Want your makeup to last all day? The secret isn't just about the products you use, it's about how you prep your skin. A flawless, long-lasting makeup look starts with a healthy, well-prepped canvas. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps to ensure your makeup stays put and looks its best from morning till night.

Why Skin Prep Matters for Makeup Longevity

Think of your skin as the foundation for your makeup. Just like a building needs a solid base, your makeup needs a smooth, hydrated, and even surface to adhere to properly. Without proper preparation, your makeup can look cakey, patchy, or fade quickly. Prepping your skin helps:

• Create a smooth canvas: Minimizing texture and unevenness allows for smoother application and prevents makeup from settling into fine lines or pores.

• Hydrate the skin: Hydrated skin plumps up, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and preventing makeup from looking dry or patchy. It also prevents your skin from absorbing all the moisture from your foundation, which can lead to it looking cakey.

• Control oil: Oily skin can cause makeup to slip and slide. Proper preparation helps regulate oil production and create a matte base for your makeup to adhere to.

• Improve makeup longevity: A well-prepped base allows your makeup to last longer without needing touch-ups.

• Prevent breakouts: Clean, hydrated skin is less prone to breakouts. Prepping your skin removes impurities and creates a barrier between your skin and makeup, reducing the risk of clogged pores.

The Ultimate Skin Prep Routine for Long-Lasting Makeup

Follow these steps for a flawless and long-lasting makeup look:

1. Cleanse: Start with a clean canvas. Use a gentle cleanser suited to your skin type to remove dirt, oil, and any traces of previous makeup. Double cleansing (using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser) can be beneficial, especially if you wear heavy makeup regularly.

2. Exfoliate (1-2 times a week): Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, revealing smoother and brighter skin. Choose a gentle scrub, chemical exfoliant (like AHA or BHA), or a konjac sponge. Avoid over-exfoliating, as this can irritate your skin. Exfoliation is best done a few times a week, not daily.

3. Tone: Toner helps balance your skin's pH and prepares it for the next steps. Choose an alcohol-free toner that suits your skin type. Toners can also help remove any remaining impurities after cleansing like the Omaricode Melt Away Cleansing Water

4. Serum (Optional but Recommended): Serums are concentrated treatments that target specific skin concerns, such as hydration, brightening, or anti-aging. The Omaricode Bedew Serum is a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid. Choose a serum that addresses your individual needs. Allow the serum to fully absorb into your skin before moving on to the next step.

5. Moisturize: Hydration is key for long-lasting makeup. Use a moisturizer that's appropriate for your skin type. Oily skin still needs moisture; opt for a lightweight, oil-free formula. Dry skin will benefit from a richer, more hydrating cream.A moisturizer that works for all skin type is perfect like the Omaricode Moisture Maximizer. It can serves as a moisturizer and a primer. Let your moisturizer fully absorb before applying makeup.

6. Eye Cream: The delicate skin around your eyes needs special attention. Use a hydrating eye cream to prevent concealer from creasing or looking cakey.

7. Primer: Primer is a crucial step for long-lasting makeup. It creates a barrier between your skin and your makeup, helping it adhere better and last longer. Choose a primer based on your skin type and needs. There are primers for minimizing pores, controlling oil, adding radiance, and more. The Matte 0’Clock Primer and the Skin Canvas primer with SPF 30 are holy grails for a long lasting makeup look. 

8. Sunscreen (Daytime only): Protecting your skin from the sun is essential, even on cloudy days. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher as the final step in your skincare routine before applying makeup. Let it absorb fully before applying your makeup.

Tips for Different Skin Types:

• Oily Skin: Focus on oil-control products. Use a mattifying primer and consider using a setting powder throughout the day.

• Dry Skin: Prioritize hydration. Use a rich moisturizer and hydrating primer. Avoid powder-based products, which can accentuate dryness.

• Combination Skin: Address both oily and dry areas. Use a mattifying primer on oily areas and a hydrating primer on dry areas.

• Sensitive Skin: Choose gentle, fragrance-free products. Patch test new products before using them on your face.

Makeup Application Tips for Longevity:

• Apply thin layers: Build coverage gradually with thin layers of foundation and concealer. This prevents makeup from looking cakey.

• Use a damp sponge or brush: This can help create a more natural and seamless finish.

• Set your makeup: Use a translucent setting powder to set your foundation and concealer. This helps prevent it from moving throughout the day.

• Use a setting spray: A setting spray can help lock your makeup in place and increase its longevity.

Key Takeaways:

• Skin prep is the foundation for long-lasting makeup.

• Cleanse, exfoliate, tone, moisturize, and prime your skin before applying makeup.

• Choose products that are appropriate for your skin type.

• Apply makeup in thin layers and set it with powder and setting spray.

By following these tips, you can create a flawless and long-lasting makeup look that will stay put all day (and night!).