It’s crucial to understand that makeup application and removal aren’t just about looking good—it’s about preserving the health of your skin. With the right products and techniques, you can achieve a flawless look while keeping your skin glowing and fresh. Below, I’ll take you through the proper steps for applying and removing makeup, along with my top product recommendations that can help protect your skin.
1. Prepping Your Skin: Cleanse & Hydrate
Before you apply makeup, you want to ensure your skin is clean and properly hydrated. Proper cleansing removes dirt and excess oils, allowing your makeup to sit more evenly. Hydration ensures your skin is plump and ready for makeup, preventing dryness and flakiness.
Recommended Products:
- Cleansing:
- CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser (for dry to normal skin)
A gentle, non-foaming cleanser that removes dirt without stripping the skin. - La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser (for oily or sensitive skin)
A gentle, foaming cleanser that balances skin’s oils without irritating. - Toner:
- Pixi Glow Tonic (with Glycolic Acid)
A hydrating toner that helps exfoliate the skin, giving you a smooth base for makeup. - Moisturizer:
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
This lightweight gel moisturizer locks in moisture without feeling heavy or greasy, great for oily to combination skin. - Serum (optional but recommended):
- The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
A simple, budget-friendly hyaluronic acid serum to deeply hydrate the skin and improve texture.
Where to buy: Available at Boots, Superdrug, or online via Lookfantastic and Feelunique (UK-based retailers).
2. Primer: Create a Smooth Canvas
Using a primer can significantly improve the longevity and appearance of your makeup. It smooths out imperfections and helps your makeup adhere better to the skin.
Recommended Products:
- Benefit POREfessional Primer
Ideal for those with oily or combination skin, it minimizes pores and controls shine throughout the day. - Smashbox Photo Finish Primerizer
A hybrid primer that hydrates the skin while prepping it for makeup. Great for dry skin types.
Where to buy: Boots, John Lewis, Sephora UK
3. Foundation: Choose a Formula That Matches Your Skin Type
The right foundation should enhance your skin’s natural beauty, not mask it. Choose a formula that suits your skin type to avoid clogging pores or causing breakouts.
Recommended Products:
- Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup (for oily or combination skin)
Long-wearing with a matte finish, this foundation holds up well under various conditions, especially for those with oily skin. - NARS Sheer Glow Foundation (for dry to normal skin)
A buildable foundation that offers a natural glow, perfect for dry skin types. - IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream (for all skin types)
A multitasking product that provides full coverage, hydration, and SPF, making it a good option for anyone.
Where to buy: Boots, Selfridges, Cult Beauty, Feelunique
4. Eyes: Enhance and Define
Recommended Products:
- Urban Decay Naked Eyeshadow Palette
A versatile palette with a variety of matte and shimmer shades that complement every skin tone. - Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara
A budget-friendly mascara that delivers volume and length without clumping, perfect for everyday wear. - Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz
A precise eyebrow pencil that creates natural, defined brows with ease.
Where to buy: Boots, Superdrug, Feelunique
5. Setting Your Makeup: Lock in Your Look
Setting your makeup ensures it stays in place all day. Choose a setting spray or powder based on your skin type and desired finish.
Recommended Products:
- MAC Prep + Prime Fix+
A refreshing mist that helps set makeup and provides a dewy finish, great for dry skin types. - Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
A cult-favorite, this powder controls shine and blurs imperfections, perfect for oily or combination skin.
Where to buy: Harrods, Selfridges, Boots
6. Removing Makeup: Essential for Skin Health
Removing makeup thoroughly at the end of the day is crucial. Leaving makeup on can clog pores and lead to breakouts, irritation, and premature aging.
Recommended Products for Makeup Removal:
- Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
A gentle, hydrating cleansing balm that melts away makeup without stripping the skin. - Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water (Sensitive Skin)
A gentle, no-rinse micellar water that effectively removes makeup and impurities while soothing sensitive skin. - Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser
A gentle cleanser that removes makeup and dirt while leaving the skin feeling hydrated.
Double Cleansing Technique:
- First cleanse with an oil-based cleanser or micellar water to break down makeup.
- Second cleanse with a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining impurities.
Where to buy: Boots, John Lewis, Feelunique, Cult Beauty
7. Aftercare: Hydrate and Restore
Once your makeup is removed, it’s essential to hydrate and replenish your skin. Use a nourishing night cream and a hydrating serum to repair and rejuvenate your skin overnight.
Recommended Products:
- The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
This serum helps regulate sebum production and reduces the appearance of pores. - Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Night Cream
A rich, moisturizing night cream with hyaluronic acid that deeply hydrates the skin.
Where to buy: Boots, Superdrug, Lookfantastic
Proper makeup application and removal are vital for maintaining healthy, glowing skin. By following these steps and using the right products, you’ll not only look fabulous but also protect your skin from irritation and breakouts. Always remember, consistency is key to skincare, so make sure to incorporate these habits into your daily routine.
Where to Buy in the UK:
- Boots and Superdrug offer a wide variety of drugstore options.
- Feelunique, Cult Beauty, Lookfantastic, and John Lewis are excellent online platforms for higher-end or niche beauty brands.
- Sephora UK has a great selection of both drugstore and luxury beauty brands.
