Noli Beauty

We’ve all been there—you spend time carefully applying foundation, only to find it clinging to dry patches or looking cakey a few hours later. The secret to smooth, long-lasting, flawless makeup? It’s not just in the products you apply on your skin, but in the care, you give your skin before you even reach for your brush or sponge. I personally do not like to use foundation; it makes me hot…nor do I use powder. Most of my makeup is cream and very natural. I simply like to keep it simple, clean and easy. But even for these few products I use, the skin prep is super important. 

Prepping your skin properly creates the perfect canvas, making your makeup not only look better but last longer and feel more comfortable throughout the day. Whether you’re getting ready for a night out, a big event, or just a natural everyday glow, here’s how to prep your skin for flawless makeup—step by step.

Step 1: Start With a Clean Face

Cleansing is non-negotiable. You want to start with a fresh canvas free of oil, makeup residue, and impurities.

✅ What to Use:

• A gentle cleanser that suits your skin type
• Micellar water for sensitive skin or as a quick pre-cleanse
• Avoid harsh exfoliants or strong actives right before makeup

Tip: Always wash your face with lukewarm water—not too hot, not too cold—to avoid stripping natural oils or irritating your skin.

Step 2: Exfoliate (2–3 Times a Week)

Dead skin cells are a common culprit behind flaky foundation and dull-looking makeup. Exfoliating helps remove that top layer and promotes a smooth, even texture.

✅ Exfoliation Options:

• Chemical exfoliants (AHAs like glycolic acid or BHAs like salicylic acid)
• Gentle physical scrubs with round beads
• Enzyme masks for sensitive skin

Don’t exfoliate every day—it can lead to redness or irritation. 2–3 times a week is plenty.

Step 3: Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Hydrated skin = plump, smooth skin. And plump skin holds makeup better.

✅ Apply a Toner or Mist:

• Use a hydrating toner or facial mist with rose water, glycerin, or aloe vera
• This helps to balance your skin’s pH and provide an extra layer of moisture

Think of this step like giving your skin a drink of water before applying heavier products.

Step 4: Apply a Lightweight Moisturizer

Moisturizing is crucial no matter your skin type—even oily skin needs hydration. A well-moisturized face prevents foundation from clinging to dry areas and helps it spread more evenly.

✅ Moisturizer Tips:

• Choose a gel-based formula for oily skin
• Use a cream-based one if your skin is dry or mature
• Give it 2–3 minutes to absorb before moving on to the next step

Bonus: Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or ceramides for added benefits.

Step 5: Treat Your Under-Eyes

The under-eye area is delicate and tends to show dryness and creasing first. Use an eye cream to hydrate and smooth fine lines before applying concealer.

✅ Choose Eye Creams With:

• Caffeine (to reduce puffiness)
• Hyaluronic acid (for hydration)
• Peptides (to smooth and firm)

Dab lightly using your ring finger—it applies the least pressure.

Step 6: Use a Primer That Matches Your Skin Needs

A primer is like double-sided tape for your makeup. It grips your foundation while also blurring imperfections.

✅ Choose the Right Primer:

• Mattifying primer: If you have oily skin or large pores
• Hydrating primer: For dry or textured skin
• Color-correcting primer: If you have redness, dullness, or dark spots

Apply primer only where needed—often the T-zone or areas with visible pores.

Bonus Step: SPF If It’s Daytime

Don’t forget sun protection—especially if you’re wearing makeup during the day. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher under your makeup or opt for a moisturizer with SPF.

✅ Wait a minute or two after applying sunscreen to let it set before layering makeup.

Now You’re Ready for Makeup

Once you’ve completed your skincare prep, your skin will feel:

• Soft and hydrated
• Smooth with fewer visible pores
• More even in tone and texture
• Ready to hold makeup all day long

Start with a lightweight foundation or BB cream, and you’ll notice how much more flawless and natural your makeup looks—no cracking, no flaking, no slipping.

Prepping your skin is the most important step to getting that smooth, glowing, and airbrushed look—no filters needed. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just remember the basics:

1. Cleanse
2. Exfoliate
3. Hydrate
4. Moisturize
5. Prime

Whether you’re doing a full glam look or a light, dewy face, good skin prep is the secret sauce behind all great makeup. Make it a habit, and your foundation, concealer, and blush will thank you.

Follow @NoliBeauty2025 on Instagram for weekly skincare tips, makeup tutorials, and product reviews.