There is every possibility that the last makeup session that left you almost in tears was not because the makeup artist did not know her job well. It is probably because she did not prep your skin properly. 

Achieving a flawless makeup look is not just dependent on the quality of products used and your expertise in blending the look; it also depends on how well the routine you used to prep you skin is. The skin preparation of any makeup look largely determines the outcome; from its longevity, to the healthy and smooth glow. 

Whether the event is a casual one or a big wedding with the creme la creme of the society in attendance, the preparation of your skin before the makeup makes all the difference. 

Sit tight as I walk you through a detailed skip prep routine that will make your face pop. 

Clean your Face Properly. 

This is the most crucial step in skin prepping. Our faces collect dirt all day long, sebaceous glands on our face secretes oil and dead cells on our face clog the pores on our face. In addition, these dirts when not cleaned properly can even lead to breakouts. Besides, applying makeup over a face without cleaning it properly first will make the makeup looks tacky, uneven or patchy. 

To cleanse properly;

• • Use warm water. It helps to strip your face of natural oils. 
  • Choose the right cleanser. If you have an oily skin, go for a foaming or gel based cleanser. However, if you have dry skin,a hydrating cleanser is best. 

• Massage gently and avoid scrubbing so hard to avoid irritation. 
• Double cleanse if you regularly wear heavy makeup or sunscreen. First with an oil based cleanser to remove buildup, and a water based cleanser to deep clean.

Hydrate with a Toner. 

Contrary to popular opinion, cleansing your face is not all there is to do when you want to prep your skin for makeup. After cleansing, your skin might feel light and dry. A toner will help moisturize your skin  and balance the skin’s PH, and make it ready to absorb products better. 

Toners also helps to remove leftover impurities and tightens the pores. A few toners you might want to try include:

Zaron Skin Regenerating Toner, Neutrogena Oil-Free toner are suitable toners for oily and acne- prone skins. 

 Nivea Perfect and Radiant Face Toner, Cerave Hydrating Toner are suitable for dry and dehydrated Skin. 

Pixi Glow Tonic, Beauty Formular Brightening Vitamin C Toner are suitable for all skin types. 

Apply a Lightweight Serum. 

Serums are made specifically to solve skin concerns like hydration, dullness, acne, or fine lines. Using the right serum will not just provide extra nourishment but also make a huge difference to how the make up will sit on your face.

A few recommended serums include hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, Niacinamide, retinol and so many others. 

It is best to pat the serum into the skin rather than rubbing it in to maximize absorption. 

Moisturize.

Moisturizing your face properly prevents your makeup from settling into fine lines or clinging onto dry patches. If you have oily skin, a lightweight moisturizer will ensure balance and prevent your skin from over producing oil.  

Read Also: Best Face Cream For All Skin Types 

Apply an Eye Cream. 

The skin under your eyes is more delicate than the skin in every other part of your face. This makes it prone to creasing and drying. Applying the eye cream before commencing the makeup makes the concealer application smoother. 

Use a finger to gently pat the cream around your eyes then let it fully absorb before applying concealer or continuing makeup. 

Prime your Face. 

A primer acts as a barrier between your skin and the makeup. It aids smooth application and enhances longevity. 

Allow Products to Set Before Applying Makeup. 

When you are done with the skin prep, it is necessary to wait for the preparation to set for a few minutes before applying makeup. 

This is to let the products used to absorb completely and prevent the makeup from pilling. 

Conclusion. 

I know that skin prepping might seem like too many steps to go through before the makeup proper. However, prepping your skin makes your makeup look smooth, flawless and last longer. 

A perfectly prepped face is the recipe for a flawless makeup. 

If you follow these steps judiciously, you will not only up your makeup game but also keep your skin healthy at all times. The next time you try to do your makeup, take out time to prepare your skin for what is ahead. You would see the difference.