Skin Prep Prior to Makeup

Jan 6, 2012

Maria O.

I have come to find out that many aspiring MUAs do not do any skin prep prior to makeup application besides primer. I cleanse the face with makeup remover, then with makeup wipes, apply toner with a cotton round, apply eye cream, face cream, more than one primer, eye shadow primer. (If I can, then I also have the model exfoliate. For models with extra dry skin, I massage the face with argan oil.) Sure, this takes a bit more time but saves me time in the long run because I rarely have to touch up the face even during long shoots that last hours. Also, this leaves skin supple and radiant. What do you do to prep the skin prior to makeup application for photo shoots or on set? What works for you?

Jan 6, 2012

Maria O.

I agree with you Jacqueline. I try my best to work quickly and efficiently during fashion shows. I always prepare my brides skin to the fullest. After the bridal trial, I give them my recommendations on a skin care regimen they can follow if they dont have one already. I try to give them tips and pointers on things to avoid and added once a week treatments they can do to ensure the best possible skin for their grand day.

Jan 6, 2012

Maria O.

Andrew, I absolutely love Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre! It is a definite staple in my MUA kit. I use it on the vast majority of my clients, escpecially those with dry skin. I use it on myself as a night cream. I haven't tried the Eve Pearl Priming Moisturizer but one of my friends speaks wonders of it. I must give it a try.

Jan 7, 2012

Michell J.

I agree that it's important to properly prep client. After all it gives better results to your work, which essentially is your reputation and name. If pressed for time, I just take an astringent on a cotton swab, do a quick pass to remove anything, and then moisturize. I don't care what's going on, I make sure I do that to preserve the whole point as to why I was hired. Taking shortcuts only hurts our industry as a whole. Gotta weed out the ones that don't take their craft seriously.

Jan 8, 2012

Maria O.

Michell J. I totally agree with you. I am always re-booked because I leave skin supple and youthful looking. I am a quick yet efficient mua and have managed to do all my skin prep with every client, model etc. I work in NYC and have done numerous runways and makeup for shoots where time is of the essence but still incorporate my skin care prep prior to makeup. Its always a blessing when the other MUAs need to retouch and reapply makeup and my model still looks good. 80) 

Jan 8, 2012

Danielle D.

Hey, I always ask my client to cleanse her face prior to the makeup application and rinse with cold water, then i use a toner, light moisturizer, face primer and eye primer. I do hate when clients have bad skin care habits though, it really messes up the outcome of what could have been totally amazing lol

Feb 6, 2012

Jaimi-lee S.

Maria O. i was wondering what products you use for each step of your skin prep? Like what makeup remover,wipes,toner,eye cream,face cream, and exfoliater ...Your help would be sooooooo much help :D

Feb 11, 2012

Maria O.

@kimberly- it just takes practice. I am pretty quick at doing makeup. I feel that the more you practice the faster you will become. Skipping skin prep is never a good idea because your results will not be the same. I rarely ever take an hour to do makeup. It depends on the type of makeup look I am doing, if it is for a model, mature woman, all has to do with the location, event, etc. Makeup + skin prep= takes me about half hour.

Feb 11, 2012

Maria O.

@Jaimi-lee- depends on the client, makeup look and event I am doing makeup for. I generally always use: Cover FX cleanser (no water necessary), Say Yes Makeup remover wipes or Sephora collection wipes, Witch Hazel to tone or Caudalie Elixir, Evian Water Spray, then Benefit Its Potent Eye Cream, Embryolisse Le Creme Concentre, or Murad Oil Control Mattiffier, either Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Primer or a combo of either: Cover FX Brightening Primer, Anti-Acne Primer, Smashbox Original. For eyes I use Lorac Behind the Scenes eye shadow primer or Urban Decay. (If I do have them exfoliate lips- I use Smashbox, for face: Lorac Exfoliator)

Feb 13, 2012

Anna W.

@Mandy K, sooooo many people will lie to you about that! I never say anything, but the proof is on the wipe. :)

Mar 5, 2012

Heather C.

This is wonderful advice Maria. I already clean the face, but after reading this, I feel it was never as thorough. Just a cleansing wipe and toner. But now, I will be taking all this advice and applying to my own routines. Thank you so much.