Can’t stop watching those Instagram make-up tutorials (mesmerising aren’t they)?
You might have noticed that most Instagram makeup tutorials start with the artist massaging their favourite cream, serum or oil onto their face. This is no coincidence and is non-negotiable - moisturizing your face is a universal beauty essential. There are a number of other key skincare steps you can take, however, to achieve that flawless finish and we are not talking just talking about primers.
You might have heard that 'not to prime is a crime'. However, the skincare that precedes primer application is just as, if not more, important. The reality is that no matter how great your makeup skills and quality of products are, if you skimp on your skincare routine before applying, you could end up with uneven, patchy coverage that wears quickly and doesn’t make you look or feel your best. Thankfully, prepping your skin for make-up application is pretty easy - just follow our simple step-by-step guide below:
Cleanse
Seems pretty basic, right? You need to cleanse to not only remove makeup but even if you have been lounging au natural all day. Remember to rinse with lukewarm water. If you are a makeup junkie, we highly recommend you double-cleanse when you want to remove your make-up. Simply put, this is cleansing twice; first with an oil-based cleanser or balm, followed by a water-based traditional cleanser, such as a cleansing gel or foam. This is because makeup, sunscreen and pore-clogging sebum are most effectively broken down and dissolved by oils, rather than detergents, as ‘like’ mixes with ‘like’. The foam or gel cleanser works to further rid your pores of any residual bacteria, dead skin cells and remaining surface impurities. Remember that a clean canvas is a smooth canvas.
Exfoliate
Applying makeup over skin that is not exfoliated (hello dead skin cells) is like painting over chipping paint – an unpleasant visual and simply not a good idea. We recommend exfoliating regularly with products including Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) to gently remove dead skin cells and encourage turnover so your skin is ready for hydration.
Hydrate
Dry skin will crease. We love a good sheet mask especially before special occasions when we want our makeup to look on-point, so prior to using a hydrating cream, we recommend you use a nourishing sheetmask for a little extra glow. They are usually packed with goodness but one that includes hyaluronic acid to plump the skin would be our choice for makeup preparation. Give us any opportunity to force-feed our skin beneficial ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and hyaluronic acid, and we will take it!
Massage
Regular facial massages are a must for glowing skin, but especially for bigger occasions before which you can boost circulation by giving yourself a mini-facial with your favourite oil or serum. With oils, you need to be careful with the type and quantity so that they do not clog your pores.
Primer
As a final step following moisturizer and SPF, primer will help makeup glide on your skin a lot smoother to reduce the appearance of imperfections. Make sure to go for a mattifying primer if you have oily skin.
