Prep Your Skin Like an MUA: Skin Prep For Makeup

Did you finally find the perfect shade of foundation? Have you mastered your go-to makeup look to tackle each day with confidence? Perhaps you've finally found a shade of lipstick that pairs with your skin's undertones. 

Whatever the answers, makeup can elevate your natural beauty and provide the confidence boost you crave. However, if your skin isn't playing nice, neither will your makeup.

To achieve a flawless application every time, you'll need to master your skincare routine and incorporate nutrient-rich ingredients into your daily beauty regime. We're here to walk you through vital skincare tips to help you prep skin for makeup and maintain a youthful glow. 

Let's take a closer look at how to prep your face for makeup.

Cleansing is an integral part of any skincare routine and a necessity for prepping skin for makeup. Neglecting to use a gentle face cleanser to clean can lead to unwanted irritation and inflammation, especially if you wear a full face of makeup every day.

A cleanser will also help eliminate dirt, grime, and pore-clogging bacteria, providing you with a clean slate for the rest of your skincare essentials. However, avoid harsh ingredients like alcohol and sulfates, as these can strip your skin of natural oils.

Use a gentle cleanser with good-for-you ingredients every morning and night for the best results. We recommend The Cleansing Balm, designed to dissolve and remove the daily build-up of dirt, oil, and stubborn makeup. 

An exfoliant buffs away dead skin cells and makes room for new cell turnover. A lack of regular exfoliation can lead to a build-up of dead cells, affecting your skin's ability to retain moisture. Luckily, The Essence can smooth your skin and eliminate dry patches and flakes, creating the perfect canvas for your foundation. 

When looking for an exfoliant for your makeup routine, be mindful of the ingredients – some contain harsh alcohols and synthetic ingredients that can strip your skin of natural oils. Also, consider opting for chemical exfoliation over a physical formula, as these tend to be safer for all skin types. 

A daily moisturizer is a pre-makeup must-have for clear, smooth skin and a viable tool for easy makeup application and blending out your foundation. Applying a daily moisturizer before your makeup will also help you retain your makeup looks for extended periods. In addition, we recommend a moisturizer formulated with vitamin C to enhance the glow to your makeup.

If you’re looking for a new moisturizer, try our Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream, an award-winning daily moisturizer loved by celebrity and editorial MUAs. The formula is designed to hydrate, condition, renew, and restore your skin for a dramatically improved appearance. For best results, we recommend using The Rich Cream at least twice daily.

Different Skin Types

Achieving perfect makeup application is a challenge when you suffer from dry skin. Applying foundation, contour, or blush to flaky, dry skin patches can be especially tough. To combat this, prioritize ultra-hydrating ingredients and high-quality products, and incorporate a moisturizer, exfoliant, and toner into your daily routine. 

An exfoliant can help eliminate flaky skin and soothe your complexion, while the moisturizer will keep your skin soft and supple.

For oily skin, we recommend prioritizing a moisturizer, primer and toner. A moisturizer will keep your skin hydrated, while a primer can control an oily T-zone. Lastly, a toner can shrink enlarged pores and create a clean slate for makeup.

If you’re worried that applying too many skincare products will add to the oily skin problem, be mindful of the ingredients in your products. For example, shop for a pH-balanced cleanser to eliminate excess oils without irritating your skin. 

For combination skin, consider a double cleanse to prepare your skin. With the right formulas, you can eliminate oils without overly stripping the skin. Then, go in with your trusted toner and moisturizer. Together, both products will work to eliminate imperfections and address the oily and dry parts of your skin.

Preparing for your big day? Before you walk down the aisle, make sure you have a beautiful, clean slate ready before you apply makeup.

For the best results, use a cleanser, toner and moisturizer the morning of your big day but remain mindful of the products you choose. Start thinking in advance about your plan for prepping skin for makeup, and to avoid irritation, use products your skin is already familiar with.