Skin prep

for makeup application service

The secret to flawless makeup is starting with a well-prepped canvas. This means healthy skin and a solid skincare routine! Here’s a guide to ensure your skin is ready for any makeup application, whether you’re coming in for a professional service or I’m travelling to you.

 

Basic Routine

If you haven’t done any prep before your appointment, don’t worry! A simple routine goes a long way:

  • Cleanse your skin: Wash your face thoroughly with your regular face wash to remove dirt, oil, and residue.

  • Moisturize: Use a lightweight moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and smooth. If your skin is dry, a slightly thicker moisturizer is fine - as long as it absorbs well and doesn’t leave a greasy finish that could make the makeup slide off.

  • When in doubt, cleanse well before your appointment, and I can apply a moisturizer that suits your skin type.

Advanced prep tips

If you have extra time to prepare, these steps will help create the ultimate smooth base for makeup.

Exfoliation is key to creating a smooth base for makeup, but it’s important to do it properly to avoid irritation:

  1. Timing: Start exfoliating 1-2 times per week leading up to your event, but avoid exfoliating the day of your makeup application. This ensures your skin is smooth without being sensitive or irritated.

  2. Preferred exfoliants: I recommend using a chemical exfoliant, like salicylic acid, as it’s gentler on the skin and less likely to cause irritation, abrasions, or long term damage. Personally, I love the Vichy Normaderm Cleanser because it’s effective yet gentle enough to use daily if your skin tolerates it. Avoid physical exfoliants with gritty particles, as they can cause microtears or aggravate the skin, especially if you’re exfoliating close to your event.

Avoid new skincare regimes

Introducing new products too close to your event can cause reactions. It may take several weeks or even months for a product to show results, and some people may experience skin reactions that take a long time to heal - sometimes even up to a year. Slowly add new products to your routine, and give your skin time to adjust.

SPF AND Makeup

As important as SPF is, skip applying it right before your appointment. I have makeup products with SPF if needed, but I recommend staying out of the sun as much as possible the day of your event.

Extra tips for a smooth base

  • If you wax your face, do it atleast a few days (preferably a week) before your makeup application to let the skin settle.

  • Groom your brows (wax, tweeze, or thread) beforehand to create a clean canvas. If needed, I can tweeze a few stray hairs during your service.

  • Exfoliate and moisturize your lips. A simple DIY scrub with olive oil and sugar works great! Follow with vitamin E oil or a thick lip balm overnight for soft, smooth lips.