How to Prep Your Skin for Makeup Application
Here’s to smoother, more skin-like makeup.
Foundation makeup is just what it sounds like — it’s the foundation for an even complexion and a base for the rest of your makeup. But the truth is, the proper skin prep might just be even more foundational to a great makeup look than the product itself.
You may have discovered the foundation of your dreams, but if you’re not preparing your skin for makeup application, the product won’t look as flattering as it could. So, we’re sharing what you need to know about prepping your skin for makeup so that your makeup look is both beautiful and long lasting. We’re breaking it down in five easy to follow steps.
Hi friends, I'm Gigi Lam and today I'm going to be showing you how to properly skin prep and create that ideal base using L'Oreal Paris skincare and products. This is an easy everyday makeup look that I love to put on daily. It's super easy to achieve and it suits everybody. It can be done by anyone, especially for mature skin. So let's get started. At 43, the most important thing to get that natural flawless look is making sure we prep our skin right for this look I'm starting with this the Collagen Moisture Bounce Serum it helps moisturize and make sure my skin has that perfect hydrated glow I like to just use my hands to press it on and let the heat of my hands and to help my skin absorb it at its best and also afterwards I also like to give it little taps. I find this is like a little exercise for my skin, making sure that it fully absorbs all the products. Step two, Collagen Moisturizer. It's formulated with collagen to give your skin the hydration it needs. But more importantly, it is non-greasy and absorbs quickly, making it the perfect prep before makeup. And of course, we can never forget about the eyes because that's where we get the most visible lines. And for this, we're going in with RevitaLift Hyaluronic Acid Eye Serum. Love the little applicator. It's so easy to apply. All you have to do is dab a little bit of the product and easily massage it onto your eyes. Apply it to the eye area that you need it the most in little circular motions, a massager, and it'll help it absorb. You can even do your eyelids if needed. Afterwards, if you feel like you need it to absorb a little bit more, you can always use your fingers to dab it in. Now that my face is prepped, we are gonna go in with the first of the base. For today's base, I am using this, the True Match Super Blendable Foundation. And the color I'm using is N4 Neutral Light (Medium). For a natural no makeup makeup look I like to put the foundation on my hand like this first and I go in with my brush dab a little bit and apply to my cheek areas first. That is where my problem area is and I need a little bit more coverage there but you can start in the center if that is where most of your redness or discoloration. There is no set rule but I just prefer to start here because I do have more discoloration in the spots around my cheeks. And just like the name, this foundation blends out so easily. It gives such a skin-like look. Again, I'm just dabbing it on my brush and adding it to my cheeks. it immediately gives me the coverage I need you can see that my complexion just looks a little bit more even and it just brings forward a better color on top of it it definitely removed some of my discoloration and red spots now I'm gonna go in with the Infallible Full Wear Concealer this concealer works really great with the foundation I am using slightly lighter of a color because I'm gonna use it around my eyes to help brighten and the color I'm using today is Cashmere 360. For this I'm just going to use my hands. I'm going to dab a little bit on the corner of my eye just a tad. I don't even need a lot. Now that I have the concealer all I'm doing is using my finger to dab it out. This color is lighter than the foundation so it's going to help brighten up my eye area and kind of give it a lift and highlight. You can see that now that it's blended out it definitely brightens my eye more than previously. Now I'm gonna finish this side too, easily tap it out. If you need around your nose area, if you have redness there, you can easily just move your finger over and tap a little bit in and it'll help remove that redness too. And to set, I'm using this Infallible Blurfection Loose Setting Powder. This is a long wear setting powder that really gives that blur effect and you don't even need a lot. I like to go in with a brush like this and just easily swipe it on to the area give it that filter like effect and remove any shine and areas that I might not need. I like to do it the t-zone area and here on the chin as well. Sometimes if I have problem spots on my cheeks I do use it and kind of swipe it there too. It really helps give your face that flawless finish and to highlight our best features I like to use this Lumi Glotion and application is super easy I like to just use my fingers lightly dab it onto the areas where I want more highlight and shine this creates that dewy glowy look without making your skin looking greasy I love using my hands when I can because I feel like the heat from my fingers also help the products apply better and this here definitely gives that effect look how dewy it looks adds that little bit of a shine not greasy, it's not your face oil, but it gives you that natural dewy finish. For a more natural looking contour, since we're doing a no makeup makeup look, I tend to like to go in with a bronzer instead of a contour. It allows your skin to have that sun-kissed look, it's not overdoing it, it's not overpowering, it doesn't look like you're over contouring, especially during the daytime. And the one we're using today is this one, the Infallible Fresh Wear Bronzer. in color 300 light medium. By the way, this packaging also comes with a little mirror in the back, which I love because you can easily travel with it and have a mirror with you, and you can be on the go and do some touch-up. With this, I'm just dabbing and adding to where I would usually apply contour. You can already see contouring that it's giving me. I also like to apply it here. make my jaw look sharper and I also like to apply here by the temple it helps snatch up my face now to add some colors I'm going in with this infallible Fresh Wear Blush it's in the 20 daring rosewood color I usually prefer a larger brush and I'm just dabbing a little bit to add here on the higher end of my cheeks if you prefer to have that French girl vibe you can definitely apply the blush more here on the top of your cheek. For today I'm still doing my usual, applying the blush here on the upper corner of my cheeks. I also like to apply a little bit here on the center of my nose. to give that sun-kissed look. For a more dewy finish, I often like to layer on the liquid blush because it does give it more of a shine, and this one the Lumi Le Liquid Blush in color 601 Dewy Worth It, pairs really well with the rosewood color. It is super pigmented, so I'm not gonna use a lot. I like to dab it on my hands first, and again, I'm just gonna use my fingers to dab on to my cheeks. I find that when I use this paired with the powder blush, the color tends to last a lot longer throughout the day. It just sits so much better, doesn't move, and it just stays with me all day. With both sides applied, you can definitely see the color more prominent. If you want a lighter color, you can just stick with the powder blush, but if you want a little bit extra, adding this will definitely give your color more of a pop. Last but definitely not least, never skip the setting spray. And this is the one I'm using today, is the Infallible Three Second Setting Spray. All you have to do is spray in circular motions for three to four seconds. This will make your makeup stay and last all day. And this is the fully done makeup look. And this is the final finished look. Here's another look of me before and after. It's honestly such an easy routine. If I'm not filming, I can get this makeup done within five minutes and be out the door. Not only is it hassle-free, but it also makes sure that my makeup lasts all day long. And that's how I create an ideal base for my makeup. And I hope you found this video helpful. If you want to find out more about these products, head to L'OrealParisUSA.com. Links are below. Thank you for watching.
1. Cleanse Your Skin
Prepping your skin makeup begins with your skin care routine, and all good skin care routines begin with cleansing. Choose a cleanser that works well with your skin type — we recommend the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof – All Skin Types for dry skin and the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 3.5% Glycolic Acid Cleanser for oily skin. Gently work your cleanser into your skin and pat dry.
2. Exfoliate to Smooth Skin Texture
Your next move after cleansing should be gentle exfoliation. This step is important because makeup will lay best over smooth skin that’s free of dry patches and flakes.
We love the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 5% Glycolic Acid Peeling Toner because it’s a lightweight, liquid formula that gently smooths texture and brightens the complexion. It’s also formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera to ensure the skin maintains its moisture.
3. Apply Moisturizer
Regardless of your skin type, moisturizing should be a non-negotiable part of prepping your skin for makeup application. Applying a moisturizer is key for ensuring that your foundation and other base products sit on top of your skin nicely and feel comfortable throughout the day. If you have oily skin, moisturizing is still important — so opt for a lightweight product to prevent your skin from getting slick.
If you’re prepping your skin for makeup during the day, be sure to apply SPF on top of your moisturizer, or combine two steps in one with the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Day Lotion SPF 30. This moisturizer also works to address the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and it’s suitable for sensitive skin.
For nighttime, the L’Oréal Paris Collagen Moisture Filler Day/Night Cream is great because it’s hydrating enough to keep your skin from feeling dry, but it’s not too thick or heavy so it won’t make your makeup appear greasy.
If you have oily skin, apply a light layer of this moisturizer to your skin concentrating it on your least oily areas.
4. Exfoliate and Moisturize Your Lips
No one likes the look or feel of applying lipstick on top of dry, cracked lips. To prep your lips for your lip color, gently exfoliate them with a damp washcloth and then apply a hydrating lip balm on top.
The L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Balm-in-Lipstick with Pomegranate Extract is perfect because it’s a nourishing lipstick and balm hybrid that has the best attributes of both formulas. If you’re short on time, make this your go-to.
5. Smooth On a Primer That Suits Your Needs
Not all primers are created equal, nor do they have the same functionality. Makeup primers can help create a smooth base for your makeup application as well as aid in extending the wear of your makeup. The key is to select a primer that suits your skin and your needs.
Best Primer for Oily Skin
If you have oily skin, you’ll want a product that can keep excess oils at bay, the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Lock Makeup Primer does just that. Focus this mattifying formula in areas that are prone to being oily, like your T-zone.
Best Primer for Oily Skin
People with dry skin will need primers that add moisture and glow. The L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Lock Makeup Primer leaves your complexion with a radiant glow that lasts all day long. Apply it evenly onto your face using your fingers.
Another luminous option is the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer. It can be applied all over the skin as a radiant primer, mixed into foundation to give it some glow or applied on top of foundation for extra radiance.
Next: Why a Tinted Face Balm Will Be Your New Makeup Staple This Year
Edited by: Alyssa Kaplan, Photo Credit: Chaunte Vaughn
