime use to keep your skin hydrated and smooth.
Consider using a serum. If your skin tends to get dry, incorporating a serum into your skincare routine can provide extra hydration. With most skincare products, less is more, and this is especially true for serums.
- Opt for a serum containing antioxidants like vitamin C, anti-inflammatory ingredients like zinc, and hydrating agents like amino acids.
- Apply the serum after cleansing and toning but before moisturizing.
- If you have oily skin but want to use a serum regularly, try applying it at night.
- Dot a small amount of serum on your cheeks, forehead, and chin, then gently press it into your skin.
Press the moisturizer into your skin. While many believe massaging moisturizer into the skin is best, this isn’t ideal for the face. Instead, use your fingertips to gently press the moisturizer into your skin. This method prevents over-application, which can lead to breakouts or excess oil.
- Pressing the product into your skin also boosts blood circulation, giving your complexion a healthy glow.
Let the moisturizer absorb. Before moving on to the next step in your skincare routine, allow the moisturizer to fully absorb into your skin. Wait at least 5 minutes to ensure your skin is ready for primer.
- While waiting, you can use the time to pick out your outfit for the day or, if it’s morning, brew a cup of tea or coffee to enjoy while doing your makeup.
Apply primer
Try spritzing rose water on your face. While optional, many makeup experts swear by a light mist of rose water to achieve a radiant complexion. If you enjoy using this product, pour rose water into a spray bottle, set it to a fine mist, and spritz it onto your face. Allow it to dry before moving to the next step. Some experts even recommend spraying rose water after completing your makeup, giving it ample time to dry.
- Remember to close your eyes when misting your face.
- Look for rose water that is completely natural and free from chemical additives.
Daniel Vann
Beauty Expert
Beauty Expert
Expert Tip: Spritz a little water on your face whenever your skin starts to dry out during makeup application. This helps maintain moisture, makes blending easier, and allows you to build thin layers of makeup for a flawless finish!
Exfoliate and moisturize your lips. Before applying lipstick, prep your lips to ensure a smooth, even application and longer-lasting color.
- Exfoliate your lips with a clean, damp washcloth. Gently massage to remove dead skin that can make lipstick appear uneven. If you have sensitive skin, exfoliate at night before bed rather than right before makeup.
- Apply a lip balm. Before applying lip color, ensure your lips are properly moisturized to help the color adhere. Use your favorite lip balm and let it sit for 10 minutes to absorb fully.
- If you’re short on time, apply lip balm before starting the rest of your makeup. By the time you finish, your lips will be ready for lipstick.
Choose a primer. No matter your makeup routine, a primer prepares your skin for whatever comes next. With countless options available, select one that suits your needs.
- For example, if you have redness or acne, a green-tinted primer can help neutralize the redness.
- Silicone-based primers are excellent choices, as silicone acts as a barrier, ensuring smooth, long-lasting makeup and preventing oil from mixing with your makeup.
- Primers also fill in fine lines and wrinkles, preventing makeup from settling into them.
Dot primer all over your face. You can apply primer to your entire face or just to specific areas. For targeted application, use a concealer brush to dab it lightly. If applying to your whole face, squeeze a small amount onto your fingers and dot it across your skin, then gently massage it in with your fingertips.
- If you prefer to skip foundation, primer alone can give you a smooth, polished look all day.
Apply makeup as usual. Now that your skin is properly prepped, you can proceed with your regular makeup routine. Remember, the more care you take with your skincare beforehand, the better and longer-lasting your makeup will look.
- With consistent skincare, your skin will glow even without makeup, meaning you’ll need less makeup to look great.
Tips
- Remember that less is often more when it comes to makeup. You can go bolder for evening outings, but for everyday wear, keep it light and natural.
Warnings
- Never underestimate the importance of a moisturizer with SPF. Prolonged sun exposure can damage your skin, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and even skin cancer. Even on cloudy days, your skin can still be affected by harmful UV rays from the sun.
