Makeup Application: How to Prep Your Skin for a Flawless Look!

Why You Must Prep Your Skin Before Makeup Application

For a moment, just imagine brushing paint onto a canvas.  To create the most beautiful piece of artwork, you’d likely start on blank canvas, a clean slate, so-to-speak. The same principle applies when it comes to applying makeup.  You wouldn’t want to brush makeup onto a ‘dirty canvas’, now would you?

To obtain a flawless makeup look, that appears smooth, even, and radiant, you want to ensure you have a good skin complexion.  Simply put, better skin equals even better makeup!

How to Prep Your Skin

Exfoliate

Exfoliating is necessary to remove build-up of dead skin cells. Makeup only accentuates dry skin patches, so exfoliating first will give you a smoother surface to work with and make for easier makeup application. Be sure to exfoliate your lips too, especially if you enjoy wearing matte lipstick.  Matte makeup can really emphasize dry skin.

Keep in mind, some scrubs can be quite abrasive, so limit exfoliation to only 1 or 2 times per week – maximum!  Also, avoid using exfoliating scrubs containing micro beads as those are usually made of plastic which is harmful to the environment. Instead, make your own scrub!

Simple 2 Ingredient Exfoliating Scrub Recipe:

1 part coconut oil

2 parts sugar

Mix ingredients together in a small dish and apply onto the skin as needed!  Gently massage the skin in a circular motion and then rinse the scrub off with warm water.

Cleanse

Always cleanse your face before makeup application! You need to cleanse away any dirt and debris that resides on the surface of your skin. Your skin can become a breeding ground for bacteria, so having a clean face and preventing the spread of germs is extremely important.

Tone

Tone your skin to remove any dirt or makeup residue that your cleanser may have missed.  This step ensures your moisturizer penetrates your skin better and maximizes its benefits.  If you have sensitive or dry skin, opt for an alcohol-free toner.

Moisturize

Use a hydrating day cream and apply a thin coat onto your face. Make sure it is completely massaged into your skin. Allow your moisturizer to soak in completely before moving on to foundation. 

Skin that is hydrated looks more radiant and youthful!

Prevent Dried Out Concealer

Before concealing dark under-eye circles, apply one drop of facial oil onto your under-eye area and dab gently with your ring finger until it’s entirely absorbed. The extra oil will prevent your concealer from drying out and creasing up where you have fine lines.

SPF

Always remember to wear sunscreen, even if you don’t plan on spending a great amount of time out in the sun. If your skin feels greasy after application, pat it with paper towel to soak up any excess oil.

Prime

Use makeup primer to fill in any wrinkles and prevent makeup from caking up/creasing in your fine lines. Primer also prevents your makeup from ‘melting’ and absorbing back into your skin (especially on hot days when you perspire the most).  

If you want your makeup to last from morning till night and/or are attending an event such as a wedding, primer is a definite must-have!