Before you reach for that makeup bag, it's important to prepare your skin for makeup application. This is a necessary step to create a radiant, healthy look for any makeup style. With an overwhelming amount of skincare products, cleaning routines, and methods, it can be challenging to find something that works well for your skin type, budget, and lifestyle. Let's take a look at some top tips for preparing your skin for makeup.
Prep Your Skin
1. Clean Your Face
In any skincare routine, the first step is to cleanse your face. This is necessary to remove any makeup, dirt, debris, and oil. Your type of skin will determine the best type of cleanser. It's best to choose a more gentle cleanser that is safe to use twice a day. The last thing you want is a cleanser that will strip away your skin's natural oils and lead to an overproduction of oil and thus, acne. You will often find that cream and gel-based cleansers tend to be more gentle on your skin. After you cleanse and rinse off the product, be careful to gently pat dry your skin with a soft clean towel.
2. Apply Toner
After you wash and dry your face, the next step is to apply a toner. There are countless options for toners that offer various benefits, such as hydration, balancing, or acne-fighting properties. A good recommendation is to choose a gentle toner that will remove any remaining cleanser left on your skin. Depending on your preference, you can use a traditional toner that you use with a saturated cotton pad or a toner that you spray over your face. Dermatologists suggest the first type of toner because it allows you to remove more residue from your cleanser compared to a spray toner.
3. Treat Any Skin Problems
If you have any skin areas to address, this is the third step in a simple skincare routine. There are a wide range of options, such as products for anti-aging, healing scars, reducing acne, and removing pesky blackheads. While it's tempting to choose a bunch of skin treatments, this can cause your skin to break out or be irritated. Instead, try to limit your skincare treatment products to just a few that are the most important. You can always use other treatments after you have successfully addressed other skin concerns.
4. Moisturize Your Face
After applying any treatments, it's time to hydrate your skin. This is a key step for any skincare routine because it replenishes any lost hydration while cleansing your skin. A hydrated face will look healthy and allow makeup to be applied evenly to the skin. This is much better than applying makeup to dehydrated skin that causes flaking. As always, it's a good idea to use a moisturizer that works for your unique skin type. If you have oily skin, your skin will likely do well with a light-weight, oil-free moisturizer. On the other hand, those with very dry skin will benefit from a heavier cream designed to properly hydrate the skin. A quality moisturizer will leave your skin hydrated without feeling greasy, oily, or irritated.
5. Take Care of Your Lips
Just like your face, it's important to take care of your lips. You can use a store-bought or DIY lip scrub to remove dead skin. This will help create a smooth surface for your lip products of choice, such as lipstick, lip gloss, or a tinted lip balm. To apply the scrub, gently massage the scrub in circular motions across your lips. Indeed, this will help you have soft, healthy looking lips that are ready for lip color application.
For an easy DIY lip scrub, combine equal parts honey and brown sugar into a dish. You can then apply this product like any lip scrub. This is a great money saving tip for those that want to take care of their lips without spending a lot.
6. Apply a Primer
The final step to prepare your skin for makeup application is to apply a primer. A primer is a great product to reduce the appearance of fine lines, pores, and wrinkles. Primers come in several forms, including gels, mists, and powders. It's best to choose a primer that works well for your skin type and doesn't irritate your skin. If you choose a liquid primer, it's a good idea to wait a few minutes until your skin is fully dried. For powder-based primers, you can use a small amount of product and apply the primer with a soft face brush in circular motions.
We hope you enjoyed this week's article discussing the importance of preparing your skin for makeup. These 6 tips are a great way to get started. Overtime, you will likely customize your skincare routine to include different steps and products that will benefit your skin type. If you need an expert Charleston makeup artist, contact All Dolled Up today. We will help you achieve your makeup goals for your special event or wedding.