Skincare routine before makeup

How do you prep your skin before makeup?

1. 1Cleanse gently. Use lukewarm water and massage a gentle cleanser over your face with your hands. Pat dry rather than rubbing. Avoid cleansers with microbeads, which can irritate skin.
2. 2Apply your usual treatment, if you use one. Medication or treatment generally goes directly after cleansing. A morning serum belongs before moisturizer, not on top of a thick cream. There is no need to add a serum just because you are wearing makeup.
3. 3Apply moisturizer suited to your skin type. Moisturizer helps hold water in your skin. Let the layer settle rather than applying foundation while the surface still feels slippery.
4. 4Apply sunscreen. Choose broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher for protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Cover exposed skin, including your face, neck and ears.
5. 5Apply makeup after sunscreen has dried down. If you use primer, apply it after sunscreen and before foundation. Allow primer about 30 to 60 seconds to settle.

How long should you wait before makeup?

As a general starting point, allow about 60 seconds between skincare layers and two to five minutes after sunscreen before makeup. These are practical guides, not exact timings for every formula. Gently press a clean fingertip to your cheek: if the layer feels tacky or your finger drags, wait longer. A rich cream or a generous application can need more time. Layering makeup over wet skincare can mix and move the products underneath, contributing to small rolls of product, streaks and patchy coverage.7

Should you do skincare before makeup?

Yes, and makeup with SPF is not a reason to skip a separate sunscreen. Keep the makeup waiting time separate from outdoor protection: apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outdoors. Do not spread sunscreen too thinly to help foundation sit better, because a thin application reduces protection. When outdoors, reapply every two hours and after swimming, sweating or towel drying, following the sunscreen's directions.236

What should your skincare routine be?

Choose the basic products for your skin type rather than adding more layers. Dry skin does better with a hydrating cleanser and can need a more hydrating moisturizer. For oily skin, look for sunscreen labelled noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores. If sunscreen leaves a white cast, a tinted sunscreen is an option. Sensitive skin needs particular care with new products: introduce one at a time and try a small amount behind your ear or along your jawline for a day or two before using it across your face.234

Toner and eye cream are optional, not requirements for makeup preparation. Extra steps are optional, even if the bathroom shelf makes them look like a package deal. Avoid heavily fragranced products and do not turn makeup preparation into an extra exfoliation session. Scrubbing and overusing exfoliants can irritate skin. Stop a product if it irritates your skin, and see a dermatologist if irritation develops or you have concerns about an existing skin condition.25

What is a skincare routine?

A skincare routine is the set of steps you repeat to clean, moisturize and protect your skin, not a daily roll call of everything in the bathroom. Morning care includes sun protection; evening care includes removing makeup before cleansing and moisturizing. Remove makeup before bed rather than leaving it on overnight. Retinoids, including retinol, generally belong in the bedtime routine rather than morning makeup preparation.23