It's no secret that flawless makeup starts with good skin

Any good makeup artist would tell you that the perfect base for flawless makeup isn’t that full coverage foundation you swear by. It’s all about the skin - as in, your skin. While some women are fortunate to have normal skin with tiny pores and little to no breakouts, many of us are not as lucky. Some of us work hard to keep our skin clean, clear, and under control. Before booking your next makeup appointment or taking a shot at your beat before a night out, here are a few things you can do to prep your skin for a flawless finish. 

1. Drink lots of water 

I can’t stress enough how important it is to drink water. Although drinking water for clear skin is a myth, you shouldn’t let that discourage you from doing what is best for your body and skin. Drinking water is good for your skin because it keeps you hydrated. Period. Dehydration leads to dry skin, and dry skin leads to patchy, rough skin that is less than ideal for flawless makeup. Before applying makeup, drink at least three glasses of cool water. Thank me later. 

2. Cleanse and exfoliate your skin 

This should go without saying! Applying makeup to unclean skin is a breeding ground for breakouts. You don’t want those, do you? Cleanse your skin with a gentle cleanser, then follow up with an even gentler exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and leftover impurities. 

3. Tone or moisturize your skin

Deciding whether to tone or moisturize your skin after cleansing and exfoliating depend on your skin type and preferred makeup finish. In the humid conditions of The Bahamas, an oil-free moisturizer is always the way to go. A lightweight oil-free moisturizer is less likely to clog your pores and cause breakouts than a water-based moisturizer. 

If you have dry or sensitive skin, always apply moisturizer. Whereas if you have oily skin, toning your skin will help to remove excess oil that can cause slipping once you apply foundation. People with combination or normal skin may choose to tone their skin only for a more matte finish. Pro tip: alcohol-based toners strip the skin of its natural oils. Use a toner with hyaluronic acid. 

4. Wash your makeup brushes and sponges

Do you know how many germs live in your makeup brushes and sponges?! Use a makeup cleaner or gentle soap and water (baby body wash is my favourite) to clean your makeup brushes and sponges. 

5. Dampen your sponges, then freeze them

This makeup tip isn’t a must, but it’s something I love to do before applying my makeup. Blenders are best dampened (not soaked) before using them. To help my makeup set better and to keep my pores cool and tight as I apply my makeup, I like to put my blenders and sponges in the freezer for about 15 minutes before I start doing my makeup. They feel so good on my skin and help me to snatch my face into place!