We have perused all the secrets from top MUAs and YouTubers on how to get that picture-perfect and flawless makeup application. Don’t we all face the struggle of applying makeup on skin that is dry-as-the-desert or oily folks whose makeup keeps smearing halfway through the day? The struggle is real! The Pro Tip is to prep your skin before applying your makeup!

How could we have guessed that behind every great makeup inspo is a diligently followed skin prep! Did you know that the right cleansers, exfoliating products, toners, moisturizers, and primers, can make a world of difference when it comes to creating a blemish-free canvas?

The ritual to prep your skin for flawless make up

Cleansing your face

Clean skin is the first and most important step of all. You have to get rid of the first layer of dirt and oil by using a cleanser to wash your face. Depending on your skin type, choose a cream cleanser for dry skin or a gel/foam cleanser for oily skin.The pH of your cleanser matters so remember to pick a cleanser which is pH-balanced. A quick pro-tip is to massage your face in with the cleanser to encourage blood circulation. Try the the Cosrx Low pH Morning Gel Cleanser.

Exfoliation

We’ve all experienced that dreadful feeling when the makeup ends up looking over-layered and cakey, right? Get rid of the main culprit for this beauty disaster – dead skin cells! The key to effortless make-up application is smooth skin which you can achieve by buffing off dead skin. Just remember not to use harsh scrubs and instead use gentle exfoliators 2-3 times a week for the best results. A quick pro-tip is DON’T forget to exfoliate your neck! Try Klairs Youthful Glow Sugar Mask.

Tone It Up

Now that your skin is cleaned and has been exfoliated, it is time to restore the balance with a toner. By toning your skin, you are balancing its pH level, tightening the pores and controling oil production. Toners also keep the skin refreshed all day long, giving you that glowing glam look! Try the Acwell Licorice pH Balancing Toner for skin brightening.

Eye Cream

Banish those dark circles, bags and fine lines and invest in a hydrating and firming eye cream. Since the area around our eyes lacks oil glands, they are more prone to dryness. Look for ingredients that provide plumping effect and antioxidants to put a brake on the ageing process. Pick a good eye cream to tackle these woes and help your makeup sit flawlessly instead of caking up. Try the Purito Centella Green Level Eye Cream for a dose of hydration.

Moisturize

If you apply makeup straight on dry and dull skin, chances are, your makeup will look over-layered and cakey. Foundation and concealer can settle in the fine lines of your skin caused by dry, dehydrated skin which can give this look.

So first, choose a moisturizer that’s best suited to your skin type and concerns. Then apply an even layer onto your entire face and neck. If you’ve got dry skin, you might want to use a moisturizer that deeply nourishes and hydrates your skin from within. And if you’ve got oily skin, you might want to look for a lighter moisturizer that unclogs and minimizes your pores. If you’re worried to moisturize your acne-prone oily skin, opt for an oil-free moisturizer like the Cosrx Hydrium Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream.

Once your skin is moisturized, you will notice your makeup routine goes smoother than ever and will appear fresh and dewy.

Primer

Once your moisturizer has absorbed completely into your skin, it’s time for a face primer like the Missha Glow Skin Balm. If you think a face primer is really not that necessary, let us tell you why it is! It helps prevent your moisturizer and skin’s oil balance from mixing with your makeup. It also acts as a barrier to fill in any lines, wrinkles, pores in your skin that makeup does not crease in them. Plus, it can also extend the wear of your makeup, protect your skin from the sun, and condition and repair your skin as well.

Lip Balm

Dry, dead skin is often what makes your lipstick look rough and uneven. Apply a lightweight moisturizing lip balm to your lips to lock in the moisture. By the time you finish your makeup, your lip balm will have soaked into your lips. This will leave them hydrated and prevent your lipstick from feathering and bleeding. Also, it will help fill any cracks in your lips and your lipstick will go on smooth and more even. Try the Laniege Lip Sleeping Mask. 

What we’ve taken away from this masterclass is, “It doesn’t matter if you’ve bought the best luxury brand of foundation or perfected the art of contouring and highlighting. If you skip out on prepping your skin, this will affect how the finish of your makeup turns out.”Also, another thing to keep in mind, if you prep the skin on your face correctly before you add your actual makeup, you will not need as much makeup product!

How do you manage to keep makeup to sit well on your skin? Do you have normal, dry, oily or combination skin? What are the best ways to prep the skin before makeup?

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