A perfected skincare routine sets the stage for flawless makeup. By nourishing and prepping your skin before application, you can achieve a glowing, long-lasting look that enhances your natural beauty. But with so many skin prep products and techniques, where do you begin?

FIRST, UNDERSTAND YOUR SKIN TYPE

Before diving into products and routines, it's important to understand your skin type. Is your skin normal, sensitive, dry, oily or a combination? Knowing this will help you choose products that cater to your needs.

FIND THE BEST CLEANSING TECHNIQUE

Properly cleansing your skin is the first step to any successful skin prep routine. Ensure your cleanser removes all dirt, oil and makeup residue as these impurities can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Not sure how to choose the best cleanser? Look for a professional product that's tailored to your skin type to avoid stripping the skin of its natural oils.

• NORMAL: Try a multi-functional cleanser that maintains your skin health through exfoliation and acne prevention like our Idyllic Cleanser with 3% Mandelic Acid.
• DRY: Look for a cream or oil-based cleanser to add moisture to your skin. For extra antioxidants and a creamy, rich texture, add our Vitamin C Cleanser to your daily routine.
• OILY: Combat excess oil and acne with our Purifying Cleanser with Salicylic Acid. Its gentle combination of aloe vera and skincare acid will prevent clogging and reduce breakouts.
• SENSITIVE: The key to sensitive skin prep is to find a gentle, non-irritating cleanser. Our Gentle Gel Cleanser with Amino Acids contains a soothing formula of antioxidants and amino acids to prevent irritation.
• COMBINATION: Combination skin requires a balance of ingredients to tackle both oily and dry areas. Our Glycolic Facial Cleanser with 10% Glycolic Acid will improve acne on an oily T-zone and refresh dry skin with a gentle exfoliating effect.

EXFOLIATE TO SMOOTH THE WAY FOR MAKEUP APPLICATION

Have you ever noticed how makeup tends to settle into fine lines or clump around drier patches on your skin? Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and allows your makeup to go on evenly, resulting in a smoother, more flawless finish. However, make sure to pick the right exfoliant and frequency for your skin prep routine. Exfoliating 2 – 3 times a week is generally good practice since over-exfoliation can compromise the skin's protective layer.

PHYSICAL EXFOLIATION

Physical exfoliants, like our Anti-Aging Exfoliant Masque, use small particles to physically scrub away dead skin cells. Reach for these when your skin feels particularly rough or flaky.

CHEMICAL EXFOLIATION

Chemical exfoliants use acids to dissolve dead skin cell buildup. They are specifically designed for regular use on oily and acne-prone skin. For a strong chemical exfoliant that reduces inflammation, check out our Age Defying Masque or Tri-Acid 15% Skin Gel. Enzymatic exfoliators are also a great option, gently exfoliating the skin to prepare the way for makeup.

THE ROLE OF PRE-MAKEUP MOISTURIZERS

Moisturizing is the key to a healthy, glowing complexion—and pre-makeup moisturizers provide added benefits by creating a smooth base for makeup application.

Every product in your skin prep routine should be tailored to your skin type, and moisturizers are no exception. For oily, acne-prone skin, try our Oxygen Cream to fight acne-causing bacteria. Dry skin will benefit from a rich, hydrating moisturizer like the Daily Repair Cream, which restores essential skin lipids. For a calm and healing moisturizer tailored to sensitive skin, choose our Comfort Cream with Aloe Vera.

You can also incorporate treatment serums to target specific skin concerns—but perform this step before moisturizing, so the moisturizer can effectively balance your skin.

INCLUDE SUN PROTECTION IN YOUR ROUTINE

Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB rays and also acts as a barrier between your skin and makeup products, preventing clogging and irritation. To select the right SPF for your skin, consider your skin type and the level of sun exposure you'll have during the day.

For a healing sunscreen that will calm sensitive and dry skin, use our Moisturizing Protective Cream with SPF 15.

If you prefer a stronger, ultra-light sunscreen to moisturize oily or combination skin, choose Hydrating Protection Gel with SPF 30.

OTHER SKIN PREP CONSIDERATIONS

To fully maximize your skincare routine, pay special attention to all areas of your face. This includes your lips, eyes and neck. These areas are more delicate and require specialized products to keep them looking their best. Consider adding hydrating eye creams with hyaluronic acid and moisturizing lip care to your routine for a complete pre-makeup skincare regimen.

POST-MAKEUP SKINCARE

Although pre-makeup skin prep is crucial for a flawless makeup application, post-makeup care is just as important. Make sure to cleanse your skin thoroughly before bed and use nourishing products to restore lost moisture and keep your skin healthy. With the right products and techniques, you can achieve radiant, long-lasting makeup application while maintaining the overall health of your skin.

Create the perfect pre and post-makeup routines using the professional advice of your local GlyMed Pro; their expert knowledge and guidance will help you create a personalized skincare regimen that works for your skin type.