Introduction

Make up is all about enhancing your best features and maybe covering up a flaw or two. Basically it is about feeling and looking good for the day, so you can face it with confidence. To ensure that your make up stays at its best throughout the day prepping skin for make up is essential. Without the proper prepping your makeup will fade and smudge as the day progresses, not something anyone wants to deal with. Prep your skin for make up and make sure your it stays put the whole day.

Reasons why you should prep your skin prior to applying make up

Long-lasting – Your skin is the canvas on which the makeup stays, so it has to be in good condition to help the make up stay on. Well looked after and prepped skin will help you make up look good and last for longer.

Avoiding break outs – When you prep your skin it is in better condition and so can handle the applied makeup which in turn means less potential break outs to deal with.

Avoiding skin irritation – Prepping is an important step because it helps protect your skin to avoid irritations and discomfort when wearing makeup.

Smooth and professional look – As a smooth and healthy canvass your skin will help your make up look professional and continue to look good and smudge-free throughout the day.

Here are some steps you can follow for a pre makeup skincare routine that will have both immediate and long term benefits.

1. Cleanse

First you should know and understand your skin type properly. This will help you buy and use suitable products to prep your skin because using the wrong type of products will not be beneficial to you. Use a face wash suitable for your skin to wash your face and with gentle circular motions remove grime and dirt. It is also very important that you always remove your make up completely at the end of the day so that your skin can breathe and repair during the night.

2. Exfoliate

Gently exfoliating your skin once a week helps to remove residue makeup and the build-up of dead skin cells on your skin’s surface. If not removed it can lead to clogged pores, uneven skin tones and dullness. Depending on your skin type use an exfoliator or an exfoliating cleaner to even out and smoothen your skin for better makeup application, as it provides an even grip. For those with dry skin this is also a perfect way to remove dry patches and alternately if you have oily skin it will remove as said the dead skin that cause clogged pores.

3. Toner

Using a proper toner will help restore the pH levels of your skin as well as provide an initial layer of hydration. It also help your skin absorb moisturiser properly so that it gets the complete benefit from the moisturiser. You can also use hydrochloric acid and a serum that further helps hydrate your face and create a natural glow, forming a perfect makeup base. A hydrating serum will minimise pores and help control oil which helps your makeup last longer.

4. Moisturiser

This is a very important step and should never be skipped. Your face should be moisturised before foundation is applied to the skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. Using a moisturiser suitable for your skin type will make all the difference to your skin and makeup. Moisturiser helps your makeup glide and stay on better so that you skin looks good under the light covering of the foundation. You can use a matte or oil-free moisturiser if you skin is naturally oily and use a hydrating and nourishing moisturiser if you skin is towards the drier side. Let the moisturiser sit on your skin for a while before applying primer.

5. Primer

Primer is the secret to long lasting makeup. Similar to applying a base coat before applying nail polish, primer provides your makeup with a solid base on which to stay on. Apply a gripping makeup primer or an oil-controlling one if you have oily skin and for drier skin use a radiant or hydrating primer.

6. Applying make up

Your skin is now prepped for your makeup to be applied the way you prefer. You can use concealer and then the foundation to even out your skin tone further. Depending on your routine highlighters and blush can be applied with a touch of loose face powder to reduce shine. While you add concealer around your eye area avoid foundation, especially if you are applying eyeshadow. The primer will act as the perfect base for your eye makeup from the shadow to the eyeliner.

Use a good setting spray to keep your makeup in place, help it last longer and to help the makeup blend together for a natural even appearance. Makeup artists swear by the benefits of a good setting spray.

It is very important that you take off your makeup completely at the end of the day so that your face has time to breath and replenish.

Conclusion

Use these skin prepping tips to experience the wonder of long lasting beautiful looking makeup and you will never go back to applying make up without prep. Not only does the prepping help your make up stay on longer but it also helps your skin become healthier and smoother. Benefits that you should definitely not be missing out on.