Do you ever look at brides, models, or anyone who's had their makeup professionally done and think, “Wow their makeup is so flawless, they almost look airbrushed.”
Well behind those beautifully-painted faces are these magical creatures called makeup artists.
And if you ask any makeup artist what the key to a flawless, long-lasting makeup look is, they’ll probably tell you it’s making sure you prep your skin first.
What's the importance of skin prep before makeup?
It ensures you leave a smooth canvas for makeup to glide on easily and settle beautifully with a gorgeous base shining through.
After years of being on photoshoots and working in beauty, I’m never not curious about how each makeup artist likes to skin prep for makeup and what products they like to use.
I mean, I worship primers and I love a dewy and long-lasting base, so I want to know all the best makeup tricks and hacks.
You too? I've got you covered friends.
I’ve gone ahead and asked four professional makeup artists how to prep skin for makeup.
From hydrating products to the best primers and best moisturisers to wear under makeup, these makeup artists share their best makeup skin prep products.
1. Claire Bridgett.
Who: @clairebridgett
"Here's some of my faves to skin prep in order of completion!"
1. Laneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide Toner & Moisturiser 170ml - “If you’re not using a hydrating toner or essence as part of your skin prep YOU ARE MISSING OUT!
I use Laneige as my first step after cleansing, it provides deep hydration and makes my skin super soft providing the perfect canvas for my hyaluronic acid serum.
P.S. You can buy refills which will save you some coins."
2. L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Filler 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Anti-Wrinkle Serum 30ml - “One step I’ll NEVER skip in my skin prep routine is using a hyaluronic acid serum.
The one I keep coming back to is L’Oréal Paris revitalift filler 1.5% pure hyaluronic acid.
Its thin, lightweight formula sinks into the skin and doesn’t feel crazy sticky. It’s a winner in my books and why I’m currently on my third bottle."
3. Hada Labo Intense Hydrating Skin-Plumping Gel 50ml - "For your serum to work you need to lock it in with a moisturiser!
This is one of my favourites as it gives you that glass skin look.
I fell in love with everything Hada Labo on a trip to Japan and I've never looked back.
I’ve recommended this to friends and clients in the past and it’s always a crowd pleaser.”
4. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ - "SPF under makeup can be tricky.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios invisible fluid SPF 50+ is my choice as it’s light weight, fragrance free and wears well under makeup."
2. Amanda Ramsay.
Who: @amandaramsaymakeup
Looking for the best dry skin makeup prep or mature makeup skin prep? Amanda has you covered...
"These are my always reliable skin prep products for makeup on mature skin..."
1. A hydrating cleanser.
"Starting with clean skin is a non-negotiable. I prefer to use a hydrating cream or milk cleanser for mature skinned sisters.
Hydration is the secret to longer lasting makeup that looks fabulous. For a budget option my go to is - La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo Cleanser and for a bougie option my go to is - SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser.
And i'll always swipe Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution 250ml over the eyes (eyelids tend to be very oily, and excess oil on lids can break down/mess with your eyeshadow).
2. Lip Balm.
"Fuller looking, juicy lips starts with a nourishing lip balm.
For a glossier finish I like the Weleda Skin Food Lip Balm 8ml (I carry a tube everywhereeeeee!).
For a more matte finish the The Jojoba Company Jojoba Lip Balm is great for the whole fam!
3. A hydrating mist.
"Juicing up the skin - making sure we are quenching thirsty skin."
"I love a hydrating mist, serum or toner. They double as an all-day hydrator over or under makeup too.
A mist like the Vanessa Megan Rose Hydrosol Pore Refining Toner helps plump out fine lines from dehydration, quenches thirsty skin and delivers all day hydration to the cells.
For a budget serum option I love the Viviology Niacinamide + HA Serum 30mL and the Beauté Pacifique Serum Symphonique Hyaluronic Serum for a bougie option."
4. Under eye area boost.
"Hydrating the area around your eyes to plump out fine lines caused by dehydration is essential before applying makeup.
BOOST LAB Bio-Active Eye Reset Serum is one I like to use."
5. A face oil for normal to dry skin.
"Nutrient-rich face oils for dry mature skins are a match made in heaven."
"You're juicing up the skin, giving it a gorgeous golden glow before reaching for makeup, and delivering a beautiful grounding sensory experience for your client.
I'll do a full face wake up with a gentle lymphatic drainage massage (Foreo tools are amazing for this to FYI).
Some of my faves include the The Jojoba Company Ultimate Youth Potion and the Alpha-H Golden Haze Face Oil 25ml
Pro tip: This will not mix well with a water-based foundation. If you've got dry skin, you should not be using a water based foundation anyway. Oily-skinned sisters, massage with your hydratting serum or lightweight moisturiser. Gua Sha, Foreo Bear etc."
6. Sun protection.
"If you're leaving the house, just wear it! Two of my faves for layering under makeup are:
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+
SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF 50
3. Dalal Mansour.
Who: @dalal.m.makeup
1. Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Moisturiser - "has always been a staple in my kit. It's the ultimate all in one product, its a moisturiser, a primer and it can even remove make up if you need it to!
This instantly hydrates and smooths all skin types and leaves the most gorgeous satin glow on the skin."
2. "For the ultimate glow I cant go past the Kryolan Shimmer Event. This lightweight formula is a liquid luminiser that can be added under foundation to add a shimmering glow to the skin or just used on the high plains of the face as a highlight. It can also be mixed with a body moisturiser to add highlights to the body (legs, décolletage).
Sometimes a glow isn't for every skin type, so I also have on hand the Lancôme Pressed Serum Primer. This is a silky hydrating balm in the form of a compact. I apply this after moisturising more oily skin types or clients who have more textured skin/open pores. It instantly mattifies and blurs, it can also help the foundation last longer on the skin.
3. "Let's not forgot the OG M.A.C COSMETICS Prep + Prime Fix+. As soon as I've cleansed the skin, MAC Fix + will always get a spritzing!
This spray has a million and one different uses, I love it because it refreshes, hydrates and soothes the skin in a instant. You can see the moisture levels increase on the skin and everything you put on top just glides on."
4. Marie Poulos.
Who: @mariepoulos.mua
1. "I like to start almost every skin prep with the Clinique Clarifying Lotion 1.0 200ml using 2 cotton pads.
It gently buffs away any texture or dead skin and helps to reveal a clean and smooth base.
This is great for the T-zone areas, especially in cases where self tan might appear in pores."
2. "I then press the La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum into my clients skin to plump and hydrate.
This is like a big drink of water so that their skin doesn’t drink the foundation."
3. "My last step is applying the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Moisturiser and providing a beautiful facial massage in an uplifting motion.
The amount that I apply will vary on the skin type.
The texture is so versatile and can be used generously for dry skin or lightly for a more combination skin type.
It dries down to a soft tacky texture to help the foundation melt into a moisturising primer and stick."
