If you are starting out by immediately going to the place where you do your makeup and begin applying foundation, then you are missing some vital steps. Now, I’m not saying that your makeup is going to look a hot mess, but you will definitely see major improvements when you do the following before applying foundation. Disclaimer: if you have a skincare routine that works perfectly fine for you don’t fix what isn’t broken. The goal is healthy and cleansed skin before foundation application.

1. Cleanse skin.

First step starts with cleansing your skin. When I first started in skincare, I typically went for brands that came as a set or had the individual steps of a skin routine (ex. cleanser, serum, moisturizer). Over the years, I’ve used brands like Neutrogena, Clinique, Fresh, and even European Wax Center (in that order). I ended up navigating these brands either through samples from Ipsy or Sephora. I also found brands by identifying my skin concerns and seeking out specific chemicals I preferred for my problem areas.

If you are a beginner to makeup and proper skin care, take your time to do your research. (I know this may sound uhhhh because you are probably reading this because you want to be great at your makeup right now. BUT if you are on this page, know that sedstouch honors the makeup process, so understand that things take time <3)

Sed’s currents: My go-to cleanser brands are Clinique and Fresh. I recently purchased European Wax Center’s cleanser to target my dark spots because their cleanser contains PHA (polyhydroxy acids) and BHA (beta hydroxy acids).

2. Apply serums.

After you rinse your skin off, applying serums is perfect way to bring plumpness and moisture to your skin. As a makeup artist, since I’m unable to cleanse skin, I usually start with this step to help me start off with some moisture on my clients skin. This helps improve the overall makeup for sure!

I typically navigate TJ Maxx for skincare serums. However, just like my cleanser I search intentionally while looking for ingredients. Skincare can be hit or miss for some because most time because most skincare products are filled with nothing. Intentionally seek out brands that care about your skin rather than getting anything for the step.

Sed’s current: I added serums when I noticed that after putting on my moisturizer, I found that my skin was still experiencing dryness. I’ve used serums with natural ingredients such as rosehip oil. Rosehip oil helps with hydration, moisturizing, exfoliating, and boosting collagen formation. Most recently, I’ve added serums that contain hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic Acid helps with improving skin hydration, plumping skin, smoothen fine lines, and the like.

3. Moisturize and Sunscreen

Moisturization is key to the skin, similar to how lotion is for the body and toothpaste for teeth. Moisturizing helps to lock in your skin hydration. This step is usually addressed even without the skincare. However, the sunscreen can be neglected and as I’m typing I’m realizing I’ve done the same today.

You know those chemicals I’ve mentioned specifically PHA and BHA, these are chemicals that are sensitive to the sun. So whenever, I used my European Wax Center Cleanser it is imperative that I use sunscreen or else I will be damaging my skin. So be mindful of your research and the products you buy to ensure that you are following proper protocols to ensure the protection and longevity of your skin. Aside from the chemicals in your products, apply sunscreen daily.

4. Primer

Honestly, if you’ve done the above steps you can start to apply your makeup. However, if you feel you will be wearing your makeup for a long time, apply primer after sunscreen. By definition, primer acts as a smooth base for your foundation and helps your makeup to last longer by decreasing the chances of the makeup cracking.

Similarly with serums, you can find primer with ingredients like hyaluronic acid that bring moisture to the skin. If you have oily skin, try matte or pore-blurring primers.

Here are a few things to consider that could be affecting your skincare routine:

1. Consistency. The choice of skincare products can be overwhelming especially when online and falling into the comparison trap. However, find a routine and being consistent with it in order to see results is important. After completing your research, take notes of your favorite, and purchase and be consistent with a routine.
2. Self-advocacy. We all have the ability to make choices that directly affect us. With that being said, if you are breaking out from a product or not experiencing the results a product promised, simply stop using it. There are numerous brands who are paid to influence us. It is our job to take action when something does not serve us, especially when it comes to what we put on our bodies and spend with our hard earned money!
3. Layering properly. The rule of thumb is light to thick layers. Cleanser > Serum > Moisturizer > Sunscreen > Primer.
4. Let your skin dry in between layers. Not only should you be layering your skincare properly, but you should allow each layer to dry considerably before applying the next steps. Just make sure you skin isn’t too moist/wet but adequately.

And that pretty much it folks. Your foundation and overall makeup routine can only look as good as your skin. Additionally, I don’t know about you but I want and desire healthy and beautiful skin after removing my makeup so the work and research done for my skin will never be in vain.

.//sedtouchxocpros