Professional makeup artists know that exceptional makeup application begins long before the first drop of foundation touches the skin. The secret to truly flawless makeup lies in proper skincare preparation—a step that many people rush through or skip entirely. Let's explore the essential skincare steps that professional visagistes always perform before creating their stunning looks.
Thorough Cleansing
Even if your client arrives with "clean" skin, a gentle cleanse ensures you're working with a truly fresh canvas. Residual skincare products, natural oils, or environmental pollutants can affect how makeup adheres to the skin. Use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser that won't strip the skin, and remove it completely with tepid water and a clean cloth.
Targeted Treatment
For immediate results that will improve makeup application, focus on two key concerns: hydration and texture. A lightweight hyaluronic acid serum plumps the skin and creates a smooth surface. For texture issues, a gentle chemical exfoliant (preferably with lactic acid, which is less likely to cause irritation) can create an instantly smoother canvas.
Strategic Moisturizing
Contrary to popular belief, proper moisturizing doesn't make makeup slide off—it creates the perfect foundation for long-lasting application. The key is choosing the right formula for the skin type and allowing sufficient absorption time. For oily skin, use oil-free gel moisturizers; for dry skin, cream formulations work best. Always allow 3-5 minutes for the moisturizer to fully absorb before proceeding.
Primer as Skincare
The modern approach to priming treats this step as an extension of skincare rather than the beginning of makeup. Choose primers with skincare benefits: illuminating primers with vitamin C for dull skin, blurring primers with niacinamide for textured skin, or hydrating primers with glycerin for dry skin. Apply primer only where needed—not necessarily all over the face.
These skincare steps might add a few extra minutes to your makeup routine, but they're the true difference between amateur and professional results. The time invested in proper skin preparation pays dividends in how smoothly makeup applies, how natural it looks, and how well it wears throughout the day.