Whether you’re a makeup beginner or a true beauty guru, everyone knows that flawless and smooth makeup starts way before you reach for your foundation. That glowy, smooth, long-lasting look we all want to achieve? You can thank proper skin prep for that. Without it, you risk patchiness, creasing, and makeup that fades away quickly. The truth is that your makeup will only look as good as the canvas underneath. Hydrated and well-prepped skin can help all of your other products glide on effortlessly, help to keep makeup from caking, and can even help your makeup look stay fresh from your early zoom meetings to your late-night plans.
We’re breaking down the ultimate skincare and skin prep routine—so that your makeup looks flawless all day long. We’re outlining each essential step, from cleansing, to moisturizing, to perfectly priming your skin for seamless makeup application. Whether you’re going for a soft, natural look or a full glam makeup look, prepping your skin correctly will make all the difference.
So, before you jump straight into foundation, let’s talk skincare. When you take a little extra time to prep, your makeup routine rewards you with a flawless, lit-from-within finish that lasts. Ready to elevate your routine? Let’s dive in.
Step 1: Cleanse & Exfoliate
A seamless, radiant makeup look starts with a fresh, clean base—it’s a non-negotiable! When your skin is properly cleansed and prepped, makeup applies smoother and looks more even and glowy.
First up: cleanse. Use a gentle yet effective cleanser, like our Holy Hydration! Clean Freak Daily Cleanser, to help remove dirt, oil, and leftover makeup without stripping your skin. A clean face means better product absorption and even better application!
Next: exfoliate if needed! If you’re dealing with dry, flaky skin, an exfoliant like our Holy Hydration! Gentle Peeling Exfoliant can help to remove dead skin, leaving your complexion looking and feeling smooth and prepped for skincare and makeup. If you have sensitive skin, we recommend skipping this step to avoid irritation.
With a fresh, smooth base, your makeup will apply like a dream. Now, onto the next step in your skin prep routine!
Step 2: Serums, Mists & Toners
So, your skin is clean and fresh- it’s time to hydrate! Mists, serums, and toners are the unsung heroes of bright, glowy skin. These lightweight formulas can deliver a surge of hydration, balance your skin, and create the perfect base for the rest of your routine.
Start with a refreshing mist like the Hydrating Coconut Facial Mist to awaken and prep your skin. Next, balance and refine with Holy Hydration! Keep Your Balance Toner —it helps remove any lingering impurities while keeping skin feeling smooth and nourished.
Now for serums! If you have more sensitive skin, we recommend starting with only one serum, as two may be too harsh on your skin. If you’ve used toners before and think your skin can easily handle two products, grab our Holy Hydration! Triple Bounce Hyaluronic Serum hydrates, while Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops Brightening Serum boosts radiance. A must-try tip: Let each layer fully absorb before applying the next to avoid pilling. Trust us—your skin (and your makeup!) will thank you later.
Frequently Asked Questions about Skincare Prep:
What is the best skin prep before makeup?
The best skin prep before makeup would be to start by cleansing your skin with a face wash that suits your skin type. It’s best to look for products that are hydrating and won’t dry out your skin. After cleansing use any mists, toners, serums or treatments that you regularly use to target skin concerns. Then, go in with a moisturizer that is fit for you skin type and that will help to lock in moisture, keeping your skin looking bouncy and radiant. Finish off your skincare with some SPF to help protect your skin. The last step in your skin prep is the first step of your makeup routine- primer! Choose a primer that will help to grip to your products and keep your look locked in place all day.
How do I prepare my face for smooth makeup?
The key to prepping for smooth makeup, is nailing down a solid skincare routine and choosing products that will perform well on your skin. If you're trying to lockdown the perfect skincare lineup, here’s a few extra tips that can help you to achieve a smooth base: don’t over apply products, give products time to fully absorb into the skin, use complementary formulas together, and make sure you’re applying products in the right order. Check out our How to Prevent Skincare and Makeup From Pilling: A Guide for Flawless Application, for extra trips and tricks for a smooth base!
Do you put on skincare or primer first?
You should always apply skincare first, before primer. Start with your regular skincare routine including cleanser, toner, serums, moisturizer, and SPF allowing each product to fully absorb into your skin. Once your skincare has settled (usually after a few minutes), then apply primer as the final step before makeup to create that smooth, long-lasting base.
How do I prepare my skin for glowing makeup?
The trick to prepping your skin for a glowy makeup look is to use glowy skincare! Using products that focus on hydrating, moisturizing, and brightening the skin, will set you up for success when trying to achieve a glowy makeup look. To achieve that lit-from-within glow we recommend our Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops, Suntouchable Whoa Glow SPF 30, and Bronzing Drops.
What do you apply before and after foundation?
Before foundation, you should apply your skincare routine, followed by primer to create an extra-smooth, long-lasting base. After foundation, follow-up with concealer to spot-correct any areas that need extra coverage. Then, continue with the rest of your usual makeup routine, adding blush, bronzer, highlighter, or any other face products. Don’t forget to set your face with setting powder or setting spray to ensure your look last all night.