Did you know that the key to flawless and long-lasting makeup lies just as much with the correct skincare as it does with your choice of makeup products?

Applying makeup to skin that has not been prepped can be difficult and result in uneven and patchy makeup, so why not make it easy for yourself? We’ve compiled a list of 6 skincare steps that will help you achieve makeup looks that blend seamlessly into the skin!

1. Cleanse

No good skincare routine starts without a cleanse. Our skin is exposed to a lot throughout the day, so this step is essential as its helps to remove the impurities/dirt and oil that have built up during the day or overnight. Without doing this step, it can affect how the makeup sits on your skin, increasing the chances of patchy and blotchy looking makeup. 

We recommend:

Opting for a gentle cleanser and applying a good amount into your hands. Massage this in small circular motions around your face with clean hands and then rinse with lukewarm water (avoid hot water as this can really dry out your face). If your skin needs a little extra love, go straight back in for a double cleanse to ensure all the impurities have been removed.

2. Exfoliate

Sometimes our skin needs a bit of help in getting rid of the dead skin cells on our face. If left unkept, we can often develop dry and flaky patches and this is the last thing we want to be visible after applying our makeup! Exfoliating will help to buff away these dead skin cells and smooth out the skin, creating an even base for our makeup looks.

We recommend:

Using a gentle exfoliator as physically abrasive ones can cause micro tears in skin which can damage your skin barrier (for more information about this, click here). As well as this, too much exfoliation can actually work against you and dry out your skin. So, ensure that you exfoliate no more than 2-3 times a week and do so by softly massaging this round your face and rinsing well with (you guessed it!) lukewarm water.

3. Tone

Now this step is often wrongly overlooked. Toning your skin can really help to elevate your makeup look! Toners are designed to minimise the appearance of pores on our face and temporarily tighten skin. It also works in tandem with your cleanser to remove any impurities and dirt that it might have missed, helping your makeup to glide onto a clean base. Toner also gives you a base layer of hydration before your moisturiser. See, we told you it was good!

We recommend:

Moistening a reusable cotton pad/ with your favourite toner and swiping gently around the face. We also suggest that you avoid pulling at the skin and bringing the cotton pad near your eyes.

 4. Moisturise

Now this is a no-brainer. It really is essential in ensuring that your skin is soft and hydrated after cleansing and exfoliating (steps that can dry out the skin if left un-moisturised). Skin that is hydrated and smooth will allow for foundation to glide on seamlessly.

We recommend:

Trying out a few moisturisers to find one that is suitable for your particular skin type. Apply 10 pence sized amount and massage this in an upward motion around your face. Doing so when the toner is still damp on your face will ensure maximum hydration.

5. Prime

This is a non-negotiable step if you want makeup that is going to last. Primer works by forming a protective barrier that prevents your skincare and facial oils from mixing with your makeup products. It also helps to fill in pores and small lines in your face to prevent makeup from creasing within it. Harnessing the power of a good primer is key for anyone looking for maximum durability and longevity with your makeup.

We recommend:

Applying roughly a pea sized amount of primer onto your face and blend outwards from the T-zone using your fingertips, ensuring that you have reached your entire face. 

6. Lip Care

And last but by no means least, we have lip care. This is essential for the health of our lips anyway but especially important if you are going to be wearing lip products. As we know, the formula of many lipsticks can be very drying. This can result in lips that look patchy after a short period of time and who wants that? We need our lips looking hydrated, smooth and soft instead!

We recommend:

Using a fine-grained lip scrub as this will work to gently buff away the dead skin cells and any other build up on the surface of the lips.

Here’s how:

Scrape out a pea sized amount of our ‘Lip Sugar Scrub’ and rub in small circular motions and rinse off with lukewarm water. Lastly, follow up with a hydrating lip balm and you’re good to start applying your makeup!