Expert Tips for Flawless Skin Prep Before Makeup Application

Preparation is everything when it comes to achieving that perfect makeup look. According to professional makeup artists, the secret to a radiant finish lies in properly prepping the skin. This crucial step can significantly enhance how makeup adheres and appears, ensuring a long-lasting and polished result.

“Think of it as painting a wall that hasn’t been prepped; you’ll see every imperfection,” says pro makeup artist Ariane Victoria. She, alongside her colleague MarQuis Ward, stresses that there isn’t one universal approach to skin prep. Instead, the routine should adapt to individual skin types and daily needs.

“Good skin prep is really about listening to your skin,” Ward explains, advising that one should be attentive to issues like dryness or oiliness rather than overloading on products. “Well-prepped skin allows makeup to perform better.” Both artists advocate for streamlined routines, favoring fewer products that yield noticeable improvements.

Starting with a clean slate is essential. Victoria suggests using micellar water or a gentle cleanser to eliminate any excess oils before diving into the skincare routine. This foundational step is crucial for ensuring optimal absorption and layering of subsequent products.

Exfoliation follows as a key step to refine skin texture. Victoria favors First Aid Beauty’s toner pads, which offer a gentle exfoliation while preparing the skin for makeup. K-beauty products like Mixsoon’s serum, which combines fermented extracts, also provide both hydration and exfoliation.

Next, balancing mists or essences come into play. These products can enhance the skin’s condition without weighing it down, making it easier for makeup to glide on smoothly. Victoria’s choice—Caudalie’s Beauty Elixir—contains soothing oils and grape extract, which many clients appreciate for its calming scent.

When it comes to moisturizers, lightweight formulas are favored over heavy creams. “The texture and amount of product applied play a big role in how makeup sits,” Ward advises. Products like Neutrogena’s Water Gel Moisturizer are ideal as they absorb quickly without leaving a heavy feel.

Even sunscreen plays a role in makeup prep. “Sunscreen is crucial, but it can affect how makeup adheres,” Victoria notes. For daytime wear, she recommends using SPF mists, which provide protection while acting as a lightweight finish. However, she allows flexibility for evening events where sunscreen might be skipped.

Before diving into makeup, give each layer time to absorb—typically about five minutes. This ensures that products settle in properly, reducing the risk of makeup pilling or separating. Ward suggests testing your full skincare and makeup combo ahead of time to avoid any surprises on big occasions.

Interestingly, primer is not always a necessity. Victoria believes that a well-prepped skin base often surpasses the need for primer. However, Ward sees value in targeted priming for areas prone to shine. He recommends products like Prada Beauty’s primer for its shine-control benefits.

Importantly, skin prep should be flexible. The experts agree that skin conditions can vary daily, requiring adjustments to the prep routine. “There’s no one-size-fits-all recipe,” Ward emphasizes, highlighting the importance of tuning into your skin's needs for optimal results.

Source: www.vogue.com