Whether you’re heading to the office, a special event, or a long day out, makeup that slides off by lunchtime is not the vibe. The secret to a flawless, long-lasting look isn’t just about what foundation you use—it’s all about how you prep your skin beforehand. A smooth, hydrated, and balanced canvas will hold makeup better, prevent patchiness, and keep your glow going strong from morning to night.
Here’s how to prep your skin for makeup in five essential steps, with hero products that do the job beautifully.
Cleanse for a Fresh Start
Before anything else, start with a fresh, clean base. A gentle but effective cleanser helps remove overnight oil, residue, and dead skin that can interfere with product absorption.
Try: SkinCeuticals Soothing Cleanser
SkinCeuticals Soothing Cleanser gently removes dirt, oil, and makeup while maintaining the skin’s natural moisture balance, creating a clean canvas for makeup application. Its calming formula helps soothe and refresh the skin, ensuring it feels comfortable and hydrated throughout the day.
Exfoliate Gently to Smooth Texture
Dry patches and rough skin can cause your makeup to cling in all the wrong places. A gentle exfoliation a few times a week smooths texture and helps makeup glide on seamlessly.
Try: Murad Vita-C Triple Exfoliating Facial
Murad Vita-C Triple Exfoliating Facial combines physical, chemical, and enzymatic exfoliation to reveal a smoother, brighter complexion, perfect for makeup application. This powerful treatment helps to boost radiance and even out skin texture, ensuring a flawless base for long-lasting makeup.
Hydrate Like You Mean It
Hydration is the key to long-lasting makeup. When your skin is properly moisturised, your foundation won’t crack, flake, or separate throughout the day.
Try: Murad Daily Defense Cream
Murad Daily Defense Cream is a nourishing moisturiser formulated to strengthen the skin barrier and provide relief from dryness. Its blend of colloidal oatmeal, niacinamide, and mondo grass sugars deeply hydrates and soothes, making it an excellent base for makeup application.
Prime with Sun Protection
Don’t skip SPF—it’s a daily non-negotiable. Opt for a lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen that doubles as a primer, so your skin is protected and makeup stays put.
Try: Elemis Pro-Collagen Skin Protection Fluid SPF50
Elemis Pro-Collagen Skin Protection Fluid SPF 50 provides high-level sun protection while hydrating and firming the skin with its potent anti-ageing ingredients. Its lightweight, non-greasy formula creates an ideal base, ensuring your makeup stays fresh and protected from UV damage all day long.
Lock in Hydration with a Makeup-Friendly Mist
The final pre-makeup touch? A hydrating mist to balance, calm, and prime the skin. It helps your makeup blend more evenly and can also be used to refresh your look throughout the day.
Try: Dermalogica Antioxidant HydraMist
Dermalogica Antioxidant HydraMist refreshes and hydrates the skin with a burst of vitamins and antioxidants, providing a glowing, dewy complexion. This soothing mist helps to balance the skin’s moisture levels, creating a perfect, revitalised base for long-lasting makeup.
Last updated on 17/04/2025.