How to Properly Prepare Your Skin For Makeup

Applying makeup can be fun and an expressive way of showing your personal style, but it is vitally important that your skin is prepared before beginning this endeavor.

After getting your facial, wearing makeup right after can clog pores and cause breakouts. Furthermore, it is wise to avoid makeup products that contain bacteria as these may further clog your pores and lead to breakouts.

Cleanse

Cleansing should always be at the core of any skin care routine, whether or not you wear heavy makeup. Even light makeup needs to be removed prior to using sunscreen and moisturizer products. Cleanse twice daily using an oil cleanser, balm or micellar water in the morning and then switch over to using gentle cleanser in the evening for maximum effect in breaking down sunscreen as well as remaining sebum, makeup dirt or pollutants from your pores.

Micellar solutions are an excellent way to keep skin clean, as they remove excess sebum and other impurities without stripping essential oils away. For heavier makeup users or those with combination skin, an oil-based cleanser may prove more suitable as it dissolves makeup and sweat that accumulates throughout the day. Just be sure to rinse it off afterwards!

Exfoliate

An effective skin care routine must also include exfoliants to exfoliate dead skin cells that accumulate on your top layer, improving its appearance and texture. You can either opt for a scrub or exfoliating cream.

If you opt for chemical exfoliants, look for products containing alpha hydroxy acids (such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid) to break down proteins present on dead surface cells and dissolve them away from your skin’s surface cells.

Physical exfoliants use bristles or sponges to gently exfoliate away dead skin cells. Dermatologists advise using such an exfoliant once or twice every week after cleansing and applying serums or eye creams.

Moisturize

Applying moisturizer to the face is one of the key elements to prepping skin for makeup application. Not only will it keep it hydrated and smooth out foundation application, but it will also ensure an even surface to apply foundation to.

When selecting a moisturizer, ensure it satisfies both your skin type and provides all-day hydration. Press it gently into your skin instead of rubbing it to help ensure proper absorption by cells within your skin and promote rejuvenation.

Once your skincare routine is in order, it’s time to apply makeup! Applying it over properly-prepped skin will allow it to last longer while looking more natural; that is why it is crucial that you follow these tips and establish a routine; you will thank yourself later!

Sunscreen

An effective sunscreen can protect you against UV rays that contribute to premature aging and multiple skin conditions, including cancer. Some moisturizers and makeup products contain SPF protection; however, dedicated sun protection products with a higher SPF rating would provide better coverage.

Apply your SPF after using serum, moisturizer and any other skincare products you utilize. When applying physical sunscreens like COOLA’s Mineral Organic Sunscreen Stick SPF 50, allow it to fully penetrate before applying makeup.

Dermatologist Joshua Zeichner advises applying chemical sunscreen with care, starting by spreading outward from your center face. Doing this ensures all areas that could get burnt such as ears and neck remain protected.

Primer

Just as it’s essential to use a base coat when painting or applying new mani, primer before applying makeup can provide long-term coverage by hiding pores, fine lines and redness for an effortless finish.

Protective primers also ensure concealer, foundation and blush stay put and are smudge-free throughout the day. Finding one suited to your skin type is key; there are options designed to illuminate dry or combination skin types while others reduce shine with mattifying primers; there are even color corrector primers designed to correct redness, blemishes or other imperfections.

Apply a thin layer of primer, and wait approximately one minute to allow it to completely absorb before applying foundation or blush products. Both Scibelli and Smith advise waiting this amount of time so as to ensure maximum absorption by your face primer.