Skincare Prep — The Secret to Flawless Makeup

Every makeup artist worth their brushes will tell you the same thing: great makeup starts with great skin prep. I've seen flawless applications on bare skin and struggled faces on dry, flaky canvases — the difference is always the preparation.

The Week Before

Exfoliate Gently

A gentle chemical exfoliant (AHA or BHA) used 2–3 times in the week before your event will remove the build-up of dead skin cells that cause foundation to look patchy. Avoid harsh physical scrubs — they can cause micro-tears and inflammation.

Hydration is Non-Negotiable

Drink at least 2 litres of water daily. Dehydrated skin shows every line and crease. Foundation settles into dry patches and clings to texture.

Avoid New Products

This is not the week to try a new serum or face mask. Allergic reactions and breakouts are real risks. Stick to what your skin knows.

The Morning Of

Here's the exact prep routine I run through with every client before I open a single product:

1. Double cleanse — oil cleanser followed by a gentle foaming wash
2. Hydrating toner — a few drops patted gently into skin
3. Hyaluronic acid serum — pressed into damp skin while the toner is still wet
4. Light moisturiser — enough to hydrate without creating a slippery base
5. SPF — always, even for evening events (we're often photographed outside beforehand)

Wait 5–10 minutes before applying primer. This gives everything time to absorb.

Primer Selection

Primer is not one-size-fits-all:

| Skin Type | Primer to Reach For | |-----------|---------------------| | Oily | Pore-minimising, matte-finish | | Dry | Hydrating, illuminating | | Combination | Zone-specific application | | Sensitive | Minimal ingredients, no fragrance |

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying too much moisturiser (foundation will slide off)
• Using a face oil immediately before makeup (unless it's part of your artist's technique)
• Skipping SPF (and then being photographed near windows all morning)
• Over-exfoliating in the 48 hours before (red, sensitised skin is harder to work on)

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Remember: Your makeup artist can do incredible work, but they can't replace skincare. Give them the best canvas possible and the results will speak for themselves.

Questions about prep for your event? Chat with me on WhatsApp — I include a full prep guide with every booking.