Pre-Makeup Secrets: 5 Must-Have Skincare Steps for a Flawless Glow!

So many of us use makeup regularly, but the pre-game is often overlooked. This prep work isn't just about making your makeup look better today; it's about preventing clogged pores, uneven texture, and those pesky fine lines that seem to pop up out of nowhere Instant beauty and long-term skin health are both beneficial.
Pre-Makeup Skincare: Setting the Scene for Gorgeous Makeup
Inspired by some excellent advice I came across on Ruchita Ghag's Instagram, we have included five crucial elements for a genuinely successful pre-makeup skincare regimen. Trust me, they aren't just extra steps; they're essential for a flawless makeup look and healthy, happy skin. Are you avoiding them? Makeup may settle into lines, draw attention to flaws, and generally not look as well as it could.
Taking Care of the Delicate Under-Eyes: The skin around our eyes is super delicate – it's where we often see the first signs of aging, like dryness, creasing, and dark circles. A good eye serum, applied before makeup, is like a drink of water for this area. It hydrates, plumps, and creates a smooth base for concealer, making those under-eye issues less noticeable.
Ruchita Ghag recommends using a serum with glycolic acid, which is great for hydrating and prepping the skin. It also helps with cell turnover, which means smoother, brighter skin over time.(Photo courtesy: Instagram @ruchita.ghag)
Boosting Hydration and Protection: After your eye serum, it's time for a face serum. This is where you deliver some serious skincare benefits. Serums are packed with concentrated ingredients that target specific concerns, but they also provide a boost of hydration and create a protective layer between your skin and your makeup. This helps prevent irritation and breakouts.
For a real treat, look for a serum with mandarin and vitamin C. These ingredients are like a power-up for your skin: antioxidants to fight damage, brightening properties for a healthy glow, and a boost for collagen production, which keeps skin looking firm and youthful.
Locking in the Goodness: Facial oil is a game-changer, especially if you have dry skin. It locks in all the hydration from your serum and moisturizer and creates a protective barrier against environmental stressors like pollution and dry air. Think of it as a sealant for your skincare.
While serums target specific issues, oils are more about overall nourishment and hydration. Using both gives you the best of both worlds. It also prevents your makeup from looking cakey or patchy, which is always a plus.
The Hydration Foundation: No skincare routine is complete without a good moisturizer. It's essential for keeping your skin hydrated, supporting its natural barrier, and minimizing the appearance of fine lines. It's the foundation of healthy-looking skin.
I recommend a lightweight, gel-based moisturizer with niacinamide or rice water. These ingredients are great for controlling oil and brightening the skin, making it an ideal base for makeup.
Your Daily Shield: This is non-negotiable: sunscreen, every single day. It protects your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays, which are the main culprits behind premature aging, hyperpigmentation (like dark spots), and even skin cancer. It's the ultimate anti-aging secret weapon.
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and apply it generously to all exposed skin. Make this the last step in your pre-makeup routine, even on cloudy days.
By making these five steps a regular part of your routine, you're not just making your makeup look better today; you're investing in the long-term health and beauty of your skin. It's about feeling confident and comfortable in your skin, with or without makeup.