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I don’t care if you’re using a $10 drugstore foundation or a $70 luxury one, if your skin isn’t prepped properly, you’re wasting your money and your time. You can blame the formula, the shade, the finish all you want, but I’m telling you right now: texture, cakiness, and that “I’m clearly wearing makeup” look? It all starts before you even touch your makeup bag.
I used to think a good makeup routine started with primer. I was so wrong it’s embarrassing. It actually starts way before that, with how you treat your skin in the days, hours, and minutes leading up to application. And once I figured this out? Everything changed.
The Canvas Matters More Than the Paint
Think about it like this: you wouldn’t paint a wall without prepping it first, right? The same logic applies to your face. Whether you’re getting ready for a night out or just doing your everyday makeup, the skin prep you do beforehand is everything. I’m talking about the difference between makeup that looks professionally done versus makeup that looks, well, like you’re wearing makeup.
For big events, I’m a huge believer in getting a hydrafacial or at least dermaplaning a few days before. There’s something about starting with a completely smooth, glowy canvas that makes every product you apply afterward just work better. But obviously, we can’t get facials before every occasion (though wouldn’t that be nice?), which is why your daily skincare routine is so important.
Look, I’ll be honest. I’m not perfect. Sometimes I’m lazy and skip steps, especially on random Tuesdays when I’m exhausted. But for the most part, I’m really consistent with my skincare, and I can tell the difference when I’m not. Your skin has memory. Treat it well consistently, and it’ll show up for you when you need it to.
The Basic Step by Step (That Actually Works)
Here’s where most people get it wrong: they think skin prep before makeup is just slapping on a primer and calling it a day. But the real magic happens in those base layers, the products you apply right before you start your makeup routine.
Step 1: Hydrating Mist
Start with a facial mist to add that initial layer of hydration while your skin is still slightly damp from your skincare. This helps everything absorb better and creates a dewy base.
My favorite is MAC Fix+ Spray. This works as both your initial hydration layer and your final mist before makeup. I use it throughout my entire makeup routine as well. It’s like a reset button for your face. It makes everything blend seamlessly and has never done me wrong.
Step 2: Under Eye Treatment
The under eye area needs extra love because it’s where dryness and texture show up first. A little moisture here goes a long way.
My favorite is Aquaphor Stick for Under Eyes. This is my secret weapon for the under-eye area. I apply this before my moisturizer and let it sit. A little bit of this before concealer, and suddenly you don’t look tired anymore, even if you definitely are.
Step 3: Moisturizer
This is where you lock in hydration and create that bouncy, plump canvas. You want something rich enough to nourish but not so heavy that it pills under makeup.
My favorite is Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentré. This is a French pharmacy classic for a reason. It moisturizes without any heaviness and makes your skin feel like silk.
Step 4: Primer (Serum + Base)
This is your final prep step before makeup. Layer a primer serum first for extra hydration and smoothness, then follow with your actual primer to lock everything in and help your foundation glide on like butter.
My favorite is Natasha Denona Hy-Gen Primer. This primer serum is chef’s kiss. I apply this after my moisturizer. It creates the smoothest base without feeling heavy or greasy. Then, Bobbi Brown Enriched Face Base. Think of this as a skin drink that doubles as a primer. It’s intensely hydrating and creates this dewy, plump foundation (pun intended) for everything else.
The Method to My Madness
I start by spritzing MAC Fix+ all over my face while my skin is still slightly damp from my skincare. Then I dab on the Aquaphor stick under my eyes and let it sit while I do the rest of my prep. Next, I go in with Embryolisse and really massage it into my skin. I’m talking full on facial massage, making sure everything is absorbed and my skin feels bouncy and hydrated.
After my moisturizer, I apply the Natasha Denona primer serum and give it a minute to set. Then I go in with the Bobbi Brown Enriched Face Base as my final primer step. One more spritz of Fix+, and I’m ready.
The difference this routine has made is honestly dramatic. My makeup sits better, lasts longer, and looks like an actual second skin instead of a layer of product. And when I skip these steps? I can see it immediately.
The Bottom Line
Perfecting your canvas is non negotiable if you want your makeup to look good, not just in your bathroom mirror with perfect lighting, but in real life, in photos, hours after you’ve applied it. Invest in the prep. Your makeup routine will thank you, and so will your skin.
Just saying.