Have you always wondered why your makeup has never stayed perfect after several hours? As makeup enthusiasts, we all have the same goal and that is for our makeup to last the whole day. We thought that that high-end makeup would do the trick, but we thought wrong. In reality, it is actually what you’ve done to your face before makeup that determines if your makeup is going to look snatched from day till night. Ensuring your skin is prepped for makeup guarantees that it adheres evenly and stays set. Here are the simple guides to prepare your face for makeup. 

1. Cleanse 

Never go a day without cleansing your face! Cleanser plays the most crucial role in a skincare routine as it washes off all the impurities and dirt of your face to be able to achieve that clean and fresh skin.

It is important to choose the best cleanser according to your skin type. If you happen to have sensitive skin, it is best to avoid products with glycolic acid as it may cause irritation and redness. It is recommended for you to look for something gentle enough in order to help you achieve that desired dewy look. To those with acne-prone skin, fret not as a slightly more acidic cleanser will just do the trick in helping your skin fight those bacteria. 

Lukewarm water is always the best choice to start as it calms down your facial muscles in the process before going in with your favorite cleanser. Don’t forget to use circular motions as you massage the cleanser across your face and rinse it off thoroughly.

2. Exfoliate

One main reason for your makeup to look blotchy is because of all those dead skin cells that have been residing on your face rent-free. Exfoliating helps remove those beauty culprits off your face, which would reveal such a healthy new skin underneath. 

Choosing the best exfoliator is crucial. Look for a mild daily exfoliating scrub with small, circular grains. Rough and uneven components might irritate your skin and cause it to become too dry. Rinse your face thoroughly with lukewarm water to prevent makeup from thickening when applied. Don’t forget to exfoliate your neck as well; it deserves the same attention as your face.

3. Toner

Cleanser, checked. Exfoliator, also checked! Now we’re moving on to toners. Most of us often overlook toners, thinking it might not be as important as other steps in our skincare routine. But in reality, toners play an important role in keeping our skin clear from any remaining dead skin, leftover makeup, or germs that your cleanser may have missed. Hence, it is time for us to finally make it a compulsory step in your daily routine. 

Opt-in using a non-drying, alcohol-free toner to rejuvenate and soften your skin. Gently dab the wet cotton pad over the face, then wait a few seconds until the toner is nearly dry before proceeding to the next step.

4. Moisturize

Guess what, we’re almost there! Next up on the list is moisturize. This step is a must regardless of all skin types, it helps to provide enough hydration throughout the day.

Most people believe that you should massage moisturizer into your skin, however, that is not the case! The easiest technique to apply moisturizer is to gently press it into your skin with the tips of your fingers. This will prevent you from using too much moisturizer, which can cause breakouts and/or oil buildup. But remember, do give the moisturizer a chance to seep into your skin for at least 5 minutes before moving to the final step of your routine.

5. Prime

We have cleansed, exfoliated, toned, and moisturized. Our skin is looking so fresh and healthy as ever, but yet that is still not enough. When we’re talking about all-day makeup, primer is the most essential step that can never be left forgotten. Primers work as a barrier as it prevents your moisturizer and skin’s oil balance from interacting with your makeup. Primer lays the groundwork for a perfect makeup application.

Finding the best primer that suits your skin type may become a hassle, as there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all type of primer. All skin types are unique, hence, finding a primer made particularly for your skin type is essential if you want makeup that lasts from AM to PM. The best way to find the right primer is to aim for words such as ‘hydrating’, ‘replenishing’, or ‘soothing’ on the primers. Get a mattifying primer if your skin is on the oily side. A superb mattifying primer that will limit your skin’s oil production is your best chance for this. And if your skin is a bit on the sensitive side, it’s recommended to get primers with the limited ingredients list. The fewer chemicals in your facial products, the less likely you are to have a negative reaction.