Guide To Prepping Skin For Makeup
Achieving a flawless face begins before you apply makeup. It is important to prep your skin so it is a nice smooth canvas that will ensure makeup application is easy and fool proof. I know when I want to have what I call “a good makeup day” it begins with my morning skincare routine (my skin is mature, dry to very dry, depending on what season it is), so here is my step-by-step guide for prepping my skin for makeup:
Step 1: Cleanse
It is important to wash away any makeup residue from the night before, dead skin cells, accumulated sebum (oil) and sweat (if you work out in the AM before you shower like I do) from your skin. I love Neutrogena’s Acne Stress Control Power Cream Cleanser. It has green tea, aloe and 2% salicylic acid that helps to keep my skin clear (yes, even at my age of 57, I still get the occasional breakout) without drying my skin out.
Step 2: Exfoliate
It is also important to survey your skin and exfoliate because makeup will look uneven and cakey on dry, flaky skin. I do a physical exfoliation 2 time a week and I use St. Ives Soft Skin Scrub with Avocado & Honey. This is a gentle, non-abrasive scrub that removes debris from my skin leaving my skin soft and smooth.
Step 3: Tone
Toning is an essential part of my skin care routine. It helps remove residue left on the skin, restores pH, improves skin tone and texture. I love Thayer’s Rose Petal Facial Mist because it does not dry out my skin and removes any impurities and cleanser residue that may not have been completely rinsed off. I just spritz some on an exfoliating cotton round, swipe it all over my skin and allow to dry.
Step 4: Serum
While serums are not entirely necessary, I like using a serum in the AM and my go to serum is TruSkin Vitamin C, E & Hyaluronic Acid Serum. This serum helps to fight free radicals, brightens, and evens skin tone and reduces signs of aging and I have noticed a difference with my skin using this serum.
Step 5: Moisturizer
Now that I have treated my skin with serum, I can apply moisturizer. I love L’Oréal Age Perfect Hydra-Nutrition Manuka Honey Night Balm (I am not a fan of the day cream, not moisturizing enough for me) because it is non greasy, absorbs nicely into my skin and it provides the much-needed moisture that my skin needs.
Step 6: Eye Cream
I know some people think that using an eye cream is not necessary because eye creams mostly contain the same skincare ingredients as moisturizers for the face, but I like using an eye cream and my favorite is CeraVe Eye Repair Cream. I like that it has 3 essential ceramides and helps reduce my undereye puffiness (which I have been waking up to every morning over the last few months). If you are dealing with undereye puffiness (or dark circles or both) this eye cream is a great option.
Step 7: Apply SPF
This should be in everyone’s morning skincare routine and should be applied after your other skincare products. I am currently using Eucerin Daily Protection Face Lotion SPF 30. I like that it a lightweight lotion, easily absorbs into my skin and provides additional moisture and protection from the sun’s damaging rays.
Step 8: Facial Oil
While facial oil does not penetrate skin completely it has some incredible benefits. Plumping, brightening, hydrating and anti-aging. I love Trader Joe’s 100% Organic Argan Oil. It is lightweight and provides additional moisture for my skin (I also just starting using Trader Joe’s Marula Facial Oil as part of my nighttime skincare routine. So far, I am liking it). I use this to seal in all the products I used prior to the argan oil.
Step 9: Primer
Now some people feel that using a primer is not necessary for pre-makeup application. I on the other hand use a primer. It makes makeup application flawless and acts as a magnet to hold the base of my foundation and concealer, making it last all day. My favorite is Maybelline Master Prime Hydrate & Smooth Primer.
I also really like Benefit the Porefessional Hydrate Primer. I alternate between the two but my go to is the Maybelline Hydrate & Smooth.
While everyone’s skin is different, this step-by-step routine is pretty universal. Just make sure you use the products best designed for your skin type and until next time, be happy, healthy, and beautiful!
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