When it comes to achieving flawless makeup, skincare is not optional — it’s the foundation of everything. Whether you’re preparing for a wedding, party, photoshoot, or even an everyday look, a glowing base always starts with healthy, well-prepped skin. No amount of makeup can replace the smooth, radiant effect that proper skincare can bring.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through a simple yet powerful skincare routine you should follow before any makeup application. These steps not only enhance the look and longevity of your makeup but also protect your skin underneath.

🌿 1. Cleanse – Start with a Fresh Canvas

Makeup should never sit on top of dirt or leftover products. Always start by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type (gel-based for oily skin, cream-based for dry skin). This step removes oil, sweat, and impurities, allowing makeup to adhere better and stay in place longer.

Pro Tip: Use lukewarm water, not hot, to avoid stripping your skin’s natural moisture barrier.

💧 2. Exfoliate (But Not Daily)

Exfoliating removes dead skin cells, helps unclog pores, and gives your face a smoother surface. This is especially helpful if you have dry patches or uneven texture. However, don’t exfoliate every day — 2 to 3 times a week is enough. Overdoing it can lead to irritation or redness under makeup.

Choose chemical exfoliants (like AHA/BHA) if you prefer gentle yet effective results, or use a soft physical scrub for quick fixes before an event.

💦 3. Tone – Balance and Refresh

Many skip this step, but toner helps balance your skin’s pH and tightens pores — giving you a smoother base for foundation. Use a hydrating toner if your skin feels tight or dry, or go for pore-refining toners if you’re oily or acne-prone.

Apply toner using a cotton pad or by gently patting it into the skin with your hands.

🧴 4. Moisturize – Always!

This step is non-negotiable, no matter your skin type. Hydrated skin ensures your makeup sits well and blends seamlessly. A lack of moisture can cause foundation to look cakey, cling to dry patches, or crack.

• For oily skin, use an oil-free, lightweight gel moisturizer.
• For dry skin, go with a cream-based, hydrating formula.
• For normal/combination, use a light cream or lotion.

🧿 5. Eye Cream – Say Bye to Creases

The skin under your eyes is thinner and more delicate. Applying a light eye cream helps reduce puffiness, hydrates fine lines, and prevents concealer from creasing. Use your ring finger to gently dab — never rub — the product under your eyes.

🌞 6. SPF – Don’t Skip, Even Before Makeup

If you’re going out during the day, always apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+. Choose a sunscreen that’s non-greasy and designed for use under makeup. Today, many makeup primers even come with SPF — a great 2-in-1 option!

🎨 7. Primer – The Final Step Before Makeup

Although technically not “skincare,” primer bridges the gap between skincare and makeup. It smoothens the skin surface, blurs pores, and helps your makeup last longer. Choose:

• Mattifying primer if you’re oily
• Hydrating primer if you’re dry
• Pore-blurring primer for textured skin