This is why celebrity makeup artist Sarah Uslan founded LULA, a new botanical-based skin-care brand that helps to nourish and prepare your skin for a more seamless makeup application. “I’ve always believed a radiant complexion starts with your prep and care ritual,” says Uslan. Scroll down for three skin-care tips that will help smooth out your routine.
1. Strengthening your skin barrier can prevent clogged pores
Brands like LULA make it their purpose to help you protect your skin barrier before you apply your makeup. “My goal is always to prep the skin in a way to get it to a place where less makeup has to be used to create a look,” says Uslan. “Over time, using thick layers of makeup can cause clog pores and damage the skin.” However, by priming skin first with the skin care that it needs, you can strengthen the barrier for foundation, concealer, and the like. “Assessing the skin and applying skin care before you apply makeup not only helps skin’s health but it helps you decide which makeup application direction to go in,” she says. This brings us to…
2. Addressing your skin type can make your makeup last longer
That said, “skin care is not a one-size-fits-all solution,” says Uslan. To make sure your makeup lasts all day and goes on smoothly, each individual’s skin care needs have to be addressed to determine the best course of action for prep.
Drier skin
“If you have dry skin and apply makeup without any sort of skin prep or nourishment, the makeup will adhere to the dry patches, making the makeup look obvious,” she says. To make it appear more skin-like, she says to prep the complexion with “a moisturizing base,” which the makeup can mix with on skin and look more natural.
Oilier skin
Alternatively, says Uslan, “if I am working with a client who has oily skin, I’ll use a simple Evian spray and cotton ball to remove excess sebum and apply a light moisturizer to help extend the longevity of the makeup.”
3. Skin care isn’t limited to your face
With so many products on the market to take care of your face, it’s easy to forget that the rest of your body needs a little TLC too. “For a final glowing finish,” Uslan recommends using a body lotion or oil on your arms, legs, shoulders, neck, and hands to complete the full look and keep your skin hydrated all day long.
6 products to shop to prep your skin before makeup
Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas — $52.00
This oil-free, lightweight primer is silky smooth and helps protect your skin from environmental pollutants, clogged pores, and keeps makeup on all day while not irritating your skin. Uslan says she reaches for it when she needs, “a bit more grip…before foundation.”
Oh hi! You look like someone who loves free workouts, discounts for cutting-edge wellness brands, and exclusive Well+Good content. Sign up for Well+, our online community of wellness insiders, and unlock your rewards instantly.
Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission.