How to prep your skin before makeup
Good skin prep is simple: cleanse, hydrate, then prime. Those three steps give makeup a smooth, settled surface to grip, which is exactly why a well-prepped face looks better in photos and lasts far longer through the day.
Why prep decides how your makeup looks
Makeup can only sit as well as the skin underneath it. On dry or flaky skin, foundation clings to rough patches and looks patchy; on un-hydrated skin it can slide and break down within hours. When the skin is clean, properly hydrated and primed, the base has something even to hold onto — so it stays smooth, even and photo-ready for far longer. This is the first thing I do on every client, whether it’s a bridal makeup booking or a quick event look.
The three-step routine I use on everyone
You can do this yourself before I arrive, or I’ll do it at the start of your appointment. Either way, the order matters.
| Step | What to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Cleanse | Wash with a gentle cleanser, pat dry | Removes oil and grime so product grips, not slides |
| Hydrate | Light moisturiser suited to your skin, let it absorb | Plumps the skin so foundation sits even, not patchy |
| Prime | A thin layer of primer over moisturiser | Creates a grippy, smooth surface for long wear |
Let each layer absorb for a minute before the next. Rushing this is the most common reason makeup pills or separates.
Prep by skin type
One routine does not suit everyone, so match the products to your skin:
- Dry skin: a richer moisturiser and a hydrating primer. Exfoliate gently two days before to lift flakes.
- Oily skin: a light, oil-free moisturiser (never skip it) and a mattifying primer through the T-zone.
- Combination skin: hydrate all over, then mattify only the oily areas.
- Sensitive or mature skin: keep it simple and fragrance-free; well-hydrated skin always photographs better.
What to do in the week before
A little planning makes the day-of prep work much harder:
- Moisturise morning and night so skin isn’t drinking up product on the day.
- Exfoliate gently two to three days out — never the morning of, as it can leave skin red.
- Drink plenty of water and ease off salty food the night before to reduce puffiness.
- Skip brand-new skincare in the final week, so there are no surprise reactions.
- Arrive with a clean, moisturised, makeup-free face for your appointment.
Day-of prep, especially in the Perth heat
On the morning, cleanse and hydrate fresh — old, half-absorbed product from the night before is a common culprit behind makeup that won’t sit. Let everything settle, then I prime and begin. For a warm, long day, this calm, well-prepped base is what holds a look together from morning through to evening, whether you’re getting ready in Fremantle or heading out for a ceremony in the Swan Valley.
As a mobile artist I bring the full prep kit to you, so if you’re short on time I’ll handle every step. But the better your skin is looked after in the lead-up, the better the result — prep really is half the work. Bridal makeup starts from $150, and a travel fee may apply depending on your location.
