Base Series – Prep and Prime

Base series – Prep

It’s common to think that the foundation is what lays down the perfect base to work off when it comes to a full face routine. However, the key to a good makeup application is most definitely the prep of the skin.

Here are my top 5 prep and prime tips to help achieve a flawless overall makeup application.

Double cleansing 

A double cleanse is an ideal way to make sure your skin is clean and to avoid product build-up.

I recommend formulas that melt away makeup as your first step and a deeper cleanser to really get into your skin after the first cleanse.

from €30

Exfoliation and toning 

Using astringent products like glycolic acid or rose waters will help neutralise the skin after a cleanse and also help to turnover skin cells, leaving your skin texture in optimum condition for products to be applied.

A lip scrub is also ideal to prep the lips and avoid a flaky result!

from €28

Moisturising 

This is my ultimate tip! If your skin is not hydrated it will affect the outcome of your makeup by lessening longevity and resulting in a possible flaky (if dry) or over oily (if combination) skin finish. A great all-rounder for the majority of skin types is The Embryolisse Moisturiser which will hydrate and lay the perfect base for makeup application

from €25

Priming

Not everyone needs a primer, your moisturiser can act as this, I don’t use a specific primer for my everyday makeup, but certain skin concerns or type of makeup being applied (for example a very long event like a wedding) will benefit from using a certain formula to correct some skin conditions and extend makeup longevity.

My favourites to use for everyone are:

from €32

from €10

from €47

Eye priming

Contrary to my last point, I do always prime the eye area because it’s the most delicate and oily part of the face, if you find your eye products crease and smudge after a short time, the below will fix this for you! A little goes a long way with these products.

from €25

from €20

from €18

Pro Tip

Always massage your moisturiser well into the skin to encourage blood flow and a plumping effect!

Kim Kiernan

Makeup Artist & Beauty Columnist

Kim provides professional makeup services in Malta for any occasion, working in all areas of makeup including Bridal, photographic, television, film and special effects as well as teaching makeup lessons one to one and to groups. With over 10 years experience, Kim has worked with the biggest and most sought after brands in the industry, internationally with MAC, Smashbox and Estee Lauder in Dublin and Toronto and most recently, heading the MAC Cosmetics brand in it's launch in Malta.