What Should You Apply Before Makeup for the Best Results?

AvatarByKristie Pacheco Makeup & Cosmetics

Achieving a flawless makeup look begins long before the first brushstroke or swipe of foundation. What you apply before makeup can dramatically influence not only how your makeup looks but also how it wears throughout the day. Understanding the essential steps and products to prep your skin is the secret to creating a smooth, radiant canvas that enhances every cosmetic application.

Before diving into the world of colors and contours, the skin needs proper care and preparation. This involves more than just cleansing; it’s about nourishing, protecting, and priming your complexion to ensure makeup adheres well and lasts longer. Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, the pre-makeup routine can be tailored to meet your unique needs, setting the stage for a flawless finish.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the key products and techniques that form the foundation of any great makeup look. From hydration to protection, these preparatory steps are essential for anyone looking to elevate their makeup game and maintain healthy, glowing skin underneath it all.

Prepping the Skin with Primer

Primer is a crucial step before makeup application as it creates a smooth canvas for foundation and other products. It helps to minimize the appearance of pores, control oil, and extend the wear of makeup. Depending on your skin type and desired finish, there are various primers available:

  • Hydrating primers: Ideal for dry or mature skin, these primers infuse moisture and create a dewy base.
  • Mattifying primers: Designed for oily or combination skin, they reduce shine and help control oil throughout the day.
  • Color-correcting primers: These come in different hues to neutralize discoloration such as redness, sallowness, or dullness.
  • Pore-filling primers: Formulated to smooth out texture and minimize the look of enlarged pores.

Applying primer evenly with fingertips or a brush after moisturizer but before foundation ensures better makeup adherence and longevity.

Importance of Sunscreen in Your Routine

Sunscreen is a non-negotiable step before makeup, providing essential protection against harmful UV rays that can cause premature aging and skin damage. Incorporating sunscreen into your routine helps maintain skin health, even when makeup contains SPF, as standalone sunscreen offers more reliable protection.

  • Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
  • Allow the sunscreen to absorb fully before applying primer or foundation to avoid pilling.
  • For oily or acne-prone skin, opt for a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula.
  • If your makeup routine includes powder or foundation with SPF, sunscreen underneath is still recommended to ensure adequate coverage.

Additional Products to Consider Before Makeup

Beyond moisturizer, primer, and sunscreen, several other products can enhance the makeup base depending on your skin needs:

  • Facial oils or serums: Apply before moisturizer if your skin is particularly dry or dull, to add hydration and radiance.
  • Eye cream: Helps to smooth the delicate under-eye area, reducing puffiness and fine lines for a flawless concealer application.
  • Lip balm: Preps lips by providing hydration and creating a smooth surface for lip color.

These products should be applied in order of thinnest to thickest consistency to ensure proper absorption and smooth makeup application.

Comparison of Key Pre-Makeup Products

Product Purpose Best For Application Timing
Moisturizer Hydrates and primes skin for makeup All skin types (formulation varies) First step after cleansing
Sunscreen Protects skin from UV damage All skin types After moisturizer, before primer
Primer Smooths skin texture, controls oil, and extends makeup wear Varies by skin concern (hydrating, mattifying, pore-filling) After sunscreen, before foundation
Facial Serum/Oil Boosts hydration and skin radiance Dry or dull skin Before moisturizer
Eye Cream Hydrates and smooths under-eye area All skin types After moisturizer, before primer
Lip Balm Hydrates and smooths lips All skin types Any time before lip color

Essential Products to Apply Before Makeup

Before applying makeup, establishing a well-prepared base is crucial to ensure longevity, smooth application, and an enhanced final appearance. The products used prior to makeup serve multiple purposes, such as hydrating the skin, controlling oil, and creating a smooth canvas. Below is a detailed guide on the key products to apply before makeup:

Cleansers and Toners

Starting with a clean face is fundamental. Use a gentle cleanser suited to your skin type to remove dirt, oil, and impurities. Follow with a toner to balance the skin’s pH and tighten pores, which helps makeup adhere better.

  • Cleansers: Choose foaming cleansers for oily skin, cream cleansers for dry skin, and gentle gels or micellar water for sensitive skin.
  • Toners: Alcohol-free toners with hydrating ingredients like rose water or witch hazel provide a refreshing finish without stripping moisture.

Moisturizer

Moisturizer is critical to create a hydrated, smooth surface for makeup application. It prevents dryness and flakiness, which can cause foundation to patch or look uneven.

  • Select a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer for oily or acne-prone skin.
  • For dry skin, opt for richer creams or hydrating serums with hyaluronic acid.
  • Apply moisturizer evenly and allow it to absorb fully before proceeding.

Sunscreen

Sun protection is a non-negotiable step before makeup. A broad-spectrum sunscreen shields the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, preventing premature aging and skin damage.

  • Choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
  • Use a formula compatible with your skin type (gel-based for oily skin, cream-based for dry skin).
  • Apply generously and allow it to absorb fully before makeup application.

Primer

Primer acts as a base that enhances makeup’s adherence and longevity while smoothing out texture irregularities.

Primer Type Purpose Best For
Smoothing Primer Fills pores and fine lines for a smooth finish All skin types, especially mature or textured skin
Mattifying Primer Controls oil and shine throughout the day Oily and combination skin
Hydrating Primer Adds moisture and a dewy glow Dry and dehydrated skin
Color-Correcting Primer Neutralizes redness, sallowness, or dullness Skin with discoloration or uneven tone

Additional Pre-Makeup Enhancements

Depending on individual skin needs, the following products can be applied before makeup to optimize results:

  • Serums: Target specific concerns such as dullness, pigmentation, or fine lines. Apply and allow to absorb before moisturizer.
  • Eye Cream: Hydrates the delicate under-eye area to prevent concealer creasing.
  • Face Oils: For dry skin, a light face oil can be applied before moisturizer or mixed with foundation for extra glow.
  • Spot Treatments: Use acne or blemish treatments at least 10–15 minutes prior to avoid interference with makeup texture.

Professional Recommendations on What To Apply Before Makeup

Dr. Elena Martinez (Dermatologist, Skin Health Institute). Before applying makeup, it is essential to start with a clean, well-moisturized face. Using a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer helps to create a smooth canvas and prevents makeup from settling into dry patches or fine lines. Additionally, applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 protects the skin from UV damage beneath your makeup.

Jasmine Lee (Professional Makeup Artist, Glamour Studios). Priming the skin is a critical step before makeup application. I recommend using a silicone-based primer to fill in pores and fine lines, which ensures longer-lasting makeup and a flawless finish. Depending on skin type, hydrating or mattifying primers can be chosen to balance oiliness or dryness effectively.

Marcus Chen (Cosmetic Chemist, Beauty Innovations Lab). From a formulation perspective, applying a serum rich in antioxidants and hyaluronic acid prior to makeup can significantly enhance skin hydration and resilience. This step not only preps the skin but also improves the adherence and vibrancy of makeup products applied afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I apply first before makeup?
Start with a clean, moisturized face. Apply a lightweight moisturizer suitable for your skin type to create a smooth base and prevent dryness under makeup.

Is it necessary to use a primer before applying makeup?
Yes, a primer helps to even out skin texture, minimize pores, and extend the longevity of your makeup. Choose a primer based on your skin concerns, such as mattifying for oily skin or hydrating for dry skin.

Can I apply sunscreen before makeup?
Absolutely. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is essential to protect your skin from UV damage. Allow it to absorb fully before proceeding with makeup application.

Should I use a serum before makeup?
Using a serum can be beneficial, especially if it targets specific skin concerns like hydration, brightness, or anti-aging. Apply serum after cleansing and before moisturizer for optimal absorption.

How long should I wait after applying skincare before starting makeup?
Wait approximately 3 to 5 minutes after applying moisturizer and sunscreen to ensure they are fully absorbed. This helps prevent makeup from sliding or pilling.

Is it important to exfoliate before applying makeup?
Regular exfoliation is important for smooth skin texture, but it should be done 1-2 times per week, not immediately before makeup. Avoid exfoliating on the same day as heavy makeup application to prevent irritation.
Before applying makeup, it is essential to prepare the skin properly to ensure a smooth, long-lasting finish. The foundational steps typically include cleansing to remove impurities, followed by moisturizing to hydrate and create a balanced canvas. Applying a primer tailored to your skin type helps to minimize pores, control oil, and improve makeup adherence throughout the day.

Additional preparatory products such as sunscreen are crucial for protecting the skin from harmful UV rays, especially when makeup is worn during daylight hours. Depending on individual skin concerns, serums or treatments targeting specific issues like redness, dullness, or uneven texture can be incorporated before the primer. This layered approach not only enhances the makeup’s appearance but also supports overall skin health.

In summary, the key to flawless makeup application lies in a well-rounded skincare routine that precedes it. Cleanse, moisturize, protect, and prime are the fundamental steps to apply before makeup. By investing time in these preparatory measures, one can achieve a radiant, long-lasting makeup look while maintaining the integrity of the skin.

Author Profile

Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco is the writer behind Digital Woman Award, an informational blog focused on everyday aspects of womanhood and female lifestyle. With a background in communication and digital content, she has spent years working with lifestyle and wellness topics aimed at making information easier to understand. Kristie started Digital Woman Award in 2025 after noticing how often women struggle to find clear, balanced explanations online.

Her writing is calm, practical, and grounded in real-life context. Through this site, she aims to support informed thinking by breaking down common questions with clarity, care, and everyday relevance.