If you’re a makeup enthusiast like myself, I am sure you know that there’s nothing more satisfying than a flawless and long lasting makeup base. Many a time, we struggle with our makeup coming off, looking patchy or flaky and we think that’s because our technique went wrong somewhere in the process. I have tried changing my makeup application and swapped my beauty blenders for brushes. But, that didn’t always fix the problem. Incorporating the best skin prep products in your makeup regime can definitely address most of the issues we face with makeup today.
Preparing your skin well before starting with your makeup is the most important part to achieving a flawless look. So, never underestimate skin prep and in fact, spend more time on it. If your skin prep is done right, not only will your makeup glide smoothly, but it will also save you from applying extra layers. Because in today’s world, where “less is more” is the trend, who needs three layers of foundation when you can do with just one?
So, this blog is my attempt to share some of the best skin prep products that I have tried and found to be the best so far. Some of these were recommended to me by some professional makeup artists and some were based on my own research. I have tried all of these and I can swear by them.
So, let’s jump right in!
1. Cleansing
The first step, as we all know, is to start with a clean and clear skin. I usually start with a gentle cleanser that is soft and doesn’t irritate my skin. For this, I recommend the cult favorite that’s been recommended by many of the industry’s top artists. It’s the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm. Although I have a combination skin, I can safely say that this balm works well for all skin types. It melts down impurities and makeup, and really leaves the skin feeling clean and soft.
Another used and cult favorite cleanser is Garnier’s Micellar Water. I have used this for the longest time and I still haven’t found a better alternative. This can be used as a makeup remover when you want to take off your makeup or can be used as part of skin prep to give yourself a clean canvas to start your makeup with. So, if you don’t have the time or patience to do the full cleansing ritual, you can just start from this step. This also works well on every skin type. Just be sure to use an oil-free version of this product.
As a general rule of thumb in makeup, all steps before moisturizing should include only oil-free products. Using an oil-based product in cleansing or toning can further clog your pores and interfere with your makeup application.
2. Toning
One toner that I have used since forever and has worked really well for me is Clinique’s Clarifying Lotion. It’s a very light weight toner that works really well to prepare your skin to absorb all the serums and moisturizers that you will be layering on in the following steps.
Another great toner that was recommended to me by my dermatologist and has worked well for me so far is Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. This works very well in the long term in unclogging pores and reducing unevenness. This toner has a bit of a thicker texture so if you have a really oily skin then use it sparingly.
3. Moisturizing
They say that a good moisturizer can make or break your makeup. And I completely agree with that. It’s very important to know your skin type and needs, and accordingly choose the right moisturizer. If you have a combination skin, it’s very important to apply the right moisturizer to the right target areas. For example, my t-zone is oily so I usually apply a very light weight water-based moisturizer on my t-zone. However, my forehead and rest of the face are normal so I sometimes can go in with a heavier moisturizer depending on the coverage I want.
One of my favorite serums to begin with is Tatcha’s Essence. This product is very light weight so it’s not enough on its own as it does not provide enough hydration to the skin. But it lays a good groundwork for your moisturizer to go on smoothly.
I also really like using facial sprays that provide a light hydration and prepare the skin for moisturizer. One of my favorite facial sprays is Mario Badescu’s Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater. Aloe vera and rosewater are both humectants so they attract and bind water, and help retain moisture.
When it comes to moisturizers under makeup, I have two favorites. For oily or normal skin, I recommend Tatcha’s Water Cream. This cream leaves such a soft and plump texture and also provides a subtle glow. That makes it very easy to apply base products.
Another favorite that I would recommend for people with normal to dry skin is the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré. I have used this cream on the majority of my clients and the results have been flawless. This moisturizer works well on most of the skin types and it really provides a very long lasting finish. It has beeswax, aloe vera and shea butter. All of these are extremely hydrating ingredients so it’s perfect for dry skin or someone that needs extra hydration for a long lasting and heavy coverage.
4. Lip prep
One of my most favorite lip oils that I have been using religiously since the last few months as part of skin prep is Lyst’s Glossy Lip Treatment Oil. I got my hands on this oil when I was attending a makeup show and it was recommended to me by a makeup artist. I have been using it since then and I just love the moisturization it provides. It has a thick texture so it really plumps the lips and also provides a soft glow.
5. Eye prep
Another favorite skin prep product is Good Molecules Wake Up Eye Gel. It makes for a great eye primer and works well to reduce puffiness, fine lines and smoothen the under eye area. I have been using it on my clients and it has worked really well so far.
6. Priming
I have some favorites when it comes to primers, depending on the look I am going for.
If you have normal to oily skin, and you used a water-based moisturizer, then one of the best water-based primers you can use is Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer. Since this is a water-based primer, make sure to only use it over water-based moisturizers. Do not try to layer it over oil-based or wax-based moisturizers as it will crack. Its main function is to provide a strong grip to your foundation, as the name suggests. So when you want a long lasting and dewy finish, this is one of the best to use. It’s also very light weight so it doesn’t feel heavy on the skin and provides a very smooth base for the foundation to glide on.
If you want more of a dewy look, my recommendation is Denessa Myricks Glow Serum Primer. This product went viral on social media when it was launched. And the buzz was worth it because this primer really provides great hydration and glow. It is infused with skincare so it’s not just sitting on your skin but it’s actually going deeper into the skin layers and providing an inner glow and nourishment. It works really well with Danessa Myricks Vision Cream Cover and provides a flawless look.
My final recommendation when it comes to primers is B3 Astraea Facial Oil. Even though it’s a facial oil, it doesn’t have a very greasy texture so it is suitable for all skin types. So, if after moisturization, your skin still feels thirsty and you feel like you need more hydration, this oil is a great option. It has very nourishing ingredients so it can be used as part of skincare regularly as well. However, the best way I have found to use it is to mix it with my concealers and foundations. That way I can make sure that I lock in the moisture when I layer in my base products. I use it mainly with wax-based makeup like the Graftobian Foundation Palette and it works flawlessly.
And that’s a wrap as far as the best skin prep products go. As we all know, there’s no rulebook when it comes to skincare or makeup and it’s a very personal choice. But with the right products, tools and methods, we can definitely achieve that flawless makeup look that we all strive for.
Hope you liked reading my post. Feel free to leave your comments or thoughts in the comments section below!
For my recommendations on the best makeup products, follow this link.
