Have you been drooling over gorgeous make up looks posted by models, artists and influencers on Instagram. You’ve saved those posts, you’ve taken a screenshot of the product recommendations and have made up your mind to buy all of those products. BUT even though it’s great to use good products and follow how tos what often gets overlooked, is the skincare prep that’s involved in the process before the makeup goes on.
How well you prepare your skin truly determines how your make up will turn out to be, how long will it stay put and how will it look in photographs. In my opinion and experience, skin prep is the key!
Picasso wasn’t using some basic AF cardboard paper as a canvas, now was he? HELL no. So treat your canvas (your face) with the same respect.
Here’s how you do it :
Step 1
Determine Your Skin Type:
How well make up will interact with your skin largely depends on whether you’ve prepared it with the right products compatible with your skin type. Using the wrong products can lead to make up melting off or in dull rough looking application. Once you’ve determined your skin type move to step 2 and follow it according to your skin type.
(Don’t be afraid of mixing techniques too. For example if you have oily T zone with dry cheeks , how about applying a mattifying primer only on the T Zone)
Step 2:
Cleanse:
As an artist I would gently cleanse with a make up remover or wipes for most skin types. But if you are prepping your own skin, take the time to cleanse your skin well.
For oily skin – gel based cleanser with oil control properties would work great. Don’t be afraid to use a balm or an oil cleanser before you go it with a face wash. Oil May actually help take off the excess oil on the surface of your skin. But remember to gently take off all the oil with a wet cloth, and follow it up with a good gentle cleanser.
For Dry skin – Using heavy cleansers may dry the skin out. Use something that adds lipids back to the skin. Opt for cream based cleanser with moisturising ingredients like honey, Hyaluronic acid etc
Step 3:
Tone
This is a step some of us prefer skipping in our Skincare routine. But I highly recommend incorporating an appropriate toner while preparing the skin for make up. Toner balances the ph level of the skin and prepares it to accept moisturizer so it doesn’t just lay on the skin’s surface, ensuring the makeup stays on longer. I have found it especially crucial to use a toner on oily skin.
Oily skin – People with oily skin often opt for harsh astringents and oil controlling toner. This in my opinion strips the skin off the natural oil and makes it irritated and flakey. Instead something mild like rose water works great for oily and sensitive skin. A toner which is free from alcohol and hydrates works well for oily skin.
Dry skin – Dry skin needs a bit more of hydration. You can opt for hydrating and moisturising toners. Essence are great for dry skin. I like to pat in a thin layer of essence allowing it to dry and following it up with another layer if needed.
Perfect For Ultra Dry Skin
Step 4:
Moisturise
This step really holds the potential to make or break your base.
Oily skin – Even though your skin is over producing oil it needs moisture. Dewy glowy make up look can be achieved by moisturising right. Use a water based, oil free, mild moisturiser that works for your skin.
Dry skin – Needless to say, dry skin needs adequate amount of hydration and moisture. Apply a good cream based moisturiser. If you have excessively dry skin you might be inclined towards try a facial oil, but this doesn’t work in my experience. It makes the skin too greasy making it tougher for the other arsenal of products to sit upon the skin. However you can add a drop of facial oil you truly trust to your foundation.
- Take a couple of minutes to gently massage the moisturiser into your skin.
Don’t forget your undereyes. Wake the skin up with a massage. - Incase of excessive puffiness cup your palms and place them on your eyelids and slowly press them onto the eyes and release. Do this a couple of times
- Once these products have been properly worked into the skin, a primer is a must to be sure the makeup stays intact on the skin. Primers can be hydrating, shine-free and also pore-reducing.
- Dont forget to prep your lips with a lip balm
Flawless skin and makeup sure take time. But with good prep you can save time you might spend on correcting it later.
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