Skincare Essentials Before Makeup

As professional makeup artists at MoorLightway, we often tell our clients that exceptional makeup begins with exceptional skincare. The most skilled application techniques and premium cosmetics cannot compensate for neglected skin. Think of your skin as a canvas – the smoother and more well-prepared it is, the better your makeup will look and the longer it will last. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the essential skincare steps that should precede your makeup application.

Why Skincare Before Makeup Matters

A proper skincare routine creates an optimal surface for makeup application in several ways:

• It ensures makeup adheres properly to the skin
• It prevents makeup from highlighting dry patches, flakiness, or texture issues
• It extends the longevity of your makeup throughout the day
• It helps prevent cosmetics from clogging pores
• It creates a natural luminosity that enhances your makeup's appearance

Let's dive into the essential steps that will transform your skin into the perfect canvas for makeup application.

Step 1: Cleanse Thoroughly

Always begin with a clean canvas. Even if you've cleansed the night before, your skin produces oils and collects environmental debris overnight that can interfere with makeup application.

For normal to dry skin: Choose a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won't strip your skin's natural moisture. Look for ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides.

For combination to oily skin: Opt for a gentle foaming cleanser that removes excess oil without over-drying. Ingredients like niacinamide or gentle fruit acids can help balance oil production.

Water temperature matters too – lukewarm water is ideal as hot water can strip natural oils and cold water doesn't effectively remove impurities. Cleanse using gentle circular motions, paying extra attention to the T-zone where oil tends to accumulate.

Pro tip: Consider double cleansing if you wear heavy makeup or sunscreen daily. Start with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve makeup and sunscreen, followed by a water-based cleanser to remove remaining impurities.

Step 2: Exfoliate (Not Daily)

Exfoliation is crucial for removing dead skin cells that can cause makeup to appear patchy and uneven. However, this step should not be performed daily, as over-exfoliation can damage your skin barrier.

Chemical exfoliants: These include ingredients like AHAs (glycolic, lactic acid) and BHAs (salicylic acid). They work by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be easily rinsed away.

• AHAs are ideal for dry, sun-damaged skin
• BHAs work well for oily, acne-prone skin as they can penetrate oil and clear pores

Physical exfoliants: These products contain fine particles that mechanically remove dead skin cells. If you choose this method, opt for products with fine, round particles (like jojoba beads) and use very gentle pressure to avoid micro-tears in the skin.

For most skin types, exfoliating 2-3 times per week is sufficient. If you're planning for a special event where you'll be wearing makeup, exfoliate 1-2 days before rather than the same day to allow your skin to recover.

Step 3: Tone and Balance

Toning helps reset your skin's pH level after cleansing and provides an additional layer of hydration. Modern toners are a far cry from the astringent, alcohol-heavy formulations of the past.

Look for alcohol-free toners with ingredients like:

• Rose water or chamomile for calming and soothing properties
• Glycerin or hyaluronic acid for added hydration
• Antioxidants like green tea extract for environmental protection
• Niacinamide for balancing oil production

Apply toner by saturating a cotton pad and gently sweeping it across your face, or pour a few drops into your palms and press it into your skin. This step creates a slightly damp surface that helps your subsequent products absorb more effectively.

Step 4: Target with Serums

Serums contain concentrated active ingredients that address specific skin concerns. For pre-makeup skincare, focus on serums that enhance your skin's texture and hydration rather than treatment serums that might pill under makeup.

Key serums for makeup preparation:

• Hyaluronic acid serum: Attracts and holds moisture, creating plump, hydrated skin that makeup glides over smoothly
• Vitamin C serum: Brightens the complexion and provides antioxidant protection (best used in morning routines)
• Niacinamide serum: Balances oil production and minimizes the appearance of pores
• Peptide serums: Improve skin's firmness and create a smoother surface for makeup

Apply serums to slightly damp skin, using 2-3 drops for your entire face. Gently press and pat the serum into your skin rather than rubbing, which can cause pilling. Allow each serum to absorb for 30-60 seconds before moving to the next product.

Pro tip: Layer your serums from thinnest to thickest consistency for optimal absorption.

Step 5: Hydrate with Moisturizer

Regardless of your skin type, moisturizer is an essential step that creates a smooth, hydrated base for makeup. Even oily skin needs hydration – in fact, skipping moisturizer can cause your skin to produce more oil to compensate.

For dry skin: Choose a richer cream with ingredients like ceramides, shea butter, or squalane to create a moisture barrier and prevent makeup from clinging to dry patches.

For combination/normal skin: A lightweight, gel-cream hybrid works well to provide balanced hydration without heaviness.

For oily skin: Select oil-free, non-comedogenic gel moisturizers that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid for hydration without greasiness.

Apply moisturizer in a thin, even layer, allowing it to fully absorb for 3-5 minutes before moving on to makeup application. This absorption time prevents your foundation from sliding or pilling.

Step 6: Protect with Sunscreen (Daytime Only)

This step is non-negotiable for daytime makeup routines. UV damage not only causes premature aging but can also exacerbate skin conditions like hyperpigmentation, making your makeup work harder to create an even complexion.

Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen that suits your skin type:

• Chemical sunscreens tend to be lighter and more elegant under makeup but may irritate sensitive skin
• Physical/mineral sunscreens (containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) are better for sensitive or reactive skin but may leave a white cast on deeper skin tones

Many makeup brands now offer foundations and primers with SPF, but these typically don't provide sufficient protection when used alone. A dedicated sunscreen step is essential for adequate protection.

Apply a quarter-sized amount for your face and neck, and allow it to set for 3-5 minutes before applying makeup. This waiting period is crucial to ensure the sunscreen forms a proper protective film on the skin.

Step 7: Prime for Perfection (Optional but Recommended)

While technically part of your makeup routine, primers bridge the gap between skincare and makeup, creating an optimal surface for foundation application. Different primers address specific concerns:

• Smoothing primers fill in fine lines and pores
• Hydrating primers add an extra moisture boost
• Color-correcting primers balance redness (green), sallowness (purple), or dullness (peach)
• Illuminating primers create a subtle glow beneath foundation
• Oil-controlling primers help manage shine throughout the day

Apply primer with fingertips, focusing on your T-zone and areas where makeup tends to fade first. Allow it to set for 30-60 seconds before beginning foundation application.

Special Considerations

For Special Events

If preparing for a photoshoot, wedding, or other special occasion, consider these additional steps:

• Sheet mask hydration boost: Apply a hydrating sheet mask the night before (not the day of, as they can leave residue)
• Eye de-puffing: Use cooled gel eye patches 15-20 minutes before starting your skincare routine
• Lip exfoliation: Gently exfoliate lips with a lip scrub, then apply a hydrating lip mask while you complete the rest of your routine

Seasonal Adjustments

Your pre-makeup skincare should adapt to seasonal changes:

• Summer: Lighter formulations, oil-control products, and higher SPF
• Winter: Richer moisturizers, hydrating serums, and barrier-supporting ingredients

For Mature Skin

Mature skin has specific needs that can enhance makeup application:

• Focus on hydrating and plumping ingredients like peptides and ceramides
• Consider using a facial oil (2-3 drops) mixed with moisturizer for extra radiance
• Allow extra time for products to fully absorb to prevent foundation from settling into fine lines

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best skincare products won't perform well if you make these common errors:

• Rushing the process: Not allowing enough time between steps leads to pilling and poor makeup adherence
• Product overload: Using too many active ingredients can irritate skin and cause makeup to break down
• Neglecting the neck: Extend all skincare products to your neck to ensure a seamless makeup look
• Skipping exfoliation entirely: Even sensitive skin needs gentle exfoliation to create a smooth makeup base
• Using the wrong products for your skin type: This can exacerbate issues like excess oil or dryness

Final Thoughts

Remember that great makeup application starts long before the first drop of foundation touches your skin. Investing time in your skincare routine creates a flawless canvas that requires less makeup and yields more natural-looking results.

At MoorLightway, we always begin our client sessions with a thorough skin assessment and abbreviated skincare routine to ensure the best possible makeup application. Our professional makeup artists are trained not just in color theory and application techniques, but also in understanding the relationship between skin health and makeup performance.

For personalized advice on creating the perfect skincare routine for your unique needs and makeup goals, consider booking a skincare consultation or makeup lesson with our team. We can help you identify the most effective products and techniques for your specific skin type and concerns.