How to Prep Your Skin for a Flawless Makeup Application
The secret to beautiful makeup isn’t just in the products - it starts with the canvas. Well-prepped skin ensures your foundation glides on smoothly, your makeup lasts longer, and your natural beauty shines through.
Whether you’re getting ready for your wedding, a special event, or a professional photo shoot, these are the essential steps to take your skin from good to absolutely radiant.
1. Start With a Clean Slate
Before any makeup touches your face, remove impurities, excess oils, and any leftover skincare products from earlier in the day.
Our tip: Use a gentle cleanser suited to your skin type - foaming for oily skin, cream or oil-based for dry skin. Avoid harsh scrubs right before makeup, as they can leave the skin sensitized.
Pro Picks:
Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser – Powerful but gentle antioxidant rich cleanser.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser – A makeup-artist favorite for sensitive skin.
2. Exfoliate for a Smooth Texture
Dead skin cells can cause foundation to cling and look uneven. Regular exfoliation keeps your skin silky and makeup-ready.
Our tip: Exfoliate 1–3 times per week, depending on your skin type. For event days, do this the night before to avoid any redness or irritation.
Pro Picks:
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant – Gentle, brightening, suitable for sensitive skin. Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant – Great for refining pores and smoothing texture.
3. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Moisturized skin is plump, smooth, and less likely to show fine lines or dry patches under makeup.
Our tip: Apply a lightweight moisturizer before makeup so it absorbs quickly but still provides hydration. If you have drier skin, layer a hydrating serum underneath.
Pro Picks:
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré – A backstage essential for a smooth, hydrated base.
Youth To The People Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream– Comforting cream that provides lasting hydration without heaviness.
4. Prime for Longevity
Primer creates a barrier between your skin and makeup, smoothing texture and helping your look last all day.
Our tip: Choose a primer based on your skin needs - mattifying for oily areas, illuminating for dullness, or blurring for pores.
Pro Picks:
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer – Lightweight, smoothing, and works with all skin types.
Menaji Liquid Powder Shine Eliminator – Undetectable shine control & pore-blurring, great for photography & for long days in the heat.
5. Don’t Forget the Lips
Dry, flaky lips can ruin even the most perfect lipstick application.
Our tip: Use a gentle lip scrub and follow with a nourishing balm. For brides, keep lip care in your routine weeks before the big day.
Pro Picks:
Fresh Sugar Lip Polish – Gentle exfoliation with hydrating oils.
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask – Overnight nourishment for smooth, soft lips.
6. Bonus: Prepping for Special Events
If your event is extra special — like a wedding or photo shoot — start your prep early. Professional facials, targeted skincare treatments, and consistent home care can take your makeup results from great to jaw-dropping.
Our tip: Avoid trying new products or treatments right before the event. Stick to what your skin knows to prevent last-minute reactions.
Pro Picks:
HydraFacial + Dermaplanning – Deep-cleansing, hydrating treatment & peach-fuzz removal with instant glow results.
Final Thoughts
Flawless makeup begins with flawless prep. By taking these steps, you create the perfect base for makeup that looks incredible in person and in photos - and lasts all day.
💄 Want skin that’s ready for its close-up? Book a makeup application with Ivory & Stone Artistry - and let us create a glowing makeup routine for your unique skin.
