Whether you prefer a fresh-faced look or enjoy the art of makeup, properly prepping your skin is essential to achieving a flawless complexion. Skin preparation involves more than just cleansing; it sets the foundation for both skincare and makeup to perform at their best. Starting with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and impurities ensures a clean slate, while exfoliation (done a few times a week) helps to slough off dead skin cells, promoting smoother, more radiant skin. After cleansing, a good toner can balance the skin’s pH and hydrate, creating an even surface for moisturizer. Moisturizing is key, as it provides essential hydration, locks in moisture, and ensures that the skin feels plump and supple, whether you're going makeup-free or applying foundation. For makeup wearers, a primer tailored to your skin type smooths texture, minimizes pores, and helps makeup adhere better and last longer. Sunscreen should be the final step in your skin prep routine, offering protection from harmful UV rays and preventing premature aging. Ultimately, prepping your skin is a crucial step in unlocking a healthy, glowing complexion that looks naturally radiant with or without makeup.
A Perfect Complexion with Makeup:
Achieving a perfect complexion involves a thoughtful, step-by-step approach to both skincare and makeup, ensuring a smooth, glowing, and flawless finish. Start with a clean canvas by gently cleansing your face using a mild cleanser suited to your skin type. This removes dirt, oil, and impurities, setting the stage for the rest of your routine. Follow up with an exfoliator a few times a week to remove dead skin cells, which can help reveal a brighter, smoother surface. After cleansing, apply a toner to balance your skin’s pH and hydrate, which helps your skin better absorb the next products. Next, use a serum targeted to your skin's specific needs—whether that’s hydration, brightening, or anti-aging—followed by a rich moisturizer to lock in moisture and keep your skin plump and supple. If you’re going outside, finish this skincare step with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
iS Clinical Cleansing Complex:This clear, lightweight cleansing gel is powerful, yet gentle enough for hypersensitive skin. $48.00
Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Pore Purifier: Microdermabrasion pore purifier delivers triple-action chemical, enzymatic and physical exfoliation to decongest the look of skin and help reduce and refine the look of clogged pores and uneven texture. $48.00
PCA Skin Smoothing Toner: The PCA Skin Smoothing Toner is an alcohol-free formula that clears debris without over-stripping the skin for a smooth, comfortable application. $48.00
Revision D-E-J Daily Boosting Serum: D·E·J Daily Boosting Serum™ is a powerhouse serum formulated with patent-pending Sunflower Sprout Extract Technology that has been clinically proven to impact the visible effects of glycation on skin. $225.00
Once your skincare is fully absorbed and your skin feels prepped, begin your makeup application with a primer. Choose one based on your skin’s texture or needs—mattifying for oily skin, hydrating for dry skin, or pore-minimizing for large pores. Gently apply a thin layer to your face, focusing on areas where makeup tends to break down or where you need extra smoothness. After the primer, apply your foundation, starting in the center of your face and blending outward with a brush, sponge, or your fingers for a seamless, airbrushed look. Build the coverage gradually, layering thin amounts for a more natural finish. Use a concealer that matches your skin tone to cover blemishes, redness, or dark circles under the eyes, and blend well to avoid harsh lines. Set everything in place with a light dusting of translucent powder to control shine and keep makeup from moving throughout the day. Finally, add finishing touches like blush, bronzer, and highlighter to sculpt, warm up your complexion, and add a healthy glow. The combination of well-prepped skin and thoughtful makeup application creates a flawless, radiant complexion that lasts all day.
iS Clinical Extreme Protect SPF 30: Provides unprecedented protection by combining broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and powerful antioxidants to mitigate oxidative solar damage. $80.00
Jane Iredale Smooth Affair Mattifying Face Primer: A weightless face primer designed to mattify skin, help balance oil production and blur the appearance of pores and fine lines for smooth makeup application and a naturally matte finish.$52.00
Jane Iredale Beyond Matte Liquid Foundation: A clean, weightless, multitasking 3-in-1 foundation with buildable, stay-put coverage and a natural-looking semi-matte finish. Formulated with skin-nourishing, plant-based ingredients. 100% vegan and always cruelty-free. $52.00
Jane Iredale PureMatch Concealer: Versatile, allover liquid concealer that conceals imperfections and evens skin tone with weightless, buildable coverage and an undetectable soft matte finish. $30.00
A Perfect Fresh Face Complexion:
Achieving and maintaining a perfect complexion throughout the day starts with a well-rounded skincare routine that ensures your skin stays hydrated, balanced, and protected. Begin by cleansing your face with a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser suited to your skin type—whether oily, dry, or sensitive—to remove dirt, oil, and impurities without stripping your skin's natural moisture. This is the first step in creating a fresh, clean canvas. Follow up with a hydrating toner to restore the skin’s pH balance and prep it for the next steps. A good toner can also help refine pores and add an extra layer of moisture, especially if your skin feels tight or dry. Next, apply a targeted serum to address any specific skin concerns, such as brightening, acne treatment, or anti-aging. Serums are potent and absorb quickly, so apply them while your skin is still slightly damp from the toner for maximum absorption. After the serum, apply a lightweight but nourishing moisturizer to lock in hydration, keeping your skin plump and dewy throughout the day. For those with oily or combination skin, opt for an oil-free, mattifying moisturizer, while those with dry skin can choose a richer cream that offers long-lasting moisture.
Jane Iredale Mineral Loose Powder: Sweep on this airy mineral foundation for a luminous sheer to medium coverage that feels like silk. 100% vegan and always cruelty-free. $48.00
Jane Iredale PurePressed Blush: A silky, easy-glide pressed blush that builds like a powder and blends like a cream for seamless, long-lasting color and a fresh, healthy glow. $32.00
Colorescience Sunforgettable Bronzer SPF50: Brush-on Total Protection™ and a natural sun-kissed bronze. Add all-over warmth to your complexion or create depth and contour while protecting and nourishing skin. $69.00
Colorescience Highlight Powder: Enhance cheeks, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose with Colorescience® Champagne Kiss Illuminator. Instant, natural radiance. $50.00
To finish off your skincare routine, make sunscreen your last step, even if you’re staying indoors. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30, applying it generously to your face and neck. Sunscreen not only protects against harmful UV rays but also helps prevent premature aging and discoloration. To maintain your complexion throughout the day, consider carrying a hydrating mist or setting spray in your bag. This can help refresh your skin and keep it looking dewy if it starts to feel dry or tired. For added longevity, use blotting papers to absorb excess oil without disturbing your makeup, if you’ve applied any, and to keep your skin looking fresh without feeling greasy. This layered skincare routine provides a balanced foundation, helping your skin stay radiant, nourished, and protected for a glowing complexion that lasts all day long.
SkinMedica Ultra Sheer Moisturizer: SkinMedica Ultra Sheer Moisturizer is an effective facial moisturizer that helps to improve the overall appearance of the skin. The lightweight formula is suitable for those with oily and acne-prone skin types. $60.0
Cellex-C Fresh Complexion Mist: Fresh Complexion Mist is a pale, leaf-green herbal based toner containing alpha and beta hydroxy acids designed to gently stimulate the skin’s natural sloughing action to reveal a fresh, glowing complexion. $44.00
