Skin Preparation Before Makeup
Good makeup preparation is less about using many products and more about creating an even, comfortable surface. The preparation should match what is visible and how the makeup behaves, not attempt to diagnose the skin.
Clean gently
Begin with clean hands and a freshly cleansed face. Avoid aggressive scrubbing immediately before makeup, which can leave texture looking more noticeable or cause products to apply unevenly.
Add appropriate moisture
Apply a light, even layer of moisturizer and allow it to settle. Use more only where the skin feels dry and less where products tend to move. Heavy layers can make foundation slide or separate.
Use sunscreen when needed
For daytime wear, apply sunscreen as the final skincare step and give it time to form an even film before makeup. Rubbing foundation aggressively over it can cause pilling, so press or stipple the first layer of base product.
Choose primer for a specific purpose
- Smoothing primer: use sparingly where visible texture needs softening.
- Hydrating primer: apply to areas that look tight or dry.
- Gripping primer: helpful for extended wear, but use a thin layer.
- Mattifying primer: keep mainly to areas where shine breaks through.
Wait between layers
Allow skincare and primer to settle for several minutes. If the surface feels sticky, wet, or overly slippery, blot lightly rather than adding more powder immediately.
Start foundation in thin layers
Apply less product than you think you need and build only where coverage is necessary. Thin layers usually look smoother and wear more evenly than one heavy coat.
