Behind every flawless makeup application lies a well-prepped canvas. Skincare plays a pivotal role in achieving the perfect base for your makeup.
In this post, we'll explore the essential skincare steps that I, as a makeup artist, swear by to ensure a smooth, radiant complexion before applying makeup.
Cleansing: Whether you plan on wearing makeup or not, cleansing you skin is crucial. A clean skin appears radiant and smooth, so thoroughly washing your face should be a must in your daily routine. Choosing the right cleanser is key to make sure your skin doesn't get irritated or too dry. If you have dry or sensitive skin choose a gentle cleanser, preferably fragrance free. If you're more on the oily side or maybe have acne I suggest trying a salicylic acid cleanser.
At night I love to double cleanse to make sure I remove all the makeup and impurities from the day.
I first use an oil based makeup remover and emulsify it with water, then I go in with my water based cleanser and rinse it off. That's going to leave you with a beautiful clean skin ready to get any active you're going to apply.
Exfoliation:
Weekly exfoliation is amazing for achieving a brighter and smoother complexion by promoting cell turnover.
I'm personally not a fan of mechanical exfoliants (scrubs) but I love chemical exfoliants (AHAs,BHAs) and my favorite is glycolic acid. If you have really sensitive skin opt for lactic acid and don't exfoliate more than 2 times per week.
Hydration:
The third and fundamental step of your routine is definitely hydration.
Once you're at this point you can make you routine as simple or as complex as you'd like.
You can just apply your moisturizer and daily sunscreen or you can add a couple of steps to your routine.
Before my moisturizer I usually love to start with a serum, Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C are my favorites for the A.M. for hydration and brightness.
Then you want to select a moisturizer that's appropriate for your skin type and climate so that your skin will feel comfortable and hydrated the entire day.
Opt for a light gel texture if you have combination to oily skin or you live in a humid climate or choose a richer one if you have dry skin or live in a dry climate
Sunscreen:
If you care about the health and beauty of your skin don't skip this step!
Use a broad spectrum SPF, at least 30, every day on top of your moisturizer, or by itself if you don't like layering products regardless of weather conditions.
There are so many different SPFs (chemical, physical, tinted) that you'll certainly find the right one for you.
I personally love to use my SPF as a "primer" on an every day basis since it can provide a beautiful glow to the skin but there are also some matifying ones on the market if you prefer that finish.
The best tip to get a smooth result with makeup after applying sunscreen is to give it time to sink into the skin and absorb before going in with foundation.
Targeted Treatments:
If you have any specific concerns about your skin you can definitely address it with targeted treatments.
I usually prefer to use targeted actives in my P.M. routine but some of them can be used both day and night.
Lets talk about the main concerns and the best actives to tackle them:
- Anti-aging: Retinoids and Peptides for building collagen and strengthening the skin.
- Acne: Benzoyl Peroxide and retinoic acid (Adapalene).
- Hyperpigmentation: Retinoids, Azeleic Acid and Kojic acid.
- Rosacea and Redness: Azeleic Acid and Niacinamide.
You can choose many different formulas and textures ( serums, gels, creams, etc) and find the best product for your concern.
Consulting with a dermatologist is fundamental in all of those cases where your concern is more serious and doesn't get better with OTC treatments.
Eye & Lip Care:
Let's not forget about this really sensitive areas, they both need a lot of attention, even more before applying makeup. Choose a light but nourishing cream for your eye area and a rich balm for your lips and give them time to absorb before applying any makeup.
Topical Caffeine is amazing for tired and puffy eyes so choose an eye serum or cream that contains it to brighten the eyes.
Conclusions :
Skincare is the foundation of any successful makeup application.
By prioritizing skincare essentials and prepping the canvas effectively, you'll be able to get a flawless makeup look that will lasts throughout the day.
Incorporate these skincare tips into your routine to achieve a radiant complexion and enhance the results of your makeup.
Hydrating the skin to maintain its moisture balance.
Selecting the appropriate moisturizer for your skin's needs (e.g., lightweight, gel, rich).
Incorporating serums and facial oils for added hydration and nourishment.
Sun Protection:
The importance of wearing sunscreen daily, regardless of weather conditions.
Understanding SPF and choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen suitable for your skin type.
Tips for layering sunscreen with other skincare products and makeup.
Targeted Treatments:
Addressing specific skin concerns with targeted treatments (e.g., acne, hyperpigmentation, aging).
Incorporating serums, ampoules, and spot treatments into your skincare routine.
Consulting with a dermatologist or skincare professional for personalized treatment recommendations.
Eye Care:
Treating the delicate eye area with specialized eye creams or serums.
Tips for reducing puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines around the eyes.
Using eye masks or patches to hydrate and refresh tired eyes before makeup application.
Lip Care:
Preparing the lips for lipstick application with gentle exfoliation and hydration.
Applying lip balm or treatment to nourish and soften the lips.
Tips for achieving a smooth, even application of lip products.
Setting the Base:
Allowing skincare products to absorb fully before applying makeup.
Using primers to address specific skin concerns and create a smooth canvas for makeup.
Tips for layering skincare and primer for optimal makeup longevity.
Conclusion:
Skincare is the foundation of any successful makeup application. By prioritizing skincare essentials and prepping the canvas effectively, makeup artists can ensure that their clients' makeup looks flawless and lasts throughout the day. Incorporate these skincare tips and products into your routine to achieve a radiant complexion and enhance the beauty of your makeup artistry.