I’ve worn makeup plenty of times—birthday parties, graduations, special occasions—but I was never an expert. I didn’t know the right foundation to use or which products worked best for my skin. No matter how many YouTube tutorials I watched or Pinterest boards I saved, my makeup never quite looked right. It either felt cakey, made me look older, or just didn’t blend the way I wanted it to.
Growing up in the mid-’90s and early 2000s, we didn’t do full glam every day. Makeup back then was simple—some lip gloss with brown lip liner, a little mascara, and eyeliner. That was it. But now, I’ve realized that makeup doesn’t always have to be a full-face, red-carpet beat. It can be light, fresh, and natural—just enough to even out your skin tone, brighten your under eyes, and add a little glow to your cheeks.
What I’ve learned is that the base is the most important part of your makeup routine. If your skin isn’t prepped properly, no amount of foundation, concealer, or setting powder will give you that flawless, effortless look. It all starts with skincare. The right prep ensures your makeup applies smoothly, lasts longer, and enhances your natural beauty instead of masking it.
So, if you’ve ever struggled with cakey foundation, patchy coverage, or makeup that just doesn’t sit right—this guide is for you. Let’s break down how to create the perfect base for makeup that looks natural, radiant, and seamless.
Introduction
Flawless makeup starts with great skin prep! If you’ve ever struggled with cakey foundation, patchy coverage, or makeup that doesn’t last all day, chances are your skin needs a little extra love before application. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the perfect skincare routine to create a smooth, hydrated, and radiant base for your makeup.
Step 1: Cleanse Your Skin
A fresh start is key! Use a gentle cleanser suited to your skin type to remove dirt, oil, and leftover makeup.
Best Cleansers for Different Skin Types:
- Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: Gel or foaming cleanser with salicylic acid (e.g., CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser)
- Dry Skin: Hydrating cream cleanser (e.g., La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser)
- Sensitive Skin: Fragrance-free, gentle cleanser (e.g., Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser)
Step 2: Exfoliate (2-3 Times a Week)
Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells that can cause patchy foundation and clogged pores. Choose either a physical scrub (gently!) or a chemical exfoliant like glycolic or lactic acid.
Best Exfoliators:
- Chemical: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
- Physical: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Step 3: Hydrating Mist or Toner
Toners balance your skin’s pH and add a boost of hydration, which is essential for smooth makeup application.
Best Toners:
- Rose water spray (Mario Badescu Facial Spray)
- Hydrating toner (Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer)
Step 4: Serum for Extra Glow
A serum can target skin concerns and give you that radiant, lit-from-within look under your foundation.
Best Serums Based on Your Needs:
- Hydration: Hyaluronic Acid (The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5)
- Brightening: Vitamin C (Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Serum)
- Soothing: Niacinamide (Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster)
Step 5: Moisturizer Is a Must
Never skip moisturizer! Hydrated skin prevents foundation from clinging to dry patches and ensures a dewy, fresh finish.
Best Moisturizers for Different Skin Types:
- Oily Skin: Lightweight gel (Tatcha Water Cream)
- Dry Skin: Richer cream (Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream)
- Combination: Gel-cream hybrid (Neutrogena Hydro Boost)
Step 6: Eye Cream for a Smooth Canvas
If your concealer creases, a hydrating eye cream can help! It plumps fine lines and keeps your under-eyes fresh.
Best Eye Creams:
- Hydrating: Kiehl’s Avocado Eye Cream
- Brightening: Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème
Step 7: Sunscreen (Daytime Only!)
SPF is non-negotiable, especially if you’re wearing makeup during the day. It protects against sun damage and prevents premature aging.
Best SPF for Under Makeup:
- Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen (matte, invisible finish)
- EltaMD UV Clear (lightweight and non-greasy)
Step 8: Primer for Long-Lasting Makeup
Primer locks in your skincare and helps foundation apply smoothly.
Best Primers Based on Skin Type:
- Oily Skin: Mattifying primer (Milk Makeup Pore Eclipse)
- Dry Skin: Hydrating primer (Too Faced Hangover Rx)
- Dull Skin: Glow-boosting primer (Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter)
Step 9: Lip Prep for a Soft Pout
Before applying lipstick, exfoliate your lips with a scrub and use a hydrating balm.
Best Lip Scrub & Balms:
- LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask
- Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
Final Thoughts
Prepping your skin for makeup doesn’t have to be complicated, but these steps make a huge difference in how your makeup looks and lasts! A little extra effort before applying foundation can mean the difference between a flawless, all-day glow and a patchy, dry finish.
What’s your go-to skincare step before makeup? Let me know in the comments!