How to Prep Skin for Makeup in 7 Quick Steps

Achieving the perfect makeup starts with the right foundation – with your skin! Prep your skin before applying makeup ensures a radiant finish and makes your makeup last longer and look more natural. Whether you’re a makeup beginner or a beauty enthusiast, these 7 quick steps will transform your routine and prep your skin for an incredible glow. From cleansing to applying sunscreen and everything in between, we’ll detail each important step.

Table of Contents

Step 1: Cleansing for a Fresh Canvas

The first step in skin prep is cleansing, and a clean face sets the stage for everything that comes next, removing dirt, oil, and leftover makeup that can clog your pores or make your makeup cake.

For best results, choose a cleanser suited to your skin type:

Oily skin: Go for gel or foam cleansers that remove excess sebum.
Dry skin: Opt for hydrating cream cleansers or cleansing balms.
Sensitive skin: Use fragrance-free or gentle cleansers to avoid irritation.
Combination skin: Use a non-drying cleanser that targets oil and dry areas.

Once you have chosen the right cleanser for your skin type, it’s important to cleanse your face properly. Start by wetting your face with lukewarm water, as hot water can strip away natural oils and cold water may not effectively remove dirt and oil. Then, apply a small amount of cleanser onto your fingertips or a cleansing brush and gently massage it onto your face in circular motions.

Expert Tip
Renowned dermatologist Dr. Maya Grant says, “Cleansing your face twice a day ensures your skin starts fresh, reducing the chances of breakouts and uneven makeup application.”

Step 2: Exfoliation for Smooth Texture

Exfoliation is the secret to eliminating dead skin cells and rough patches, giving you a smooth base for flawless foundation application. However, it’s vital to exfoliate gently to avoid over-stripping your skin.

How Often Should You Exfoliate?

Sensitive skin: Once a week.
Combination/Normal skin: 1-2 times a week.
Oily skin: 2-3 times a week.
Dry skin: 1-2 times a week with a gentle exfoliant.

Exfoliation is an essential step in any skincare routine, but finding the right balance for your skin type is important. While under-exfoliating can cause clogged pores and lifeless skin, over-exfoliating can cause irritation and dryness. So finding the perfect frequency for your skin is key.
Stick to gentle exfoliators with fine particles or chemical exfoliants like AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) for a more refined texture. Steer clear of abrasive scrubs that contain big particles that could create tiny rips in the skin.

Step 3: Toning to Balance pH

After cleansing and exfoliating, toning helps to reset your skin’s pH levels and tighten pores. Think of toner as the bridge between cleansing and moisturizing—it preps the skin for all the good ingredients you’re about to layer on.
Pick a toner based on your skin goals:

Hydration: Look for toners with hyaluronic acid.
Oil control: Seek toners with salicylic acid or witch hazel.
Brightening: Try a vitamin C-based toner.

Toners can come in different forms, such as liquid, gel, or spray. They are designed to be applied after cleansing and before applying moisturizer. By balancing the skin’s pH levels, toner helps improve the overall health of your skin.

Benefits of Toning:

Balances pH levels: Our skin has a natural pH level of around 5.5, which is slightly acidic. However, cleansing products can disturb this balance and make our skin more alkaline. Toner helps restore the natural pH level, allowing for better absorption of skincare products.
Removes residue: Even after cleansing, there may still be traces of makeup or impurities on our skin. Toner helps to remove any remaining residue and prepares the skin for further treatment.
Tightens pores: Toners can help temporarily tighten pores by removing excess oil, dirt, and debris. This can give the appearance of smoother and more refined skin.
Prevents ingrown hairs: For those who struggle with ingrown hairs on their face or body, toner can help prevent them by keeping the skin clean and free of buildup.

Pro Insight

“Toners magically prep the skin – they ensure your makeup glides on effortlessly without clogging up imperfections,” explains celebrity makeup artist Lisa Carter.

Step 4: Hydrating for Plumpness

Moisturized skin is happy skin, and it’s crucial for achieving that dewy, plump look. Hydration reduces dryness, prevents flakiness, and keeps your foundation from cracking midday.
Choose the right moisturizer for your needs:

Dry skin: Pick thicker, emollient creams with ingredients like ceramides.
Oily skin: A lightweight, gel-based moisturizer does wonders.
Normal/Combination skin: Look for a balanced, non-greasy formula.

Along with your daily moisturizer, consider adding a hydrating serum or facial oil to your skincare routine. These products can provide an extra boost of hydration and nourishment to the skin. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides in your products, as they are known for their hydrating properties.
Don’t forget to give your moisturizer a minute to absorb before moving to the next step! This allows the product to fully penetrate the skin and provide maximum hydration.

Step 5: Applying Primer for Longevity

Primer is the unsung hero of your makeup routine. It creates a smooth, even canvas while locking in hydration and ensuring your makeup stays put all day.

Choose a matte primer for oily skin to minimize shine.
Use a hydrating or illuminating primer for dry or dull skin.
Green-tinted primers can neutralize redness in the skin.
Purple-tinted primers can brighten and even out skin tone.

But did you know that primer can also help improve the longevity of your makeup? Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your primer and make your makeup last all day.

Prep Your Skin Properly

Before applying primer, it’s important to prep your skin properly. This means cleansing and moisturizing your face and using any serums or treatments if desired. This will ensure a smooth base for your primer and makeup to adhere to, making it less likely to slide off throughout the day.

Founder’s Tip
Alyssa James, founder of Luxe Beauty, says, “Pairing the right primer with a compatible moisturizer can extend the wear of your makeup by hours while giving it that extra glow or matte effect you’re looking for.”

Step 6: Sunscreen for Protection

Never skip sunscreen—it’s the ultimate barrier against harmful UV rays and helps prevent premature aging, dark spots, and discoloration. For prepping purposes, a lightweight, non-greasy SPF 30 or higher works perfectly under your makeup.
But what about the rest of your body? It’s important to protect all exposed skin, not just your face. Look for broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB protection. And don’t forget to reapply every two hours if you’re spending extended time in the sun.

Expert Highlight
“SPF isn’t optional,” says dermatologist Dr. Maria Lu. “Daily sunscreen is the foundation of healthy skin, which ultimately enhances how your makeup looks and feels.”
Opt for a hybrid moisturizer-sunscreen combo to save time. Go for a lightweight formula that won’t clog pores, and has at least SPF 30. “Physical blockers such as zinc and titanium dioxide also tend to have less of a chance of irritating,” says Dr. Lu.

Sunscreen Tips

Apply sunscreen generously for at least 15 minutes before going outside to allow it to fully absorb into your skin.
Don’t forget to reapply every two hours, especially if you’re swimming or sweating.
If you have sensitive skin, opt for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic sunscreens.
Sunscreen is not just for sunny days – UV rays can still penetrate through clouds and cause damage on overcast days.
To keep your lips safe, apply a lip balm with an SPF.
Be mindful of expiration dates – sunscreen can lose its effectiveness over time.
When using both sunscreen and insect repellent, apply the sunscreen first and then the repellent on top.

Step 7: Setting the Base with Makeup

Now that your skin is perfectly prepped, it’s time to start applying your makeup! Work with products that complement your hydrated and primed skin. For a flawless base, start with a light foundation or BB cream and build coverage as needed.

Additional Tips for Flawless Makeup

Blend the foundation smoothly with a moist makeup sponge.
Apply setting powder sparingly to maintain a fresh, dewy look.
Lock it all in with a makeup setting spray for extra hold.
Don’t forget to blend the foundation down your neck for a seamless finish.

Concealing Imperfections
Even with a flawless base, you may still have some imperfections that need to be concealed. Here are some tips for achieving a flawless complexion:

Use color correctors to neutralize any redness or discoloration before applying concealer. Green color correctors work well for redness, while peach or orange color correctors can cancel out dark circles.
Choose a concealer that matches your skin tone and apply it in thin layers, building coverage as needed. Remember to blend it out seamlessly using a damp sponge or brush.
For stubborn blemishes or dark circles, try using a color-correcting concealer first before layering with your regular concealer.
Set your under-eye area with a light dusting of translucent powder to prevent creasing.
For extra coverage and brightness, apply a brightening concealer on top of your regular concealer in a triangular shape under the eyes.

Influencer Advice
“Prepping your skin is everything!” shares beauty influencer Mia Styles. “When my skin is prepped, I need way less makeup to achieve the same radiant look.” Following her advice, make sure to give your skin the TLC it deserves before applying makeup. Your result will be a flawless and long-lasting base that will make you feel confident and ready to take on the day. Remember, makeup should enhance your natural beauty, not mask it completely. So use these tips and techniques to create a base that looks like second skin. And don’t forget to blend, blend, blend for a seamless finish! Keep scrolling for more tips on perfecting your makeup game.

Glow with Confidence

Above we saw 7 quick steps to prep skin for makeup. Proper skin prep isn’t just an extra step—it’s the foundation for radiant, long-lasting, and flawless makeup. By incorporating these quick steps into your routine, you can improve both your skincare and makeup finish.
Give it a try and share your go-to skin prep tips in the comments—we’d love to hear from you! And if you’re looking for more beauty tips, be sure to explore our blog for expert insights and tutorials.
Happy glowing!

FAQs

What Are The 7 Step Skin Care Regimen?

The 7-step skincare regimen includes cleansing, exfoliating, toning, applying serums, moisturizing, and using sunscreen, and night cream.

How To Properly Prep Skin Before Makeup?

To properly prep skin before makeup, cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize, prime, and apply sunscreen for a flawless base.

What Are The Basic Steps For Makeup Beginners?

The basic steps for makeup beginners are to start with a clean face, apply moisturizer, use a primer, apply foundation, blend well, add concealer, set with powder, apply blush, define eyebrows, apply eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, and finish with lipstick or lip gloss.

How To Prepare Skin For Flawless Makeup?

To prepare your skin for flawless makeup, follow these simple steps:

Use a mild cleanser to rid your skin of oil and debris.
Exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin cells and reveal a smooth surface.
To hydrate and nurture your skin, use a moisturizer.
Use a primer to create a smooth base for your makeup.
Use sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 to save your skin from damaging UV radiation.