A flawless makeup look starts with a well-prepped canvas: your skin. If your skin isn’t in top shape, no foundation or concealer will truly shine.
The key to achieving that smooth, long-lasting makeup is following a well-rounded skincare routine that addresses hydration, exfoliation, and protection. Here are 16 essential skincare steps to ensure your makeup goes on flawlessly and stays fresh throughout the day.
1. Cleanse Thoroughly
Start fresh for a clean canvas.
Before applying any makeup, it’s crucial to start with clean skin.
A gentle cleanser removes dirt, oil, and makeup residue, ensuring that your skin is free from impurities that could interfere with your foundation’s application. Use a cleanser suited to your skin type for the best results—avoid harsh formulas that can strip the skin and create dryness.
2. Exfoliate Regularly
Slough off dead skin for a smooth surface.
Exfoliating removes dead skin cells that can cause makeup to look patchy and uneven.
Use a gentle exfoliator 2-3 times a week to help reveal a fresh layer of skin. This step improves texture, prevents clogged pores, and allows makeup to apply more smoothly, giving you a flawless finish.
Like The Style Trunk’s content? Follow us on MSN.
3. Tone Your Skin
Balance your skin’s pH.
Toning helps balance your skin’s pH levels after cleansing. It also removes any last traces of dirt or makeup.
Use a hydrating or clarifying toner depending on your skin’s needs to refresh and prep your skin for the following steps, ensuring makeup adheres better and lasts longer.
4. Apply a Hydrating Serum
Boost your skin’s moisture levels.
Hydrating serums are packed with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which plumps and hydrates the skin.
Applying a serum before moisturizer provides an extra layer of moisture, preventing your makeup from sinking into dry patches. It’s essential for creating a smooth, glowing complexion.
5. Use an Eye Cream
Treat the delicate under-eye area.
The skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate, so it requires extra care.
An eye cream helps reduce puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines, ensuring that concealer applies smoothly. Make sure to use a product with caffeine or peptides to refresh and tighten the skin under your eyes.
Like The Style Trunk’s content? Follow us on MSN.
6. Choose a Lightweight Moisturizer
Lock in hydration without weighing skin down.
A good moisturizer is the foundation of smooth makeup.
Use a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer to lock in hydration without leaving your face feeling heavy. If you have oily skin, opt for an oil-free formula, while drier skin types may benefit from a richer cream.
7. Don’t Skip Sunscreen
Protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
Sunscreen is a must, even if you’re not going out in the sun. UV rays can damage your skin over time, causing premature aging and uneven skin tone.
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and apply it as the last step of your skincare routine to protect your skin before makeup application.
8. Apply a Hydrating Primer
Create a smooth base for makeup.
A hydrating primer ensures that your makeup glides on smoothly and stays in place throughout the day.
Look for primers that contain nourishing ingredients like vitamin E or glycerin to give your skin a dewy, plump finish. This step fills in fine lines and smooths out texture, making your makeup look even better.
Like The Style Trunk’s content? Follow us on MSN.
9. Focus on Your Lips
Prep lips for a perfect pout.
Chapped, dry lips can ruin the appearance of your lipstick.
Use a lip scrub or balm to exfoliate and hydrate your lips before applying lip products. A smooth, nourished surface ensures that lipstick or gloss applies evenly, and it prevents cracking or fading throughout the day.
10. Use a Hydrating Mist
Refresh and lock in moisture.
A facial mist can be a lifesaver to keep your skin dewy and fresh throughout the day.
After your moisturizer and primer, spritz a hydrating mist to lock in moisture and set a dewy foundation for makeup. This step helps prevent makeup from looking cakey and keeps skin looking fresh all day.
11. Be Gentle with Skin
Avoid irritation that ruins your makeup.
Rough handling of your skin can lead to irritation, redness, and breakouts, which all affect your makeup.
Be gentle when applying products, whether it’s your cleanser, moisturizer, or makeup. Patting and pressing products in rather than rubbing will help protect your skin and create a smooth canvas.
Like The Style Trunk’s content? Follow us on MSN.
12. Apply a Face Oil (for Dry Skin)
Add an extra boost of hydration. For those with dry skin, face oils are a great addition to the skincare routine.
They help lock in moisture and create a dewy finish that prevents makeup from clinging to dry patches. Choose a non-comedogenic oil to avoid clogging pores, and massage it gently into your skin before applying makeup.
13. Use a Spot Treatment for Acne
Prevention is key for clear skin. If you’re prone to breakouts, it’s important to treat acne spots before applying makeup.
Use a spot treatment with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to reduce inflammation and prevent further breakouts. This ensures that makeup doesn’t settle into blemishes or irritated skin, keeping your base looking flawless.
14. Opt for Non-Comedogenic Products
Prevent clogged pores and breakouts. Non-comedogenic products are formulated to prevent pores from clogging, which helps keep skin clear and smooth.
Whether it’s moisturizer, primer, or foundation, choose products labeled as non-comedogenic to maintain healthy skin while achieving a flawless makeup look.
Like The Style Trunk’s content? Follow us on MSN.
15. Let Each Layer Absorb
Allow products to absorb before moving on. Patience is essential when prepping your skin for makeup. Let each skincare product absorb into your skin before applying the next layer.
Rushing through this process can lead to makeup slipping off or not adhering properly. Giving each product time to settle ensures a long-lasting, smooth finish.
16. Finish with a Setting Spray
Lock your look in place. After applying makeup, a setting spray is a must. It helps to seal your makeup in place, reducing the chances of it smudging or fading throughout the day.
Choose a setting spray with hydrating or mattifying properties depending on your skin type, and finish your routine with a light mist for a fresh, flawless finish.
More from The Style Trunk
- 25 Stylish Short Haircuts for Women Over 60 Who Want to Look Younger
- 16 Haircuts Men Find Incredibly Attractive on Women
- Seniors, Stop Making These 17 Fashion Mistakes for a More Flattering Look
- Want to Firm Up Your Skin? Try These 15 Superfoods
- 20 Eye Makeup Faux Pas That Can Add Years to Your Face
Like The Style Trunk’s content? Follow us on MSN.
