Does your makeup crack on yourself or your clients? How do you deal if your makeup is separate from the nose area? Does your makeup become patchy even after using high-end products? If you aim to achieve flawless long-lasting makeup and you are splurging on high-end brands without knowing what wrong you are doing then this read is for you. It doesn’t matter how expensive your makeup products are or how perfectly you apply them, until and unless your skin is prepped rightly, your makeup is never going to look as flawless as you want it to. Moisturizers under makeup are a subjective concern.
In my opinion hydration and moisturization is necessary for every skin type. Many of my clients have surprised me by confessing that they don’t have a proper skincare routine usually because they have oily skin or very very sensitive skin concerns and they feel that face creams are too heavy to cater to their needs. But this is not true!
You can buy the most expensive foundation or an overpriced concealer hyped by your favorite influencer, it’s of no use if your skin is not prepped rightly. Let’s discuss further to know this process even better.
Why Moisturizing under makeup is necessary?
Moisturizing before any makeup application helps smooth your facial skin which helps further in the even application of makeup. If I start sharing the benefits of using facial creams before makeup then one article is not enough. The benefit of moisturizer under makeup is to help keep your skin looking and feeling healthy, and it’s a step not to be skipped. The trick is knowing how to choose a moisturizer that’s right for your skin type. Moisturizers contain these ingredients have enormous benefits when applied under makeup:
1. Hyaluronic Acid: A powerhouse humectant that holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, keeping your skin hydrated throughout the day without feeling heavy.
2. Glycerine: Another excellent humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping makeup apply smoothly and evenly.
3. Niacinamide: Known for its calming and oil-regulating properties, niacinamide is great for those with oily or sensitive skin.
4. Ceramides: These help restore the skin’s barrier, making them ideal for dry or sensitive skin.
5. Antioxidants (Vitamin C, E): These protect the skin from free radicals and environmental stressors, offering an extra layer of skincare under makeup.
How to Apply Moisturizer for Best Results Under Makeup?
One of the most essential steps to take before applying makeup is exfoliating and moisturizing your skin beforehand. Moisturizing alone is not enough to get that flawless base. To get a smoother finish, exfoliate once a week with the right exfoliator for your skin. This will improve the way your makeup looks and last longer.
Even the best moisturizer won’t give you the desired effect if it’s not applied correctly. Here are some tips to ensure your moisturizer works harmoniously with your makeup:
- After cleansing, apply your moisturizer to slightly damp skin. This helps lock in more moisture and improves absorption.
- Give your moisturizer 5-10 minutes to fully absorb before starting your makeup routine. I have seen people applying makeup too soon after moisturizer which can cause it to slide off.
- A little goes a long way. Some have the notion of applying too much moisturizer if they have dry skin but don’t realize it creates a slippery base, making it difficult for makeup to stay put.
What to keep in mind while choosing moisturizer?
Choosing the right moisturizer for your skin type is important if you want your foundation to work well to avoid your base looking patchy or oily. Let’s explore the types of moisturizers and how they work under makeup.
1. Gel Moisturizers:
Best for: Oily, acne-prone, or combination skin
Gel moisturizers are water-based, lightweight, and quick-absorbing, making them perfect for oily or combination skin types. They provide just enough hydration without feeling greasy or clogging pores. Their refreshing texture is ideal for layering under makeup, as it dries quickly and leaves the skin smooth. I swear by Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel and Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator.
2. Cream Moisturizers:
Best for: Dry and sensitive skin
Cream moisturizers are richer and thicker than gels, and designed to provide deeper hydration. They’re great for dry or flaky skin as they create a smooth base that prevents the foundation from clinging to dry patches. Just be sure to give your skin a few minutes to absorb the cream before applying makeup. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream and La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer are goto moisturizers for dry skin.
3. Lotion Moisturizers:
Best for: Normal and combination skin
Lotions strike a balance between gels and creams, offering hydration without being too heavy or too light. They work well on normal and combination skin, providing just the right amount of moisture without overwhelming the skin. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion and Olay Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer work well if you like lightweight moisturizers.
4. Oil-Free Moisturizers:
Best for: Oily and acne-prone skin
If your skin is oily, an oil-free moisturizer is your best friend. These formulas are designed to hydrate without contributing to excess oil production. They typically contain humectants like hyaluronic acid, which attract water to the skin without adding any greasiness. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream is one of the best out there in the market.
5. Priming Moisturizers:
Best for: All skin types, depending on formula
Some moisturizers double as primers, offering the hydration of a moisturizer along with the pore-blurring or mattifying benefits of a primer. These products are particularly useful for simplifying your routine or when you want your makeup to last extra long. Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré and Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base are my tried and tested options for myself or my clients.
FAQs:
How often should I moisturize my face?
Moisturizing is necessary every time you wash your face otherwise your face becomes dry. Makeup on such skin won’t apply correctly.
Are gel-based moisturizers suitable for dry skin?
There are a few gel-based moisturizers that work great for dry skin, especially before makeup application. I don’t suggest you use gel moisturizers in your Morning and Night skincare routine.
Also Read:
Do you know the importance of Ghee in the Skincare Routine?
How to choose the right type of Sunscreen? Stick, Spray, or Lotion?
The correct order you should follow for the Skincare Steps Routine!
