Skin Prep for Makeup

The invisible step everything else depends on

The sequence before any makeup is applied: cleanse, apply targeted serums, moisturize fully, allow 5–10 minutes for absorption, then apply SPF if daytime. Makeup applied to dry, dehydrated, or congested skin looks patchy, clings to texture, and breaks down within hours. The same foundation on well-prepped skin can look genuinely flawless. A hydrating mist over the moisturized face immediately before primer creates a dewy base that makes foundation melt in. Skin prep is the step that professional makeup artists treat as non-negotiable and that beginners almost universally skip.