Prep your skin for flawless makeup application

(5) comments Monday Dec 14, 2009 at 10:29 am posted by Louise

Let’s face it.  Most mornings, there’s not time to take the extra steps to prep our skin properly for flawless makeup application.  Sometimes, I find myself subtracting minutes from my morning beauty routine depending on how many times I’ve hit the snooze button on my alarm.  However, taking the extra time to prime your skin for makeup when getting dolled up for special occasions, weekends, or holidays, can really make a difference in creating a seamless look.  Here are some ways to prime your skin for ideal makeup application:

1.) Exfoliate to help slough off dead skin cells. This reveals a smoother surface for makeup application so it glides on easily and blends well. 
          - Timeless Secret’s Instantly Brighten Polishing Mask is perfect for exfoliating and brightening skin while also reducing the appearance of pore size.

2.) De-puff your eyes so you look more rested. 
          - Origins makes a great cooling mask for puffy eyes called No Puffery™ that even has caffeine in it to help decrease puffiness. I like to store it in the fridge for extra cooling. 
          - Or, slice up a cold cucumber and relax for a few minutes with the pieces on your eyes.

3.) Apply a primer to create a protective base and prepare a smooth canvas for makeup application. Primer reduces the look of large pores and can help smooth the look of lines and wrinkles.  Some primers even stop oil and shine or color correct your skin.
          - Smashbox Cosmetics makes a fantastic color-correcting primer in 3 shades: Color Adjust in green to minimize redness, Color Blend in apricot to conceal under eye circles, veins, and sunspots, and Color Balance in lavender for natural yellow skin tones.

These extra steps will help you achieve a picture-perfect look. You’ll be the star of the party and be ready for your close-up!

TALK TO US:
What extra steps do you make time for when you’re getting ready for a big night out?