The Best Products for Skin Preparation Before Makeup

Flawless makeup starts with proper skin preparation. Without a good foundation, even the highest-quality products won’t deliver the desired results. Skin needs to be cleansed, hydrated, and protected to ensure a radiant and long-lasting makeup look.

At MONLIS School in Munich, we emphasize the importance of skin preparation to our students. Here, our experts share their top tips and product recommendations to help you achieve perfect makeup while keeping your skin healthy and glowing.

Why Is Skin Preparation Important?

Your skin is the canvas for your makeup. If it’s not properly prepared, makeup can look uneven, settle into fine lines, or fade quickly. Well-prepared skin ensures that products adhere better and your makeup stays fresh throughout the day.

Moreover, thorough preparation protects your skin from potential stress caused by makeup, such as dryness or clogged pores. With the right steps, you can keep your skin healthy and radiant.

Key Steps in Skin Preparation

Skin preparation involves several steps that can be tailored to your skin type:

1. Cleansing
Cleansing is the first and most important step. Remove dirt, excess oil, and makeup residue to create a clean base. For normal to oily skin, we recommend gel cleansers, while dry or sensitive skin benefits from cream or oil-based cleansers.

2. Exfoliation
Gentle exfoliation removes dead skin cells and smooths the surface. This helps ensure an even application of foundation and other products. Opt for a chemical exfoliant with AHA or BHA for a gentle yet effective cleanse.

3. Moisturizing
Moisturizing is essential to keep the skin soft and supple. Choose a lightweight moisturizer for oily skin or a richer formula for dry skin. Products with hyaluronic acid or glycerin are ideal for locking in moisture and prepping the skin.

4. Primer
Primer is the final step before makeup application. It creates a smooth base, minimizes pores, and helps makeup last longer. There are primers tailored to different needs: mattifying primers for oily skin, hydrating primers for dry skin, or color-correcting primers to neutralize redness or uneven tones.

Expert Tips for Skin Preparation

1. Match Products to Your Skin Type
Your skin’s needs vary depending on its type and external factors. Use richer products in winter and lighter formulations in summer.

2. Use a Face Mask Regularly
A hydrating or clarifying mask can work wonders, especially before a special event. It provides extra care and ensures optimal skin preparation.

3. Don’t Skip Sunscreen
Even when wearing makeup, sunscreen is a must. Choose a lightweight SPF 30 or higher that blends well with your makeup.

4. Allow Time for Products to Absorb
Give your skin time to absorb each product between steps. This prevents products from mixing and ensures an even finish.

5. Stay Hydrated
Beautiful skin starts from within. Drinking enough water helps keep your skin hydrated, which improves the overall look of your makeup.

Our Product Recommendations

MONLIS experts recommend the following products for optimal skin preparation:

• Cleansing: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel for oily skin or CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser for dry skin.

• Exfoliation: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant.

• Moisturizing: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream for normal to oily skin or Weleda Skin Food for dry skin.

• Primer: Smashbox Photo Finish Primer for a smooth base or NYX Professional Makeup Honey Dew Me Up Primer for added hydration.

Why Choose MONLIS School?

At MONLIS School in Munich, you’ll not only learn the fundamental steps of skin preparation but also how to tailor products to your skin type and achieve professional results. Our hands-on courses provide the knowledge you can apply at home or in a professional setting.

Proper skin preparation is the key to flawless makeup. With the right products and techniques, you can enhance your makeup results while supporting your skin’s long-term health.

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