The secret to a killer makeup look is a good foundation, but not a new product. Just like how paint won’t stick well to a surface that hasn’t been primed, the true basis to a knock out makeup look is a prepped and primed canvas. The better your skin looks, the better the final makeup will look as you build layers on a solid foundation of great skin. The skincare steps you take before applying makeup will smooth skin, improve its texture, minimize pores, maximize absorption, and achieve that radiant, healthy dewiness that glows from within, all of which lifts a good makeup look to GREAT! If you’ve noticed that your makeup is applying unevenly, caking or creasing, or wearing off quickly throughout the day, the problem may not be your makeup but the lack of foundational skincare prep.
Step 1: Assess the Situation
Your face has a bunch of different zones that may have different skin issues across the various areas. Spend some time really inspecting your face. Note where there is dryness or oiliness. Any flaking or rough spots? What’s your pore size? Are your lips chapped? Do you have fine lines or wrinkles? Figuring out what your skin needs, zone by zone, can help you make a game plan to achieve your ultimate makeup goals.
Step 2: Start with a Clean Slate
Dead skin, dirt, product and product buildup clog pores, dull your skin, and impede makeup application. Cleansing and exfoliating are essential steps to creating the ideal skin that is the perfect makeup canvas. Since you’ve done your skin assessment, you should choose a skin cleanser that addresses your facial needs. If you regularly use heavier skincare products or apply makeup, you should double cleanse - first with an oil-based cleanser, then with a water-based one. Oil dissolves oil, so an oil cleanser like our Black Sugar Perfect Cleansing Oil will cleanse away stubborn makeup and product buildup. A water-based cleanser like our Rice Brightening Scrub Foam will cleanse and hydrate skin. You can also choose a cleanser that will help control clear acne, like Tea Tree Skin Clearing Bubble Foam, or tighten pores with our Egg White Perfect Pore Cleansing Foam. Be careful not to over-strip your skin - this might mean skipping a cleanser in the morning and simply rinsing with water.
If you do notice rough patches, there are different ways to exfoliate, from general, all-over treatments like our Black Sugar Mask Wash Off, or targeted treatments like Avocado & Sugar Lip Scrub for dry and flaky lips. Remember that excessive exfoliation can irritate your skin, so be gentle and don’t overdo it.
Step 3: Bring Back the Balance
Cleansers affect the pH balance of your skin, so a good toner will re-balance your skin’s pH and also prep it to absorb moisture and nutrients. Try Avocado Rich Toner for extra hydration, or Yuja C Dark Spot Clear Essence for brightening effects. There are also toners which will improve skin texture, like Peach Sake Toner for softness & oil control or Gold Caviar Toner for counteracting wrinkles.
Step 4: Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
Moisturized skin looks healthy and plump, which looks great on its own (think of makeup routines that aim for a natural, “no makeup” look). Moisturized skin provides a smooth surface for makeup application. Look for a non-greasy formula, since a slick surface may not receive makeup well and cause your makeup to look cakey. Also, remember to allow your moisturizer enough time to be fully absorbed by your skin, so that it won’t accidentally blend with the next layer or cause slipping. Taking a little time to massage in your moisturizer can speed up this process and also is a therapeutic treat! This is also the time to spot treat certain trouble areas, especially under and around your eyes. This skin is more fragile and needs extra TLC. Smooth wrinkles and fine lines with Salmon Dark Circle Concealer Cream. Pro tip: Eye cream also preps your skin for concealer application! Another area you shouldn’t skip are your lips - hydrate first with Avocado & Olive Lip Balm and your lipstick will go on smoother and last longer.
Step 5: To Prime or Not to Prime
You may discover that by moisturizing well, application of primer may not be as necessary. Maybe you’ll find you need less, or just need it on certain areas, like your T-zone, cheeks or eyes. A good toner/moisturizer combo may work to do the same thing as primer, such as fill in pores, control shine, and smooth skin. And don’t forget - oil and water don’t mix, so whatever primer you’re applying, don’t apply the opposite-based foundation on top.
Step 6: Clean up in a Flash
Heading out the door and need to clean up a makeup mishap quick? Clean up in a flash with the Rice Daily Brightening Cleansing Tissue or soak a cotton swab with the Rice Daily Brightening Cleansing Water for a more precise clean up for eyeliner smudges or lipstick edges.
So you see, proper skincare is truly the foundation to better makeup! The tools to take your makeup look from good to great may be found not in your makeup bag, but by your bathroom sink.
