How to prepare your skin for your professional makeup application
When it comes to your wedding day, having flawless and radiant skin is essential for achieving that beautiful, glowing bridal look. However, makeup can not accomplish the smooth “lit from within” complexion on its own! The fact of the matter is, your makeup application will only be as good as the skin you are starting with. So prepping your skin properly (as well as implementing a comprehensive and consistent skincare routine in the weeks leading up to your big event) is KEY.
CLEANSING
I’m sure you’re thinking “Well OBVIOUSLY.” But hear me out. Having skin that is clean but not STRIPPED is so important.
First of all, is your skin REALLY clean? Are you truly removing all the oil and sebum from your pores, or are you just doing the bare minimum (ie - lying in bed and rubbing a makeup remover wipe over your face before passing out?)
Here’s what I recommend. First, remove your stubborn eye makeup with an eye makeup remover. Something like Neutrogena’s oil free eye makeup remover or a simple Micellar Water is just fine. If you wear waterproof mascara or eyeliner, I’m especially talking to you! I can’t tell you how many clients get in my chair thinking they have clean skin that actually have days worth of eyeliner and mascara clinging on for ear life all around their lash line.
Second, we are going to do a double cleanse. The first pass is to get all your makeup off, and I’m actually a big fan of oil cleansing for this (Limelife’s Midnight Oil cleanser is a great one!). Then, I want you to do a SECOND cleanse to make sure your skin is truly clean. But please use a gentle cleanser - nothing harsh that will strip all the oil out of your skin (just say no to sulfates!). I like Limelife’s Dream Clean for normal to oily skin and Quench Cleanse for drier skin types.
And yes, you need to cleanse twice a day! But that mornign cleanse can just be a quick pass with your cleanser. But on the days you wear makeup, do the 3-step process outlined above at night before you go to bed.
EXFOLIATING
Do you know what it looks like when you apply foundation and powder to skin that has patches of dry, dead skin all over it? Well, I’ll tell you - it doesn’t look great. So let’s get rid of it shall we? Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells, revealing the smoother, brighter skin beneath. It is important to use a gentle exfoliating product that is appropriate for your skin type and that doesn’t over dry the skin. I recommended exfoliating once or twice a week. Yes, that’s all! Because OVER-exfoliating is as much of a problem, maybe even more-so, than skin that’s un-exfoliated. Your makeup will fave a scaly look to it, and will often slide around your face if you are exfoliating too often or with too harsh of prodcuts. Check your daily cleansers and toners. If they are scrubby, or if they include any ingredient with the word “acid” or contain retinol / retinoids - those are not daily products! Those are once a week products!
What are my favorite exfoliating products? I absolutely love the Limelife Glowing Green toner pads that contain lactic acid! I’m also a big fan of dermaplaning which both exfoliates and gets rid of all the peach fuzz - but recommend doing this 3-5 days prior to your makeup appointment.
SERUMS
There are a wide variety of facial serums available to target specific skin needs. They are designed to be used after cleansing and before moisturizer, and that are formulated to deliver concentrated doses of active ingredients to the skin. There are different kinds of facial serums available on the market that cater to different skin types and concerns. Hydrating serums, for example, contain humectants like hyaluronic acid to boost skin's moisture levels, while anti-aging serums are formulated with ingredients like retinol and vitamin C to target fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. Brightening serums contain ingredients like vitamin C and kojic acid to even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots, while calming serums with ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile soothe and hydrate sensitive or irritated skin. Additionally, there are also oil-based serums that provide nourishment and hydration to dry or mature skin, and lightweight, non-comedogenic serums that cater to acne-prone skin. Serums are an optional step, but personally I’m a big fan of them and specifically a hylauronic acid serum can really help your skin look extra hydrated and glowy for your makeup application!
MOISTURIZER
Moisturizing is also crucial for achieving that beautiful, glowing bridal look. Moisturizers help to hydrate and nourish the skin, keeping it supple and smooth. It's essential to use a moisturizer that is appropriate for your skin type, whether it is oily, dry or sensitive. You should aim to moisturize your skin at least twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. Personally, I like using a light moisturizer in the morning (Limelife Skin Therapy is my go-to) and a richer, creamier moisturizer in the evening (like Limelife Green Smoothie).
MASKS
Face masks help to detoxify, hydrate, and rejuvenate the skin. Like serums, there are various types of facial masks available on the market that cater to different skin types and concerns. Clay masks, for example, are ideal for oily or acne-prone skin as they contain ingredients like kaolin, bentonite, and charcoal that absorb excess oil and draw out impurities. Sheet masks, on the other hand, are a great way to deliver hydration and nourishment to the skin as they are saturated with serum and packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Cream masks are great for dry or mature skin as they contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and squalane that provide intense hydration and help to plump up the skin. Gel masks, which have a cooling and soothing effect on the skin, are perfect for sensitive or irritated skin as they contain ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile that help to calm and reduce redness. Lastly, exfoliating masks contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), or enzymes that help to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and brighten the complexion. You should aim to use face masks once or twice a week.
In conclusion, implementing a consistent and effective skin care routine is crucial for achieving that beautiful, glowing bridal look. It is important to start your skin care routine as early as possible, ideally six to twelve months in advance. But at minimum, making sure your skin is properly cleansed, exfoliated, hydrated and moisturized the day of your appointment will help your makeup application look as good as it possibly can!