Okay, real talk — I still remember the first time I really prepped my skin before doing my makeup for a girls’ night out. I had just watched a beauty tutorial and decided to go all in: cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize — the whole thing. When I finally put on my foundation, I legit gasped. My skin looked so smooth, and the makeup actually stayed in place all night (yes, even after dancing). Since then, skin prep has been non-negotiable in my routine — no matter who you are or how you express your beauty, it totally makes a difference.
To prep your skin for makeup, cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize, hydrate your lips, and apply a primer that suits your skin type for a smooth, long-lasting finish.
Let’s be real — you can have the most expensive foundation in your makeup bag, but if your skin isn’t prepped, it just won’t hit right. Proper skin prep makes your makeup smoother, glowier, and way more comfortable to wear (especially helpful if you’re heading out for a long day or night). Whether you’re new to makeup or just want your look to last longer without creasing or caking, these tips will have you glowing from the base up.
Cleanse Your Skin
First things first — clean skin is happy skin. Whether you’re rocking makeup daily or only on special occasions, you need to start with a clean slate. Pick a cleanser that works for your skin type:
- For dry or sensitive skin, I recommend the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof – All Skin Types (available on Amazon). It’s super gentle and doesn’t leave you feeling tight or dry.
- For oily or breakout-prone skin, try the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 3.5% Glycolic Acid Cleanser (available on Amazon). It gives a light exfoliating cleanse that really helps minimize shine.
Just massage your chosen cleanser in gently, rinse with lukewarm water, and pat (not rub!) your face dry with a soft towel.
Exfoliate to Smooth Skin Texture
This step is a game-changer, especially if you want your foundation to look seamless. Exfoliating helps get rid of dry patches and uneven texture, which means smoother makeup every time.
I’m obsessed with the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 5% Glycolic Acid Peeling Toner (available on Amazon). It’s gentle but effective, and it’s got hyaluronic acid and aloe vera — so it smooths and hydrates at the same time. Just swipe it on with a cotton pad after cleansing, and your skin will instantly feel fresher.
Apply Moisturizer
No skipping this step — I mean it! Moisturizing is essential for every skin type, even oily skin. It helps your makeup glide on better and keeps your skin comfortable all day.
- For daytime, the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Day Lotion SPF 30 (available on Amazon) is such a multitasker. It hydrates, protects with SPF, and even helps with fine lines. I love that it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin too.
- At night or if you want something a little richer, the L’Oréal Paris Collagen Moisture Filler Day/Night Cream (available on Amazon) is dreamy. It’s thick enough to hydrate, but not greasy — perfect before makeup.
Pro tip for oily babes: just apply a thinner layer and focus on the drier areas of your face (think cheeks and temples).
Exfoliate and Moisturize Your Lips
Dry, flaky lips? No thanks. Lip color looks so much better on smooth lips, so don’t forget to show them a little love too.
You can use a soft, damp washcloth to gently exfoliate, then follow up with a balm. If you’re in a rush or want a 2-in-1, the L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Balm-in-Lipstick with Pomegranate Extract (available on Amazon) is perfect. It gives you hydration and color — super flattering, and it feels like butter on the lips.
Smooth On a Primer That Suits Your Needs
Primers are like invisible magic — they smooth everything out and help your makeup stay fresh. But here’s the thing: you’ve got to pick one that works with your skin.
Best Primer for Oily Skin
The L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Lock Makeup Primer (available on Amazon) is so good if you get shiny, especially in the T-zone. I like to press it into the skin gently where I need it most.
Best Primer for Dry Skin
If you’re all about that glow, go for the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Lock Makeup Primer (available on Amazon). It gives your skin this soft radiance that peeks through your foundation in the best way.
You can also try the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer (available on Amazon) — I love how versatile it is. Use it under makeup for an all-over glow, mix it with your foundation, or tap it over the high points of your face for a dewy finish.
Final Thoughts
Prepping your skin might feel like an extra step, but trust me, it makes all the difference — whether you’re cis, trans, nonbinary, or just figuring out your makeup vibe. This routine helps every face shine in its own unique way, and honestly? You deserve to feel that confidence every time you look in the mirror.
Want me to help you build a full beginner-friendly routine next — or a trans-specific skincare guide? Just say the word, and I’m on it!
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When it comes to my choices for makeup and beauty products, I only use L’Oréal Paris (Available on Amazon). I have really sensitive skin and never once have I had any negative reaction to any L’Oréal product.