Prepare your skin before makeup (and ace the look)

Do it for the love of makeup. Or the money spent on buying all those amazing products. Prepping your skin helps your makeup last longer. It will help you avoid that crazy moment when you know your foundation is cracking and yet you’ve got to smile for that perfect group selfie. It’s easy, does not need additional products and is actually being time-intelligent. Efficient, isn’t it? 

The easiest guide to prepping your skin before you apply makeup

1) Massaging cleanse: Many people prefer to use Micellar Water or you could use your regular cleanser. A quick facial massage with a gentle cleanser will increase blood circulation, nourishing the skin cells and giving you that fresh, flushed look. It will help you feel relaxed and ready for the day or evening out. Besides, a little TLC hurt no one. 

2) Gentle exfoliation: This step will help to remove the excess build-up and debris that collects on your skin’s surface. Exfoliation helps absorb other products and makeup in the skin. You will feel an almost instant smoothness in your skin. Yet it’s important that you don’t exfoliate more than 2-3 times a week. So if you’re applying makeup daily, you could schedule exfoliation in your routine. Look for a super gentle exfoliator that will not tear your skin’s natural barrier or irritate your skin. It’s important to pay attention to the neck and decollete area too! Remember every detail counts. 

3) Tone up: Your skin is feeling nice and clean, make it squeaky clean with this one step. A toner helps to reduce the size of the pores and close them. This is an essential step, especially since your pores open after you cleanse the face. 

4) Swear by serums: The benefits of a Vitamin-C or Hyaluronic Acid serum are more than skin deep. Koko Chemistry’s serums are specially curated formulas, multi-purpose and highly potent. These serums are designed for daily use and are especially important when you’re applying makeup. It prepares your skin to be an even canvas before you start moisturizing. 

5) Scream eye cream: A moisture-rich eye cream will even out the skin tone around the eyes and make you look fresh. Eye creams also add a touch of luminosity to the eyes. You don’t want Crow’s feet or dark circles to stand out. Instead let your eyes tell your story - bright, sparkling, full of life. 

Protip: If you have time, hydrate the area by applying cucumber slices on the eyes for 5-10 minutes. We recommend you apply the slices before you start cleansing your face. 

6) Seriously moisturizing: Use your regular moisturizer right after you apply the serum. It will help to lock in all the work you’ve done so far. The perfect moisturizer will help to create the right makeup look - whether it’s the dewy, fresh one, or something dramatic. 

7) Prime(r) of life: Do yourself a favor and use a primer based on your skin type. You could choose a gel, liquid or cream-based primer which will fill in the creases, and bumpy textures of your skin. What you’re left with is a clearer look and a smooth feel - your makeup will look better on your skin and stay longer without creasing. The best part. 

Give the primer around a minute to settle in before you start applying your foundation and concealer. Try prepping and listening to your skin, pay attention to your makeup and see how you feel. This could truly be life-changing if done correctly. 

While we’re at it, here’s one more protip. It’s important to remove your makeup completely too. Ensure you use Micellar water or a makeup remover, wash your face, and hydrate it with a serum before you sleep. This unclogs the pores and allows the skin to breathe comfortably. 

Last word for the day: Simple habits make a world of difference. Like your life, your makeup reflects your choices. Choose well.