The secret to flawless makeup isn’t just about which color palette you choose or the types of brushes you use to apply. It begins with the canvas itself – your skin. The importance of skin prep before makeup is paramount in achieving a radiant and long-lasting look. The key to a flawless finish lies in the foundation you lay, and we’re not referring to the liquid, cream, or powder you apply to achieve an even skin tone. We’re talking about the real foundation, which we take so seriously at Foundation Skincare, it’s literally in our name.
Read on to find out what to apply on your face before makeup according to your skin type and what else you can do to achieve your best look.
Understanding Your Skin Type
Achieving a healthy, radiant complexion requires you to tailor your skincare routine to your unique skin type. Products that can help boost moisture for dry skin can leave a greasy look on someone with oily-prone skin. Conversely, products that help to reduce oil might dry out someone else’s skin. Here’s what you should know about different skin types:
- Oily: Oily or acne-prone skin produces an excess of sebum, a sticky substance your body produces to keep skin moist. Too much oil can give your skin a shiny and greasy appearance, particularly in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). According to the American Academy of Dermatology, individuals with oily skin may have thicker skin and fewer wrinkles but they are often more susceptible to enlarged pores, acne, blackheads, and whiteheads.
- Dry: Dry skin tends to produce less natural oil, leading to an appearance of dullness or flakiness. Lacking elasticity, dry skin often feels tight and shows signs of dehydration, making it more susceptible to fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, it has a tendency to become itchy or irritated.
- Combination: For those with combination skin, both dryness and oiliness are common issues. Often, only the T-zone will be oily, while cheeks are dry or normal. This skin type may also change with seasons or due to factors like stress and hormonal fluctuations.
- Sensitive: Sensitive skin is especially vulnerable to external irritants, such as dyes, fragrances, or harsh weather conditions. When it comes into contact with an irritant, skin will become red, itchy, or feel like it’s burning. Though it is often thought of a specific skin type, it is possible to have a combination of sensitive and oily skin, or sensitive and dry skin.
- Normal: Neither too dry nor too oily, normal skin is less prone to acne breakouts, flakiness, and feelings of greasiness or tightness. Pores are less noticeable on normal skin, skin texture is smoother, and skin tone more even. There are no specific issues or sensitivities for those with normal skin.
General Skincare Routine When Prepping for Makeup
Whether you have dry skin, oily skin, or no specific skin issues at all, it’s important to follow a regular skincare routine before applying makeup (and after removing it, too!). Here are some routine ideas according to skin type.
Skincare Routine for Oily Skin
The best skincare routine for oily skin involves products that help to kill bacteria on the skin that leads to breakouts, reduce inflammation, and moisturize without increasing oil production. Foundation Skincare recommends using the following products from our collection:
- Azelaic Acid 14% Cream: Helps to minimize inflammation and unclog pores, while disrupting the link between hormonal fluctuations and sebum production. Also helps to reduce hyperpigmentation caused by acne scarring.
- Niacinamide Lotion 10%: Improves the skin barrier, controls excess oil production, and minimizes redness associated with acne breakouts.
- Hyaluronic Acid Lotion: Moisturizes skin on the deepest level without contributing to oiliness.
- Night Renewal Cream with 2% Granactive Retinoid: Powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects help to control acne breakouts and reduce redness and irritation while boosting collagen and protecting against signs of aging.
Morning routine:
- Cleanse skin with a gentle cleanser.
- Apply FS Niacinamide Lotion 10%.
- Hydrate skin with FS Hyaluronic Acid Lotion
- Apply FS Azelaic Acid 14% Cream.
- Apply sunscreen of SPF 30 (50+ preferred) to protect against sun damage.
Night:
- Cleanse skin with a gentle cleanser.
- Apply FS Niacinamide Lotion 10%.
- Hydrate skin with FS Hyaluronic Acid Lotion or alternate with the granactive retinoid-powered FS Night Renewal Cream.
- Apply FS Azelaic Acid 14% Cream last in your routine.
Skincare Routine for Dry Skin
The best skincare routine for dry skin involves products that help to hydrate skin and protect the skin barrier. Foundation Skincare recommends using the following products from our collection:
- Hyaluronic Acid Lotion: As a powerful humectant, hyaluronic acid locks moisture into the skin for the deepest level of hydration.
- Vitamin C Lotion 20%: Restores your skin barrier, which helps to protect against toxins and keep skin moisturized while stimulating collagen production.
- Niacinamide Lotion 10%: That’s right, niacinamide works just as well for dry skin as it does for oily skin by increasing the production of ceramides (healthy fats in the skin), which strengthens the skin barrier and improves the skin’s ability to stay hydrated.
- Firming Neck Cream: Restores moisture for smoother, softer skin in the delicate neck and décolletage areas while softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Morning routine:
- Cleanse skin with a gentle cleanser.
- Apply a single pump of FS Vitamin C Lotion 20%.
- Apply FS Niacinamide Lotion 10%.
- Hydrate skin with Hyaluronic Acid Lotion.
- Smooth a dime-sized amount of Firming Neck Cream onto neck and décolletage.
- Apply sunscreen of SPF 30 (50+ preferred) to protect against sun damage.
Night:
- Cleanse skin with a gentle cleanser.
- Apply a single pump of FS Vitamin C Lotion 20%.
- Apply FS Niacinamide Lotion 10%.
- Hydrate skin with FS Hyaluronic Acid Lotion.
- Smooth a dime-sized amount of Firming Neck Cream onto neck and décolletage.
Vitamin C Lotion 20%
Skincare Routine for Combination Skin
All of the dermatologist-formulated products in the Foundation Skincare collection can be safely layered and it is highly recommended, especially for those with combination skin. The best products for this skin type include
- Azelaic Acid 14% Cream: Unclogs pores and reduces acne-causing bacteria on the skin.
- Niacinamide Lotion 10%: Balances oil production in the T-zone and reduces overall inflammation.
- Hyaluronic Acid Lotion: Seals moisture into the skin without leaving skin oily.
- Vitamin C Lotion 20%: Protects the skin against toxins while stimulating collagen production.
- Night Renewal Cream: Reduces signs of premature aging while protecting against acne and inflammation.
Morning routine:
- Cleanse skin with a gentle cleanser.
- Apply a single pump of FS Vitamin C Lotion 20%.
- Apply FS Niacinamide Lotion 10%.
- Hydrate skin with Hyaluronic Acid Lotion.
- Apply Azelaic Acid 14% Cream.
- Apply sunscreen of SPF 30 (50+ preferred) to protect against sun damage.
Night:
- Cleanse skin with a gentle cleanser.
- Apply a single pump of FS Vitamin C Lotion 20%.
- Apply FS Niacinamide Lotion 10%.
- Hydrate skin with the retinoid-powered FS Night Renewal Cream.
- Finish off with FS Azelaic Acid 14% Cream — if adding this step causes any irritation, then it’s recommended to use the Azelaic Acid 14% Cream in the morning only.
Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin
Individuals with sensitive skin may steer clear of potent ingredients like prescription retinoids and azelaic acid to avoid irritation, but Foundation Skincare has formulated our products with even the most sensitive skin in mind. Every product is suitable for sensitive skin, though you may want to introduce such products gradually while your skin adjusts.
- Azelaic Acid 14% Cream: Soothes skin and manages acne breakouts without irritation.
- Niacinamide Lotion 10%: Balances oil production while maintaining hydration.
- Hyaluronic Acid Lotion: Locks in moisture and absorbs quickly.
- Vitamin C Lotion 20%: Reduces redness and protects the skin against toxins while fading hyperpigmentation and signs of aging.
- Night Renewal Cream: Accelerates cell turnover to renew skin while reducing signs of premature aging.
Morning routine:
- Cleanse skin with a gentle cleanser.
- Every other day over the course of 2-3 weeks, apply a single pump of FS Vitamin C Lotion 20%. As your skin adjusts you can start to use every morning, and then work your way to using twice daily.
- Apply FS Niacinamide Lotion 10%.
- Hydrate skin with Hyaluronic Acid Lotion.
- Apply Azelaic Acid 14% Cream. Like FS Vitamin C Lotion 20%, you want to introduce this product gradually over 2-3 weeks as your skin adjusts. Start off by using every other day, switch to once daily, and then if you are responding well, you can use twice a day.
- Apply sunscreen of SPF 30 (50+ preferred) to protect against sun damage.
Night:
- Cleanse skin with a gentle cleanser.
- Apply a single pump of FS Vitamin C Lotion 20%.
- Apply FS Niacinamide Lotion 10%.
- Three times a week, hydrate skin with the retinoid-powered FS Night Renewal Cream. On the other nights, stick with FS Hyaluronic Acid Lotion. As your skin acclimates, you can use FS Night Renewal Cream every night.
Skincare Routine for Normal Skin
Having normal skin with no specific skin issues does not give you a free pass to skip the skincare routine altogether. You will have noticed by now that all of the skincare products in the Foundation Skincare line contain multi-tasking ingredients that benefit all skin types, from hydrating with Hyaluronic Acid Lotion to stimulating collagen production for a more youthful, radiant complexion. We recommend the following skincare routine:
Morning routine:
- Cleanse skin with a gentle cleanser.
- Apply a single pump of FS Vitamin C Lotion 20%.
- Apply FS Niacinamide Lotion 10%.
- Hydrate skin with Hyaluronic Acid Lotion.
- Apply Azelaic Acid 14% Cream.
- Apply a dime-sized amount of Firming Neck Cream onto neck and décolletage.
- Apply sunscreen of SPF 30 (50+ preferred) to protect against sun damage.
Night:
- Cleanse skin with a gentle cleanser.
- Apply a single pump of FS Vitamin C Lotion 20%.
- Apply FS Niacinamide Lotion 10%.
- Hydrate skin with Hyaluronic Acid Lotion.
- Night Renewal Cream: Accelerates cell turnover to renew skin while reducing signs of premature aging.
- Apply a dime-sized amount of Firming Neck Cream onto neck and décolletage.
Additional Tips for a Flawless Makeup Base
Prepping your skin with a customized skincare routine is equally important, whether you’re applying makeup or going au naturale. Some other steps you can take for a flawless makeup base:
- Use an alcohol-free toner just after cleansing, but before the rest of your routine.
- Use a quality eye cream morning and night to prevent creases, which can be highlighted by makeup.
- Always use clean brushes to apply makeup and prevent acne breakouts.
- Every night, remove your makeup. Sleeping in your makeup increases the chance of acne breakouts by clogging pores.
