When it comes to your skin, there is no such thing as being too prepared. The better you prep your skin, the better your makeup will look. That's why we've put together the perfect pre-makeup skincare routine using only the best products. So whether you're getting ready for a big night out or just want to look your best for your everyday life, follow these simple steps and you'll be on your way.
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How To Prep Your Skin For Makeup: 8-Step Skincare Routine
Why Do I Need To Prep My Skin For Makeup?
If you want your makeup to look its best, you need to start with a good base. That means prepping your skin with a skincare routine that will hydrate and smooth your skin. Think of your skin like a painter's canvas. By prepping your skin, you're creating the perfect canvas for your makeup.
We all want our makeup to look perfect and last all day long. But sometimes, no matter how hard we try, our makeup just doesn't seem to stay put. One of the biggest culprits of makeup meltdowns is not properly prepping our skin before applying makeup.
When we don't prep our skin, our makeup has nothing to grip on to, so it just slides right off. By creating a smooth, hydrated canvas for our makeup, we give it something to cling to, resulting in longer-lasting makeup that looks better, too.
7-Step Pre-Makeup Skincare Routine
Step 1: Cleanse
The first step in any skincare routine is cleansing. If you want your makeup to look its best, you need to start with a clean, well-prepped canvas. Just like a painter needs a blank canvas to work on, you need a clean face to start your skin and makeup routine.
This step is important because it helps to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup that may be on your skin. This will help to ensure that your makeup goes on evenly and that it lasts throughout the day.
Use circular motions to gently massage your favorite cleanser into your skin. Rinse with warm, not hot, water to avoid damaging your skin. If you wish to exfoliate, move on to Step 2 before patting your face dry with a soft towel.
Step 2: Exfoliate
After you have cleansed your face, the next step is to exfoliate. This step is important because it helps to remove any dead skin cells that can make your makeup look cakey. There are a variety of exfoliators on the market, so it is important to find one that is right for your skin type.
If you have sensitive skin, you will want to use a gentle exfoliator. If you have oily skin, you will want to use a stronger exfoliator. You should only exfoliate a few times a week so as not to irritate your skin. Use the same circular motions you used to cleanse your face, rinse with warm water, and pat dry. Don't forget to exfoliate your lips for smooth lip product application!
Step 3: Mask
For an extra boost, you can use facial masks to target specific areas. This step is optional but important because it helps to hydrate your skin and make it look plump and radiant.
There are different masks for different skin types and skincare needs. If you have sensitive skin, you will want to use a hydrating mask. If you have oily skin, you will want to use a detoxifying mask. Sheet masks can provide benefits to your entire face, while microneedle patches and hydrogel patches can help you target wrinkles and dark circles.
You should apply your mask of choice to clean, damp skin and leave it on for ~10-15 minutes (always read the packaging for specific times) before rinsing off or gently massaging in any excess skincare ingredients.
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Step 4: Apply Serum
Serums are a great way to target specific skincare concerns. This step is important because it helps to lock in moisture and improve the overall appearance of your skin.
Serums contain more potent ingredients so you can get the biggest impact. For anti-aging effects, serums with Vitamin C are a godsend because this powerful ingredient helps plump the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. For extreme moisture, look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
You should apply your serum of choice to clean, damp skin and massage it in until it is fully absorbed.
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Step 5: Treat
If you have skin concerns that require extra care, you can apply treatments to help target them even more. For example, if you are trying to combat acne, you can use an acne-specific spot treatment. Be sure to follow the directions on the packaging for the best results.
Step 6: Moisturize
One of the most important steps in any skincare routine is moisturizing. This helps to hydrate your skin and make it look plump and radiant. Look for ultra-hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. You can use a lighter moisturizer during the day.
Gently massage the moisturizer into your skin until it's fully absorbed.
Step 7: Never Forget Sunscreen
One thing you should never skip out on is sunscreen. This step is important because it helps to protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays, which can harm you even when it's cloudy. We recommend wearing at least SPF 30. Look for a non-greasy formula that won't make your makeup slide. You can also look for moisturizers and foundations that contain SPF to simplify the process.
Step 8: Use A Primer
After you have applied sunscreen to your face, the final step is to use a good makeup primer. This completes the smooth base for your makeup and makes it last longer. There are different primers for the face, eyes, and lips, so make sure that you cover all your bases.
The Final Verdict
Making sure your skin is properly prepped before applying makeup is the key to achieving a flawless makeup look that will last all day long. By following the steps in this skincare routine, you will be on your way to having the perfect canvas for your makeup.