Cleansing and Hydration: How to Prepare Your Skin for Makeup

A perfect makeup look doesn’t start with foundation or lipstick—it starts with proper skin preparation. Cleansing and hydration are the cornerstones of readying your skin for makeup. These steps not only ensure a flawless finish but also maintain the health of your skin.

At MONLIS School in Munich, we emphasize the importance of these essential steps to our students. In this article, you’ll learn why cleansing and hydration are so important, which products work best, and which techniques help you achieve the best results.

Why Is Skin Preparation So Important?

Your skin is the foundation for your makeup. If it’s not thoroughly cleansed and cared for, even the best products won’t adhere properly. Makeup can appear patchy, settle into fine lines, or fade quickly.

Proper preparation also protects your skin from potential damage caused by makeup. Well-prepared skin not only makes makeup last longer but also looks radiant and healthy even without it.

Step 1: Thorough Cleansing

Cleansing is the first and most crucial step in skin preparation. It removes dirt, excess oil, dead skin cells, and leftover makeup products. A clean skin surface ensures that subsequent products absorb and perform better.

Which Products Are Best for Cleansing?

• For normal to oily skin: Gel-based or foaming cleansers are ideal as they remove excess sebum without drying out the skin.

• For dry and sensitive skin: Creamy or oil-based cleansers gently clean while providing hydration.

• For combination skin: Use a cleanser suitable for all skin types or combine products for oily and dry areas.

Cleansing Tips:

• Use lukewarm water to open pores and clean your skin gently.

• Cleanse your face in the morning to remove overnight oil and dead skin cells and in the evening to get rid of dirt and makeup residue.

• A gentle exfoliation once or twice a week removes dead skin cells and smooths the skin.

Step 2: Hydration

After cleansing, your skin needs hydration to strengthen its protective barrier and prevent dryness. Properly moisturized skin ensures makeup applies more evenly and lasts longer.

Which Products Are Best for Hydration?

• For oily skin: Lightweight, oil-free gels or lotions with ingredients like hyaluronic acid are ideal.

• For dry skin: Richer creams with hydrating ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, or shea butter.

• For sensitive skin: Products with soothing agents like aloe vera or panthenol.

Hydration Tips:

• Apply moisturizer immediately after cleansing while your skin is still slightly damp to lock in moisture.

• Use a moisturizer with SPF during the day to protect your skin from UV rays.

• Let your skincare products absorb fully before applying makeup to prevent clumping.

Additional Steps for Perfect Skin Preparation

1. Use a Primer
A primer creates the perfect base for makeup by smoothing the skin, minimizing pores, and making makeup last longer. Choose a primer tailored to your skin type (mattifying for oily skin, hydrating for dry skin).

2. Don’t Forget Lip Care
Apply a lip balm to keep your lips soft and smooth. This ensures even application of lipstick later.

3. Include Sunscreen
Lightweight sunscreen is a must under makeup to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Common Mistakes in Skin Preparation

• Skipping Cleansing: Applying makeup on unwashed skin can lead to clogged pores and an uneven finish.

• Using Too Much Product: Overloading your skin with moisturizer or primer can make makeup slippery.

• Not Allowing Products to Absorb: Rushing through the steps can prevent products from absorbing properly, resulting in patchy makeup.

Product Recommendations from MONLIS Experts

• Cleansing:

  • La Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel for oily skin.

  • CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser for dry skin.

• Hydration:

  • Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel for normal to oily skin.

  • Weleda Skin Food for dry skin.

• Primer:

  • Smashbox Photo Finish Primer.

  • NYX Professional Makeup Honey Dew Me Up Primer.

Why Choose MONLIS School?

At MONLIS School in Munich, you’ll learn not only the basics of skin preparation but also how to adapt these techniques to your skin type and needs. Our experienced instructors offer practical training suitable for beginners and advanced students alike.

Proper skin preparation is the key to flawless makeup. With thorough cleansing and appropriate hydration, you create the ideal base that not only enhances your makeup but also supports the long-term health of your skin.

Visit MONLIS School in Munich and learn how to optimally prepare your skin and take your makeup skills to the next level!