How to perfectly prep your skin for makeup

We all want different things from our base make-up, and while choosing the right foundation plays a big part in this (which is why we created this whole big guide about it), what you do before your foundation is also pretty important.
Depending on the look, feel and finish you’re after, there are certain prep steps that can help you get the perfect result
How to prep your skin for… DEWY MAKE-UP
When prepping the skin for a dewy finish, you might assume that the more moisture you add, the better. But there’s a fine line between hydration and your foundation sliding off as soon as you head out the door, so you need to nail the balance of being glowy, yet grabby.
Start by spritzing your face with a hydrating spray instead of applying a cream moisturiser. “It gives vitamins and minerals and hydration and that delightful dewy summer-skin look,” says Zoe Foster-Blake in her book Amazing Face. But the fine mist will also absorb quickly into your skin, meaning no slippery slidey residue.
bh recommends:
You can also add a spritz at the end for extra sheen or carry it with you to refresh your finish throughout the day.
Once your hydrating mist settles, add some luminosity to your complexion with an illuminating primer or strobe cream. The shimmery pigments will come through once your foundation is applied, for a natural-looking glow.
bh recommends:
- M.A.C Strobe Cream
- essence Brit-Tea Illuminating Base
- Shu Uemura Stage Performer Glow Creator
- Estée Lauder Illuminating Perfecting Primer
How to prep your skin for… MATTE MAKE-UP
If the reason you prefer a matte finish is because you have oily skin, start with a toner. It will give you a super speedy cleanse and tighten your pores. “Just make sure it doesn’t leave any residue as this will affect your make-up,” says make-up artist Rae Morris.
bh recommends: Dove Face Care Toner and anumi Clarifying Toner.
You then have two options for primer, a mattifying one or a water-based one. If you have relatively ‘normal’ skin, go for a mattifying primer. But if you are oily through and through, Rae surprisingly recommends opting for a water-based one. “I prefer not to use matte textures as it’s too different to your natural texture [and] what will happen is that as soon as your T-zone starts to shine, the contrast with the rest of your ‘matte’ skin will be very obvious.”
bh recommends:
- BECCA Ever Matte Poreless Priming Perfector ($55, sephora.com.au)
- Models Prefer Perfect Canvas Mattifying Primer
- INIKA Cosmetics Certified Organic Pure Primer (water-based)
- Too Faced Hangover Primer ($48, mecca.com.au - water-based)
Instead, carry blotting papers with you to easily remove sheen and set your foundation at the end with a mattifying powder.
How to prep your skin for… LONG-LASTING MAKE-UP
The trick with long-lasting make-up is to take your time. If it’s for a big event, you can even begin prepping the skin a day or two before by treating it to a face mask. This will make your skin plump, smooth and ideal for foundation application.
bh recommends: Skin Republic CoQ10+ Caviar Face Mask Sheet, Mirenésse Dermal Firm Face Mask and SK-II Skin Signature 3D Refining Mask.
Then on the day, Zoe recommends following the one-minute rule, which is to wait a minute in between applying your moisturiser, primer and foundation. “This allows the moisturiser ingredients to sink in and do their thing before you slap on a layer of silicone [and] allows the primer to spread evenly and settle into all the little cracks in your face, therefore creat[ing] a flawless canvas before you put on your foundation,” she says.
If you’re heading to an outdoor event like the races or a wedding, try to find a day cream or primer with SPF so you don’t have to layer on an extra product. “The more cream on your face, the harder it is for your make-up to sink in,” says Rae. And when you want it to last all day, the last thing you need is for it to simply sit on top of your skin, ready to slide right off.
bh recommends:
- Dermalogica AGE Smart SkinPerfect Primer SPF30
- Rimmel London Fix & Protect Makeup Primer with SPF 25
- LACURA ® Daily Defence Face Care SPF 30+
- asap Moisturising Daily Defence SPF50+
What prep steps do you take before applying foundation? Do you prefer a matte or dewy finish?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
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74 Member Comments
I haven't heard of some of the brands here, but I like how affordable products are included to each look, too.
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Great makeup tips. The only skin and stay all day makeup will be useful for me..thanks for writing this article.
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This was an informative read. I prefer a matte finish to my makeup.
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I like to prep my skin beforehand to ensure my makeup turns out the best it can
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Shimmery pigments is the perfect way to explain what happens to your skin was MAC Strobe Cream is applied to your face. You will see in my profile that this particular product is vital in my routine. Please try it (if you are willing to pay the money), it is so worth it!
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love the idea of Uv make up primer and anyone thinking that this is beginning to sound like korean 9 step?
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This is so helpful, I have so many different types of foundation so this is perfect
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I use to have oily skin , and loved the glow and elasticity that came with it. Now it is not oily any more, but I still keep the glowy look, with good skincare routine and at times adding even extra oomph with products like mentioned strobe cream from MAC.
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Interesting article. Some things to think about actually. I prefer dewy look these days but have had trouble perfecting it. This article may help next time.
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Great article- it really shows how makeup is both art and science
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I thought that was a very informative article! I love reading tips about my skin type! Helps a lot, gonna look for a moisturizer to spritz on!
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Thanks for this interesting article! I have oily skin and therefore love a matte canvas but I didn't know I should try toner before makeup, I always do that at night. Excited to give it a try :)
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I feel like that I'm the only person that doesn't want the dewy and glowy look to my makeup, even though I have dry skin.
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Matte makeup really appealed to me when I was younger and have an oilier complexion. But now I am all about dewy glowing skin - I dont think I own one matte foundation for personal use!
My skincare routine is facused on skin brightening ans illumination at the moment.
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My favourite is dewy makeup.
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Does anyone know of a good primer that can cancel out redness? I go red when I drink and want a product that could cover it up a bit.
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PUR Minerals make a green primer. You buy it on TVSN, the home shopping network.
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You will need a green colour based primer.
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My skin gets so dry in winter so Ill follow the dewy make up prep.
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Great tips. The botani facial mist look nice too :)
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Aren't primers the best, The Estee lauder looks divine
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Great tips. I generally prefer a more matte, long lasting finish for work as I touch my face throughout the day and there's nothing worse than foundation prints on the keyboard! At the weekend I don't mind a more natural, slightly dewier finish.
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Some really handy tips for prepping
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great tips - love the handy tips like this article as it is easy reference for me!
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Thanks for the great tips that help a lot and can definitely make a girls life so much easier. If you want to, you can achieve a great looking skin, it's just about knowing what to use and how to apply it really! Definitely gonna try some of these awesome suggestions and see what works best for my skin!
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