Just as models do for runway shows and celebrities for red carpets, you should be prepping your skin before an ounce of makeup touches your face. With the proper prep, your makeup will look better and stay on longer—so why not? While holiday parties may be the most timely, big event prep is a must any time of year, so save this one to look back on next time you’re going all out. Plus, these prep steps can be done on your everyday look should you feel inclined. It’s all about getting your skin to look its best so you can feel your best. With expertise from celebrity makeup artists and cosmetic chemistry experts—here’s how to prep your skin for a full-glam look that really hits. On the flip side, if you’re working with a foundation that’s less than spectacular, then your skin prep is the key to taking your base from rags to riches—yes, it’s possible. With modern, clean, skin-loving formulas, makeup can even enhance your skin. All in all, when you have correctly prepped the skin for your big event, the following will happen: If you can, get a good night of sleep before your big event. “Looking well rested is the best skin prep you can do,” cosmetic chemistry expert and product developer Charlene Valledor tells mbg. While you’re sleeping, load up on topical hydration as well via a sleep mask. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera, shea butter, and botanical oils like squalene and marula to lock in hydration. If you’re ready to buy, this Youth to the People Dream Mask is an easy winner. Try your best to avoid using potentially irritating products like retinol and potent exfoliants the night before. Even if you’ve used them in the past, it’s not worth risking a random bout of redness or even retinol-induced dermatitis. Doing so will help to depuff the face and tighten the skin, creating a pristine canvas for your makeup. Be sure to use clean ice globes if you choose that route, and only keep your face dunked for 30 seconds if you’re opting for the latter. If ice just isn’t your thing, you can also use a gua sha to encourage lymphatic drainage and depuff the skin. Just be sure not to pull too hard on the skin and always use a face oil, as tugging on dry skin may cause irritation and redness. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, which means it will pull that residual water into the skin. The result? A plump and juicy complexion. This will also help to keep the skin hydrated throughout the day and avoid peeling and dryness under your makeup. You can find our top pick moisturizers here if you need to re-up. If you’re going to a daytime event, then SPF is essential—but opt for a lighter one. “When wearing makeup products that contain a high SPF, you’re more likely to experience flashbacks in a photo,” celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg explains. If at all possible, avoid direct sunlight when you’re out and about. This will help prevent sun damage while your skin is more vulnerable without a full SPF. Or, if you’re prone to burn, bring a powder SPF to dab over the top of your makeup just in case. “The Rituel de Fill Thorn Oil Facial Elixir is the perfect makeup priming oil as it creates an unparalleled base for your makeup application,” she notes—more info on this oil to follow. Gilleo recommends using thinner oils like squalene and opting out of thick oils like coconut: “Coconut oil can clog your pores and break down your foundation,” she adds. However, if you have oily skin or find that your makeup naturally slips and slides throughout the day, then a face oil may not be the best choice. “This prevents your makeup from looking streaky or splotchy and allows your skin care to work its magic,” she adds. In the meantime, get your makeup set up, prep your hairstyle, etc. Now, determining which products have which base isn’t an easy task. For a quick tip, check out this story or Ford’s TikTok breakdown. Going the extra mile and making sure your products are compatible will help prevent pilling, Ford notes. “It’s a great noninvasive way to contour the face especially around the cheekbones and jawline,” she says. Be sure to complete this step before the rest of your skin care—here are our top picks for microcurrent devices if you’re ready to invest. However, there are microcurrent facials out there, too. If you want to learn the ins and outs of these treatments, check out this breakdown of the benefits. For a more budget-friendly option, pick up a pack of electrolyte powders like these from Liquid IV. Mix these powders into your water for a few days leading up to the event and the day of. While these are more short-term solutions, you’ll want to hydrate internally year-round. Look for beauty and skin supplements that prioritize antioxidants and hydrating ingredients, like phytoceramides and hyaluronic acid.
