Top 5 Skincare Tips to Prep Your Skin for a Flawless Makeup Base

Why is it necessary to prep skin before makeup application?

So many of us, at one time or another, have believed that if only we got the “IT” makeup product, that expensive foundation, then our makeup would be airbrushed and flawless. WRONG!! Good Skin (prep) is imperative to flawless makeup. Imagine an artists canvas, if its not smooth, the painting will never be perfect – no matter how talented the artist. The same applies for skin prep and makeup application. Discover how to prep your skin for makeup with these top 5 skincare tips. From double cleansing to hydration, create the perfect base for long-lasting, flawless makeup.

Makeup can only do so much—if you want your foundation to look smooth, radiant, and last all day, it starts with skincare. Prepping your skin correctly before applying makeup is the secret to avoiding cakey textures, dry patches, and uneven coverage.

Whether you’re a makeup artist or a beauty enthusiast, these top 5 ways to prep your skin for makeup and ensure your base is always flawless, will go a long way in ensuring your makeup is perfection everytime!

1. Double Cleanse to Remove Impurities

A clean canvas is key for a flawless makeup application. Double cleansing ensures your skin is free of makeup residue, excess oil, and environmental debris.

• Start with an oil-based cleanser to melt away sunscreen and foundation. I have written about this before bit my favorite oil based cleanser is Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm and the more budget friendly option that i find works just as well as the E.L.F Holy Hydration Balm.
• Follow up with a gentle water-based cleanser to clean deep into the pores. I love the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser.

I also love cleansing using Makeup Remover Pads and a silicone face brush. I find using these to lightly wash off the makeup and impurities, leaves my skin unclogged and baby soft.

Why it matters: Without proper cleansing, makeup can sit unevenly and clog pores—leading to breakouts and dullness.

2. Exfoliate for a Smooth Surface

Exfoliating removes dead skin cells that can cause flakiness and make makeup look patchy. This is such an important, imperative step in your skincare routine.. The smoother your skin, the more evenly your foundation will apply.

• Use a chemical exfoliant (like glycolic acid or salicylic acid) 2–3 times per week.
• I also love using The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner, once daily (in the evenings). Its fantastic for removing dead skin cells, refining your skin texture and leaving a more radiant skin.
• Avoid harsh scrubs that can irritate or damage your skin barrier.

Pro tip: Gently exfoliated skin reflects light better, making your makeup look naturally radiant. Please do not skip this step in your routine. Its a quick step to add to your day, but makes the world of difference.

3. Hydrate to Prevent Cakey Makeup

Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate! I cannot emphasize the importance of this enough. Dehydrated skin drinks up foundation, often leaving behind dry spots and a cakey finish. Hydration is essential to create a soft, plump surface that makeup can glide over. I used to personally have this issue for the longest time, and i tried so many products and methods and finally have it perfected. This is an Essential in my Top 5 Skincare Tips to Prep Your Skin For a Flawless Makeup Base.

• Apply a hydrating toner or essence after cleansing. I swear by the COSRX Snail Mucin Serum.
• Use a serum with hyaluronic acid to bind moisture to the skin. I am a fan of the Torriden Low Molecule Serum.
• Lock it in with a moisturizer suited to your skin type. Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream is my absolute all time favorite moisturiser. It has changed the game for me wrt hydrating my skin and ensuring my makeup sits perfectly everytime – no dry patches, no pilling just smooth radiant skin. (it is also a fantastic anti-ageing cream). Another great alternative that is amazing for both makeup prep as well as skin health, is Tatcha Dewy Cream. Its antioxidant packed and leaves your skin super hydrated and glowing.

Remeber: Well-hydrated skin helps makeup last longer and look fresher throughout the day.

4. Prime According to Your Skin Type

Primer is your skin’s best friend when it comes to prepping for makeup. It fills in pores, smooths out texture, and extends the wear of your foundation.

• Oily skin? Use a mattifying primer to control shine.
• Dry skin? Opt for a hydrating or dewy-finish primer.
• Large pores or uneven texture? Try a silicone-based, pore-blurring formula. My Favorite 3 Primers that never fail are Iconic London Underglow Primer, The NYX Marshmallow Primer and of course Our beautyandbains™ Skin Tinted Sunscreen that is all natural and good on and for your skin!

Insider tip: Applying primer with your fingers can help melt it into the skin for better performance.

5. Nourish Your Skin—Even Off Makeup Days

The best makeup base starts with consistently cared-for skin. You can have the best makeup artist at your disposal, and the best high end foundations but if your skin is not healthy and the best it can be, your makeup will not be the best IT can be. Nobody else can give you good skin, its up to us and our good skincare habits that will transform and maintain good skin. Its very important to Include targeted treatments in your routine to improve skin health over time.

• Vitamin C brightens and evens tone.
• Niacinamide minimizes pores and controls oil.
• Retinol refines skin texture and boosts collagen. I use Obagi Tretinoin Cream twice a week to treat fine lines, dark spots and rough/dead skin. The rest of the week i use the Augustinus Bader Retinol Serum every morning. And every night i use our beautyandbains™ “Almost Botox in a Bottle” Peptide Serum. This is our all natural skin smoothing serum enriched with high performance anti-aging ingredients to give plumper-looking skin and promote elasticity. And i pair that at night with our Natural Retinol Alternative Face Oil. Bakuchiol, is a natural ingredient renowned as the gentle retinol alternative. We have added Bakuchiol to work harmoniously alongside Rosehip Seed Oil to diminish fine lines and reignite your skin’s youthful glow. 

Keep in mind: The better your natural skin looks, the less makeup you’ll need—and the more radiant your results.

Bonus: Don’t Skip SPF. Genuinely, our Tinted SPF is the best under makeup. Expect good for your skin ingredients as nature intended. No Pilling! No Dreaded White Cast! And expect a beautiful glow and even skin tone.

While not directly about makeup prep, wearing SPF daily protects your skin from damage that leads to dullness, texture, and premature aging—all of which impact how your makeup looks. So make sure to get your SPF in everyday (and yes even when the skies are grey)!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q: Should I exfoliate right before applying makeup?

A: Exfoliate the night before to avoid redness or irritation. For smoother skin the same day, use a gentle exfoliating toner in the morning.

Q: Can I use face oil before makeup?

A: Yes—but in moderation. Use a lightweight oil and give it time to absorb fully before applying primer or foundation.

Final Thoughts:

Prepping your skin before makeup is more than a luxury—it’s a must. By following these five essential skincare steps, you’ll set the stage for makeup that not only looks better but lasts longer.

Ready to upgrade your skincare routine?

Explore our curated collection of skin-prepping essentials designed to give you the smooth, radiant base your makeup deserves!

I hope these tips help elevate your makeup to the next level. Let me know which products have worked for you.

Lots of luv,

Arita B xxx