Let's get real: no matter how amazing your foundation is, it won't look flawless if the skin underneath isn't in prime condition. That may sound odd since makeup is supposed to cover imperfections, but foundation is designed to even out tone and blur spots—it struggles when it hits dry patches, rough texture, or enlarged pores. “It’s rare to find a face without at least one of these concerns, so know you’re not alone!” says celebrity makeup artist Katey Denno, who has perfected countless Hollywood complexions, including those of Felicity Jones and Amber Heard.
Think of your skin as a painter's canvas—a smooth, even surface gives the best color payoff. For foundation, balanced skin makes application easy and delivers the most natural-looking finish.
Ready for red carpet-worthy perfection? Follow Denno's pro tips below to prep your skin like a pro.
Smooth the Surface
Exfoliation works wonders because it tackles two common foundation foes: flakes and pores. According to Denno, foundation clings to uneven texture, so dry, scaly patches and large pores make makeup look obvious. Exfoliating sloughs off dead skin cells that stick to the skin's surface and clog pores. She recommends gentle methods like using a soft muslin cloth in the shower or an at-home fruit acid peel such as Blithe Patting Splash Mask – Soothing Green Tea or Yellow Citrus & Honey, $45 each. Just splash a capful on your face, wait 15 seconds, rinse with water, and you'll have soft, makeup-ready skin. Not sure which to pick? Go with the green tea version (contains decongesting tea tree oil) if your skin is oily or breakout-prone; choose the citrus-and-honey formula if your skin is dry or sensitive—it soothes and brightens.
Create a Barrier
Clear pores are awesome… until they inevitably fill back up with oil, dirt, and sweat. Bummer. But there's a solution! Try the new Blithe InBetween Makeup Prep Essence, $38, an innovative formula that hydrates and strengthens skin with ceramides and tomato leaf extract, while also forming a protective layer that keeps makeup (and microscopic nasties like dust, smoke, and pollutants) from settling into pores and causing trouble. When used before a priming cream, this little gem gives you a double dose of perfect makeup prep.
Invest in the Power of Primer
Makeup primers might seem like an unnecessary extra step, but makeup artists have long known how crucial they are for smooth foundation application and keeping makeup from slipping off as the day goes on. “Primers can be the saving grace for so many skin issues,” explains Denno. The right one brings out the best in both your skin and makeup. Look for formulas like the creams from our favorite new skincare-makeup primer hybrid line, Blithe InBetween, which blend skin-loving ingredients with foundation-saving, instant-smoothing properties to target specific concerns. To boost radiance and hydration, choose the Hydro Priming Cream, $45, with free radical-fighting probiotics and a special fermented extract called bifida ferment. To counter dullness and keep skin dewy all day, the Instant Glowing Cream, $45, with moisture-attracting glycerin and reparative niacinamide is perfect. If allover blurring is your goal, try the Tone Correcting Cream, $45, packed with redness-reducing and dark-spot-evening shea butter and lavender oil. Use these as your final step before foundation after the essence to repair, protect, and create a silky-smooth finish that makes foundation last and last.
Try a Moisture Shot
Attempting to blend foundation over dry, parched skin is like trying to spread butter on well-done toast. Just like those crumbs, dead skin cells will pill and ball up under makeup. Get some moisture, stat! “It’s just like how nutritionists say once you’re actually thirsty, you’re already dehydrated,” says Denno. And “once you can see visible signs of dryness on your skin, you’re in desperate need of hydration.” She's a fan of hyaluronic acid masks for infusing moisture into deep skin layers. Our pick: The Gesgep Preparing Mask, $6, which combines two fast-acting, skin-transforming ingredients—HA and pearl powder—for an especially effective pre-makeup mix. Apply the bamboo fiber sheet mask about 30 minutes before starting your makeup prep to give your skin a surge of hydration.
Hit the Reset Button
If you notice dry flakes or dehydration lines popping up during the 3PM slump or anytime, an easy fix is a hydrating mist. But not all mists are equal: “I’ve seen [mists] leave little droplet marks on skin that’s been foundationed or powdered, so if you are going to use one, hold it far from your face and make sure the mister is nice and fine,” says Denno. We love the Whamisa Moisturizing Daily Mist, $38, with over 50 percent rose water, plus carrot seed oil and calendula for calming. The cute mini size, $15, is easy to stash in your purse or at your desk so you can literally #misteverywhere.
The best part about all these skincare prep tips? They actually improve your skin over time, so with consistent use, you might find you need less foundation in the future. A natural, glowing complexion so good it doesn't require a ton of makeup? Now, that's a skin win!
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