A flawless makeup application starts with a healthy canvas. Taking care of your skin before applying makeup is essential to achieving a smooth, long-lasting finish. Here are five skincare steps you should follow to prepare your skin before reaching for the foundation brush.

Cleanse Your Face

The first and most important step is cleansing your face to remove dirt, oil, and impurities that have accumulated throughout the day or overnight. A clean face ensures that makeup adheres properly, preventing it from sliding off or caking. Use a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type—whether it’s oily, dry, or combination skin. A good cleanser will refresh your skin and create the perfect base for makeup application.

Exfoliate for Smoothness

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and unclogs pores, ensuring your makeup glides on smoothly. Without exfoliating, your makeup may settle into dry patches, making your complexion look uneven. However, avoid over-exfoliating as it can irritate your skin. Choose a mild exfoliator or a chemical exfoliant with AHAs or BHAs for a gentle scrub that brightens your complexion and makes your skin feel soft.

Apply a Toner

After cleansing and exfoliating, it’s important to use a toner to balance your skin’s pH levels and tighten pores. Toners can also hydrate and refresh the skin, preparing it for the next steps. Look for a toner with soothing ingredients such as witch hazel or rose water for calming benefits. A toner ensures your skin remains hydrated and smooth, creating an even base for makeup.

Hydrate with a Moisturizer

Moisturizing is key to keeping your skin plump and hydrated. Even if you have oily skin, don’t skip this step—choosing an oil-free moisturizer will provide the hydration your skin needs without making it greasy. A well-moisturized face allows makeup to sit better, avoiding patchiness or dryness that can make your makeup look cakey. Make sure to wait a few minutes after applying your moisturizer to let it fully absorb before applying makeup.

Prime Your Skin

Primer acts as a barrier between your skin and makeup, creating a smooth, even surface. It minimizes the appearance of pores, controls oil, and helps your makeup last longer. Choose a primer suited to your skin concerns, whether you need pore-filling, mattifying, or hydrating formulas. Applying primer ensures that your makeup stays in place and provides a flawless finish.

By following these five skincare steps, you’ll be able to create the perfect foundation for your makeup, allowing it to look fresh, flawless, and last all day long. Remember, healthy skin is the key to achieving the best makeup results!

Picture credit: AleksandarNakic, Edwin Tan, byryo, Nattakorn Maneerat

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