I think we can all relate to the strong urge to say “Hey guys, welcome to my YouTube channel” when you sit at the vanity to start your makeup routine. Then right after that, the struggle begins. But have you ever wondered how beauty gurus make it look so easy? The way they skillfully contour their face, apply highlights for some shimmer, and blend everything to bring the whole look together seems almost effortless.
Well, let’s just say that Rome wasn’t built in a day. Nailing a makeup look requires some degree of personalization after countless trials and errors. But most importantly, we often underestimate the amount of prep that goes on behind the scenes. So, here are some tips to prep your skin for that flawless makeup look you’ve had your eye on.
Start with a good cleanser
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Every good skincare routine begins with cleansing your skin. Cleansing should be an important part of your routine as it helps to remove dirt and impurities that accumulate in the skin pores. This is vital, especially since most of us city dwellers now live in an environment where air pollution is becoming increasingly prevalent.
Additionally, washing your face with a good cleanser removes excess sebum from the skin throughout the day. In most cases, now that your skin is cleaner, acne is less likely to develop. In addition, with a smoother surface to work on, your makeup will appear more evenly distributed.
Exfoliate your skin
Flaky skin will result in patchy makeup application. This is where exfoliation comes in. It helps to clear all the unwanted dead skin cells and dry skin patches, leaving behind a smoother complexion. Plus, your skin will feel silky soft and much more brightened.
However, exfoliation doesn’t have to be a core part of your skincare routine. Doing this every 2 to 3 weeks is an ideal interval. Also, be mindful about the type of exfoliant you use. A facial exfoliant should be milder as the skin on your face is more delicate than the skin on your body.
Always moisturize
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A good bottle of moisturizer should always, always, be in your arsenal. Moisturizing does exactly what its name suggests, retaining the moisture in your skin. According to experts, moisturizing your skin beforehand will make your foundation and concealer glide more seamlessly across your face. Plus, your hard work will pay off because a base of moisturizer helps your makeup last longer.
Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin type, moisturizer is key. People with dry skin types should look into investing in a good-quality nourishing or hydrating moisturizer to improve skin health. If you’re on the other end of the spectrum, you can apply a thin layer of matte or oil-free moisturizer to combat greasy skin while maintaining skin hydration.
Wear sunscreen
It is generally advised to apply sunscreen after moisturizing your skin, particularly if you’re going to be out and about during the day. A useful tip, you can never go wrong with a Cetaphil sunscreen. Be sure to take note of the SPF level in your sunscreen to ensure that your skin protection needs are taken care of. The higher the SPF, the stronger its shield from sunburns and UVA damage correlated with wrinkles and skin cancer.
Don’t forget about your lips
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Skimming the lipstick wand over cracked lips is never fun. To overcome dry and peeling lips, be sure to use lip balms whenever your lips start to feel chapped. According to Verily Magazine, drinking plenty of water is another habit that will serve you for a long time. Plus, drinking water is also beneficial for your overall skin health.
Additionally, you could go the extra mile and exfoliate your lips. This can be as simple as a sugar and honey scrub to remove all the dead skin cells and add moisture to the lips. The satisfaction of having baby soft lips will be worth it because, after all, applying lipstick is the cherry on top of every makeup routine.
Prime your skin for makeup
Primer acts as a base for your makeup. However, with a solid prep routine, you may not even need it. But just in case you feel incorporating it into your makeup look is a safer choice, look into the types of primers that are suitable for your skin.
For instance, a gripping primer is good for oily skin type, whereas, for a dewy glow, luminous primers will be your best friend. At the end of the day, primer is a very personalized step. So, it would be best for you to experiment a little to find yourself the right fit or choose to skip it.
Having a flawless base for your makeup look doesn’t happen overnight. It takes a lot of care but, most importantly, consistency to achieve healthier skin. Therefore, even when you’re not prepping for a glam session or a fun day out, you should still follow through with these core skincare steps. Although it may seem a little tedious, you’ll thank yourself in the long run when your makeup looks effortlessly flawless.
