Preparing your skin before makeup makes it look smoother and last longer. A good routine includes cleansing, hydrating, and priming your face.
In a Nutshell: How to Do Skincare Before Makeup
- You will learn the best steps for skincare before makeup.
- This guide shows how to get a smooth, lasting base.
- You will also discover key products and expert tips.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Preparing your skin before makeup is key. It helps your makeup look its best. It also keeps your skin healthy. Let’s explore simple steps for a perfect makeup base.
Why Skincare Before Makeup Matters
Good skincare before makeup creates a smooth surface. It helps your makeup go on evenly. It also makes your makeup last longer. Plus, it protects your skin from irritation. Think of it as preparing a canvas before you paint.

Step 1: Cleanse Your Skin
Clean skin is the first step. It removes dirt, oil, and old makeup. This makes sure your skin is ready for everything else.
Double Cleansing for Best Results
Many experts suggest double cleansing. This method cleans your skin very well.
- First Cleanse: Use an oil-based cleanser. This melts away makeup, sunscreen, and skin oils. It rinses clean and leaves no oily feel. For example, DHC Deep Cleansing Oil works well.
- Second Cleanse: Follow with a gentle foaming cleanser or a cleansing bar. This removes any leftover dirt. It cleans deeper without drying your skin. A Cebu face and body cleansing bar is a good choice.
Avoid rubbing your eyes with a washcloth. Good cleansers and rinsing do the job. The Epionce Lytic Gel Cleanser is another good option. It cleans oily or combination skin without stripping it. It uses willow bark extract to gently smooth skin. Learn more about skin prep for makeup from Epionce.
How to Cleanse:
- Put oil cleanser on dry skin. Rub gently to melt makeup.
- Add a little water to make it milky, then rinse.
- Next, use your gel or foam cleanser.
- Use lukewarm water. Hot water can dry your skin.
- Pat your skin dry with a clean, soft towel.
Step 2: Gentle Exfoliation (Sometimes)
Light exfoliation can make your skin smoother. It helps clear pores. This prepares your skin for makeup.
Use gentle chemical exfoliants.
- Salicylic acid helps oily or acne-prone skin.
- AHAs like lactic acid are good for dry or sensitive skin.
Do not use harsh scrubs before makeup. They can irritate skin. This can make makeup look bad or cause redness.
Step 3: Remove Cleanser & Prep
Use a soft, clean flannel or muslin cloth. Gently wipe away all cleanser traces. This makes sure no residue stays behind. Your skin will feel soft and ready for the next steps.
Step 4: Hydrate and Treat Your Skin
Hydration helps your skin stay balanced. It plumps up skin cells. This creates a smooth base for makeup.
- Use a lightweight serum or essence. These bring water and nutrients deep into your skin.
- Hyaluronic acid is great for moisture. It does not feel heavy or greasy.
Targeted Treatments
- Eye creams with caffeine and vitamin C brighten under your eyes. They help concealer go on smoothly. This stops it from creasing. You can find more tips on eye care for makeup.
- Use brightening serums or essences. CoRX’s Advanced Snail Mucin Essence gives a nice glow. It also helps your skin barrier.
Eye cream makes concealer and powder last longer. It also stops dryness.
Step 5: Moisturize Your Face
Apply a lightweight moisturizer. Choose one that fits your skin type. It should not clog pores. Regular moisturizing makes your skin smoother. It stops makeup from looking patchy or dry.
- Facial oils like rosehip oil can add extra moisture. They protect dry skin. But let them soak in fully. This stops makeup from slipping.
- If your skin is oily, avoid heavy creams. They can cause shine or make makeup slide.
Step 6: Prime Your Skin
After moisturizing, use a makeup primer. Pick one for your skin’s needs.
- Silicone-based primers fill fine lines and pores. They make your skin smooth.
- Hydrating primers add moisture for dry skin.
- Mattifying primers control oil for oily skin.
Primers help your foundation last longer. They make your makeup look better.
Optional Steps for Better Skin
You can add these steps to improve your skin before makeup:
- Gentle Retinol: Using mild retinol once a week can make skin smoother and brighter. This creates a better canvas for makeup. Start slowly. Learn more about good skincare habits for 2025.
- Facial Tools: Tools like Gua Sha or facial rollers can help. Use them with a light oil or serum. They reduce puffiness and shape your face. This makes your skin look better before makeup.
More Tips for Great Results

- Apply skincare gently. Use upward strokes.
- Let each product soak in fully. This stops makeup from clumping up.
- Use products that let your skin breathe. This is key if your skin is sensitive.
- Clean your makeup brushes often. This stops skin irritation.
- Change your routine with the seasons. Use richer creams in winter. Use lighter gels in summer.
- Cleanse Right: Use an oil cleanser first, then a gentle foam. This removes all makeup and dirt without stripping skin.
- Hydrate Smart: Apply lightweight serums with hyaluronic acid. This plumps skin and helps makeup sit smoothly.
- Allow Time: Let each product sink in fully. This stops makeup from pilling or looking patchy.
- Prime Wisely: Pick a primer for your skin type (oily, dry, or fine lines). It makes makeup last longer and look better.
Your Skincare Before Makeup Routine
Here is a quick summary of the best steps:
- Double cleanse: First, an oil cleanser. Then, a gentle gel or foam cleanser.
- Remove cleanser: Use a clean flannel or cloth to wipe your face.
- Hydrate and treat: Apply a hydrating essence or serum. Use eye cream.
- Moisturize: Use a lightweight moisturizer.
- Prime: Apply a primer that fits your skin.
- Makeup application.
This routine makes your skin ready for makeup. It helps makeup last. It also keeps your skin healthy.
A simple checklist to make sure you hit all the key steps for your skincare before makeup.
Your Skincare Before Makeup Checklist
Check off each step as you complete your routine!
Skincare Trends for 2025
New trends show how important skincare is before makeup.
- Double cleansing is now a must for many makeup users. It cleans well without harming skin.
- People want cleansers with plant extracts and gentle exfoliants.
- Light serums and hydrating products are popular. They make skincare simple for makeup prep.
- Facial tools for reducing puffiness are also trending. They help lift and sculpt the face.
- Eye creams with caffeine and vitamin C are used more. They help concealer last and brighten eyes.
Recommended Products
Here are some products that fit these trends:
- DHC Deep Cleansing Oil (for first cleanse)
- Cebu Face and Body Cleansing Bar (for second cleanse)
- Epionce Lytic Gel Cleanser (gentle gel cleanser)
- CoRX Advanced Snail Mucin Essence (for hydration)
- Vest Brightening Eye Gel with Caffeine and Vitamin C (for eyes)
- Super Facialist Retinol Resurfacing Concentrate (for weekly smoothness)
- Super Facialist Rosehip Facial Oil (for facial tools and dry skin)
Conclusion
Following a good skincare routine before makeup helps a lot. It makes your makeup look better. It also keeps your skin healthy. Focus on gentle cleansing, good hydration, and protecting your skin. This creates a perfect base for your makeup.