Skin care and makeup are like two sides of the same coin. If your goal is a long-lasting, natural glow, you really can’t have one without the other! It’s especially true when applying foundation. No matter how high-quality your foundation formula is, applying it on top of dull, oily or otherwise unprepared skin will yield a disappointing result. But following a few quick skin care steps before reaching for your foundation will give you the finish you’ve been dreaming of.
Step 1: Cleanse.
No surprise here! The typical first step in your skin care routine is also the first step to prep your skin for foundation. Our goal is a smooth, clean face, free from dirt and impurities. Choose a cleanser that plays well with your skin type. Not sure what your skin type is? Start with our quick test to find out.
Those with oily skin should choose a gentle foaming cleanser, like Dream Clean. For normal to dry skin, Midnight Oil™ Cleanser and Quench Cleanse infuse just the right amount of moisture. If your skin is feeling especially dry or dull, an exfoliating cleanser like Power Start will roll away dead skin, leaving an even canvas. Whichever cleanser you choose, rinse and follow with a few splashes of cold water before patting dry. This will help close your pores and create an even more perfect finish.
Step 2: Hydrate.
Regardless of your skin type, this step is another non-negotiable. A common misconception is that oily skin doesn’t need any more moisture, but really the opposite is true! Stripping skin of its natural oils can make it more prone to overproducing oil throughout the day. Of course, oily skin needs different products than its dry counterparts, so once again, it’s key to choose what works best for your skin type.
Hydration can come from your serum, face oil, moisturizer or some combination of the three. The best way to find the finish you love is to experiment! For oily skin, a thin layer of Cool Balm may be all you need. Mixing in a drop of One Drop Wonder will leave your skin feeling extra renewed and refreshed without any greasy residue. Mix a small amount of each product together in the palm of your hand and massage in using circular, upward strokes.
If your skin is feeling dry or tight, a face oil is the best way to ensure that your skin takes on a healthy glow beneath your foundation. Dew Date is packed with a soothing blend of vegetable and essential oils that refresh skin and reduce inflammation. A greattip for applying facial oils is to use a fluffy brush, like our Highlight & Contour Brush #18. Pick up a drop with the brush and buff it lightly across your entire face, down your neck and across your chest. This will leave the skin beautifully dewy, for a lit-from-within glow. Plus, if you use the same fluffy brush to apply your Perfect Foundation, the small amount of Dew Date left over in the bristles will create an absolutely flawless finish.
Step 3: Protect.
Wearing foundation doesn’t give you a free pass to skip SPF! In fact, we created our Perfect Sunscreen to be the ultimate companion to our Perfect Foundation, so you’ll actually be creating a more makeup-ready base than if you were to skip it. Just shake well, pump a bit into your hand and apply in circular motions.
Step 4: Prime.
The final step in prepping your skin for foundation is the one that makes sure all of your hard work lasts all day! A great primer does the same for your skin that it does for paint – it creates a flawless surface and gives the color something to grab onto. We love spray primers because a light coat gets the job done!
All skin types will love First Base Oil-Free Priming Spray, which reduces the appearance of large pores while preventing foundation from settling into fine lines. Just shake the bottle well and spray a few times in an ‘X’ and then a ‘T’ formation to cover all areas of your face.
Your skin is now ready for a smooth, even, long-lasting application of Perfect Foundation! For some more great tips and tricks, check out our guide to applying foundation.
What’s your favorite skin care product to use pre-foundation? Let us know in the comments!