When we spend big bucks on foundation, concealer, and powder from the department store makeup counter, we want to believe that it can help us fake the look of flawless skin. But while makeup can help hide a multitude of skin issues and flaws, it can also accentuate problems if you don’t treat your skin properly before applying it.
Just like when an artist paints a masterpiece, you must start with a well-prepared canvas when you’re going to wear makeup like foundation, concealer, and powder. The good news is that it only takes a few simple steps – and the right products, of course – and you can get a flawless makeup application that makes it look like you were born with perfect skin.
Of course, it all starts with a clean face. If there’s dirt, oil, old makeup, and other residue sitting on the surface of your skin, your foundation is going to go on patchy and cakey. A basic, gentle cleanser like the Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel is a good option when you’re prepping the skin for makeup. If you’re applying makeup later in the day and your skin is already clean, you can freshen up with the Dermalogica Skin Purifying Wipes, which remove surface oils and impurities without requiring any water.
For your makeup to apply as evenly as possible, though, your skin also needs to be smooth. If you have rough or dry patches, use an exfoliator to help improve your skin’s texture. The Dermalogica Skin Prep Scrub is an effective manual exfoliant that uses corn cob meal to slough off the dead skin cells that cause rough, uneven texture. If you prefer a chemical exfoliant, try the Dermalogica Daily Resurfacer, which is a leave-on treatment that utilizes hydroxy acids and enzymes to smooth skin. It’s also gentle enough to use daily, so you can use it every morning before you put on your foundation and concealer.
Once your skin is clean and smooth, you want to ensure that it’s probably hydrated so your makeup doesn’t cling to dry, dehydrated patches. If you have dry skin, go with a rich formula like the Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance. For oily skin, a lightweight, oil-free option like the Dermalogica Active Moist is a better option because it won’t clog pores. If your skin is super oily, though, apply a mattifying product so oil doesn’t break through your makeup during the day and cause fading or streaking. The Biolements Oil Control Mattifier can keep your face matte all day and fill in pores so your skin looks smoother — which means a flawless finish for your makeup.
If you plan to use concealer under your eyes, an eye cream is a must before applying makeup too. A depuffing product like the gloTherapeutics Eye Fix Revitalizing Treatment can help soothe the under eye area so it’s easier to camoflauge bags. If you’re battling dark circles, the Bioelements Eye Area can help brighten the under eye skin so your concealer doesn’t have to do as much work. For fine lines and wrinkles, use a product like the Dermalogica MultiVitamin Power Firm that uses antioxidants and red seaweed extract to firm the area. It also contains silicones that can instantly smooth your under eyes so your concealer glides on like a dream.
Of course, you can’t skip sunscreen when you’re going to wear makeup. Even if your foundation has an SPF, it may not be strong enough to offer effective protection for your skin. The Dermalogica Solar Defense Booster SPF50 is an ideal option because you can apply to the skin on its own or mix an equal part of it with your moisturizer to turn it into a powerful sunscreen. If you have oily skin, you may prefer the Dermalogica Oil-Free Matte SPF30, which provides sun protection while keeping your skin shine-free all day.
Finally, to ensure that your canvas is as smooth as possible, apply a foundation primer before you pick up a makeup brush or sponge. The Dermalogica SkinPerfect Primer SPF30 is an ideal option for all skin types – and actually contains SPF so you can skip a separate sunscreen if you want. The formula contains velvety silicones that fill in pores, fine lines, and wrinkles so your foundation glides onto your skin effortlessly. The SkinPerfect Primer also boasts pearl powder and natural earth minerals to help even skin tone and illuminate the skin, which assures you a flawless finish for your foundation.