While we’re pro-barefaced radiance, we do love an excuse to get dolled up from time to time — even if it’s with a minimalist “no makeup” makeup look. For those special days when makeup is a must, our skin prep is as important as ever to ensure a healthy, hydrated, and smooth foundation before, during, and after makeup wear.
Why Is Skincare Before Makeup Important?
Think about it this way, you wouldn’t leave the house without clothing, so you shouldn’t step outside with your skin uncovered, either. Beyond the obvious fact that clothes cover up the goods, they also provide your body protection against environmental aggressors like pollution, allergens, and the sun’s damaging rays. Similarly, skincare (including SPF), helps further shield exposed areas from such external threats.
Add makeup into the equation and skincare’s importance multiplies. Not only is it necessary to keep skin healthy and protected, it also creates a smoother, more even canvas for flawless application. Here’s how to properly prep your skin for crease-free luminosity no matter what kind of makeup day it is.
The Prep Steps
Cleanse & Exfoliate
We’re all about streamlining any beauty routine, so choosing products that work double-duty is non-negotiable for us. Reflekt 1 Daily Exfoliating Face Wash is unmatched when it comes to cleansing (especially pre-makeup) because of its unique combination of gentle exfoliation and powerful hydration. Biodegradable jojoba esters gently exfoliate, unclogging and minimizing the appearance of pores while infusing the skin with a refreshing burst of hydration. Simultaneously, powerful ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vegetable collagen, and vitamin B5 replenish essential moisture for a nourished, refined, and pH-balanced result.
Brighten & Protect
Now it’s time to treat the skin with brightening and protective ingredients like antioxidant vitamin C. Vitamin C works brilliantly to supercharge skin’s luminosity while also fending off free radicals that can cause makeup to appear cakey and uneven. Reflekt 2 Collagen Boost Vitamin C Brightening Serum is formulated with a highly stable form of vitamin C, which gives it the exceptional ability to shield against oxidative damage, reduce unwanted dark spots, and boost collagen production. Working in tandem with peptides for firming, fruit enzymes for gentle cell turnover, and hyaluronic acid for additional hydration, it provides a luminous, reflective effect on the skin that radiates through makeup.
Moisturize & Replenish
Sealing it all in with essential moisture makes for the perfect final step of any pre-makeup skincare prep. Reflekt 3 Power Peptide Sculpting Face Cream, in particular, is formulated with a power-packed tripeptide and polyglutamic acid (PGA) to improve elasticity and texture while deeply replenishing skin’s moisture for a velvety, bouncy finish. Then, gently dab Reflekt 4 Smoothing Squalane Eye & Lip Treatment Cream around your eyes and lips to minimize under-eye puffiness, smooth fine lines, lift sagging, hydrate and soften. Both of these creams provide the perfect final layer of hydration for polished makeup application sans crepiness.
TIP: Extend your skincare and makeup to these oft-forgotten areas for a seamlessly blended finish.
The Additional Essential
Let us not forget our pout, either. After all, there’s nothing worse than applying lipstick to chapped, cracked lips. For visibly juicy lips, apply our silky, 2-in-1 Restorative Lip Balm. It gently buffs away dryness to soften and prep lips for optimal absorption while a blanket of ultra-nourishing ingredients (like antioxidant-rich açaí oil, buriti oil, and yellow mustard sprouts) delivers instant and long-lasting hydration. Meanwhile, tucuma butter creates luxurious spreadability without making the balm oily or sticky. Wear alone for a natural shine or wait until fully absorbed to apply a tinted balm on your now supple, nourished lips.
The After Party
Now, in order to maintain this flawless canvas over time, you have to prioritize your nighttime routine, too. Simply repeat all of the above (cleanse, treat, moisturize) before bed to begin anew and prevent any makeup residue, sweat, and other impurities from clogging up your pores and staining your pillowcases while you snooze.
TIP: Wash your makeup brushes regularly (even if you don’t use them often) to prevent breakout-causing bacteria buildup. Here’s how.
