As a makeup artist immersed in the worlds of fashion, editorial shoots, television sets, and celebrity makeup, I’ve come to a fundamental realization: dedicating significant time and meticulous care to the skin—the very canvas I work on—is paramount. My daily work involves interacting with a wide spectrum of skin types, an experience that has equipped me with a wealth of techniques to consistently achieve flawless skin. Now, I’m sharing these essential steps, the core of my skin care and makeup program, that I consistently employ before, during, and after makeup application to ensure skin is absolutely perfect.
Before Makeup Application: The Foundation of Flawless Skin
Let’s delve into the crucial first step of any effective skin care and makeup program: skin preparation. This stage isn’t just recommended; it’s non-negotiable. Prepping the skin offers maximum advantages for makeup application. It allows makeup to blend seamlessly and evenly, becoming one with the skin, and it also provides invaluable insight into the skin type I’m working with.
Cleanse: The Essential First Step
The first step in my skin care and makeup program always begins with cleansing the skin. This holds true even if my client arrives without any makeup. Cleansing is vital for removing any surface impurities, including dirt, grime, and even lingering traces of yesterday’s mascara or lash glue – a personal bugbear! One of my absolute favorites for this step is Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water. Its gentle formula is perfect for all skin types, even the most sensitive.
Softening Toner: Understanding Skin Texture
Understanding skin texture is a key component of any effective skin care and makeup program. To address this, I utilize a softening lotion or toner. I saturate cotton pads and gently press them onto any visibly dry areas, holding for about 10 seconds. This technique helps to soften and gently lift away any dead skin cells, revealing a smoother surface. A quick swipe, and voila! NARS Multi Action Hydrating Toner is an often-overlooked gem that works wonders in revitalizing the skin, leaving it feeling smooth and looking radiant.
Moisturize: Hydration is Key
Moisturizing is a critical step in a comprehensive skin care and makeup program, regardless of skin type. Whether it’s a lightweight gel, a rich balm, a nourishing oil, or even a strobe cream, hydration is essential, even for oily skin! Moisturizing plays a crucial role in preventing dehydration and restoring the skin’s natural moisture barrier. For an extra boost of skin nourishment, I love incorporating a few drops of Face Hero into my routine.
During Makeup Application: Building Layers and Hydration
The secret to a truly flawless makeup application, and a cornerstone of my skin care and makeup program, is layering products gradually. And misting, in particular, is my absolute lifesaver throughout the makeup process.
Mists offer more than just added hydration; they are versatile tools that can help achieve either a matte or dewy finish, depending on the desired look. I strategically select my misting products to cater to different needs and areas of the face. For a dewy finish, especially on the sides of the face, Glow Recipe Watermelon Mist is fantastic (and it smells absolutely divine!). To control shine and maintain a matte finish in the T-zone, an area prone to oiliness, Urban Decay All Nighter Ultra Matte Makeup Setting Spray is my go-to. And for moments when skin needs calming and refreshing, Dr Jart Cicapair Facial Calming Mist is the perfect choice. No matter the skin type, I always have the right mist on hand. In fact, you’ll typically find at least three different mist products in my professional makeup kit at any given time, reflecting their importance in my skin care and makeup program.
After Makeup Application: Extending the Care Beyond the Face
My passion for skin care extends beyond just the face; it’s a holistic approach that completes my skin care and makeup program. Once the facial makeup is complete, I turn my attention to an area that is often overlooked – the body. I address any blemishes on the body and then lavish the skin with Exceptionoil. I am truly obsessed with this product! I apply it generously to the décolletage, legs, arms, cuticles – essentially any exposed skin areas. After all, a comprehensive skin care and makeup program shouldn’t stop at the face. Exceptionoil provides an instant luminosity boost, leaving the skin beautifully nourished and ready for the red carpet, or simply to radiate confidence in everyday life. My ultimate goal is to enhance the inherent celebrity glow in everyone I work with, and this attention to detail in skin care is a key part of that.
