Here’s the secret no makeup artist will ever tell you: great makeup starts with great skin prep. Seriously, no pro will dive straight into makeup without making sure the skin is prepped and ready. We're talking a good cleanse, maybe a gentle exfoliation, followed by serums and moisturizer (and don’t forget the sunscreen if it's daytime!). This step is a game-changer, because when your skin is hydrated and glowing, your makeup will sit beautifully on top of it.
Celebrity makeup artist Matin Maulawizada even adds a little massage to his
routine, which is both relaxing and effective. He recommends warming up your
moisturizer between your palms and massaging it into the skin with upward and
outward circular motions. Not only does it feel good, but it also helps the
products absorb better.
When choosing products, consider your skin
type. If you’ve got oily skin, go for a serum with hyaluronic acid—it’ll
hydrate without adding extra oil. For dry skin, opt for ceramide-rich serums.
And when it comes to moisturizer, water-based gel creams are perfect for combo
or oily skin, while richer creams will give dry skin that extra glow.
2. Swipe
on Some Primer
You don’t always need primer, but it can totally save your makeup, especially
on those busy, warm days. The right primer helps your makeup stay in place
without settling into dry patches or melting off in your T-zone. According to
Matin, “A good primer makes your makeup wear the same all over your face.” That
means no patchy foundation or sliding makeup!
Give your skincare a minute to sink in, then
apply a pea-sized amount of primer. You can spread it all over your face or
focus it on your T-zone, depending on how you want your makeup to look.
If you have dry skin, go for a hydrating
primer like CIATÉ LONDON’s Watermelon Burst Hydrating Primer. It’s packed with
antioxidants, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid—basically, all the good stuff to
keep your skin plump without the grease. Oily skin? Look for a primer that
absorbs oil and blurs pores for that smooth, matte finish.
Oh, and did you know the type of primer you
use can totally change the look of your foundation? If you're into a glowing,
dewy finish, try a primer with a little radiance boost. But, if matte is your
vibe, a primer like ELIZABETH MOTT’s Thank Me Later Face Primer will keep shine
in check and minimize pores.