Prepping your skin before makeup: 4 steps that change everything

People often ask me which foundation "lasts the longest." The real answer isn't in the bottle: it's in the prep. Well-prepped skin keeps makeup fresh for hours. Here are the four steps I never skip.

1. Cleanse, even in the morning

Overnight, skin works and releases oil. A gentle morning cleanse starts from a clean base without stripping. It also removes leftover product from the night before that would make makeup slide.

2. Hydrate for your skin type

Dehydrated skin produces more oil to compensate, and makeup slips. Dry skin: a richer cream. Combination to oily: a light hydrating gel. The goal is the same: supple skin, neither tight nor shiny.

3. The right base in the right place

No need to coat the whole face in primer. A smoothing base on the T-zone where it creases, an illuminating base on the tops of the cheeks. Target, don't overload.

4. Give skin time

The most common mistake: rushing without a pause. Each product needs a few minutes to sink in. That short wait prevents patches and lines.

In short

The skin is the canvas. The better it's prepped, the less makeup you need on top, and the more natural and durable the result.

Want to learn to prep your skin and do your makeup like a pro? Discover our lessons.