7 steps for skin prep from a pro makeup artist

Prepping and priming your skin is the key to achieving a flawless and long-lasting makeup application. As a professional makeup artist for over a decade, I'm sharing with you some tried and trusted skin prep techniques that I use on my clients, so that you can elevate your own makeup application with ease.

It’s 2023 and radiant skin is in. At long last, naturally glowing skin is having its moment and I'm all for it. Makeup should be used to enhance your natural beauty and emphasize your favourite features instead of hiding behind the layers. The more you focus on prepping your skin correctly and giving it the nourishment it needs, the less makeup you need to apply and the end result will be seamless.

Get to know and understand your own skin type first - is it oily, dry or a combination? Find products that work for both your skin type and your budget so that you're able to create a sustainable skincare routine. There are many helpful resources out there with my favourite being skincare guru Caroline Hirons.

7 steps to sublime skin and lasting makeup:

1. Exfoliate your skin (grainy exfoliators are out and liquid ones are in - try the Pixi Glow Tonic for quick but gentle resurfacing).
2. Apply a hydrating facial sheet mask and/or eye mask for a minimum of 15 minutes (tip: leave it on while you style your hair).
3. Remove the mask and massage the excess liquid into your skin.
4. Apply an eye cream and your daily moisturizer (my favourites are MAC fast response eye cream and Embryolisse moisturiser).
5. Apply lip balm so it can work its magic while you do your make-up (my hero product is from Clarins).
6. Let everything settle in for a few minutes and then apply your makeup primer – opt for an illuminating one for extra glow, or if you're oily then try a mattifying one in the t-zone area.
7. Now go ahead and apply your makeup and don't forget to set it with the cult-favourite setting spray by Urban Decay.

Say goodbye to dull skin and makeup that doesn't sit well or last you through the day.

By freshly exfoliating your face before makeup, you're removing the surface layer of dull, dead skin and allowing your natural undertones to shine through which means you can more accurately colour-match your foundation too. Your skin will look radiant and hydrated and your makeup will apply effortlessly on your skin while lasting for hours - hello gorgeous!

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