Have you ever experienced that awkward moment when your makeup starts to peel off? It’s a betrayal with which your flawless makeup goals melt away, too. Feels tragic, but you or your skin is not to blame. So who’s the culprit? This usually happens when your layering makeup and skincare game goes wrong.
Hear this out! It’s not impossible to avoid cakey finish. What could you be missing out on? The secret is in layering makeup and skincare in the proper layering order. If skincare and makeup don’t vibe well together, they pile up, separate or sit awkwardly on the skin.
This is what you can fix simply by layering makeup and skincare in the right order. Today, we’re going to explore how skincare before makeup works. Say goodbye to cracked canvas, and hello to a radiant base that looks like second skin. What comes first? It’s always skincare before makeup. Here’s how you begin with these prep and prime tips.
Routine to Layer Makeup and Skincare
Skincare Night Routine
The night is not the end, but the beginning of a full circle, since you will always come back to skincare at the end of every day. Here’s what you need to do right before you hit the bed.
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Remove Makeup
Sticking to the basics, removing makeup is your first step to smooth and flawless skin. It's more than just washing your face. It removes dirt, oil and leftover products so that your skin can breathe and feel relieved.
Try this effective hack: just like double cleansing, remove your makeup in two phases. The oil phase breaks down heavy makeup layers, and the water phase refreshes and soothes your skin. You can get both formulas in one with our Quick Swipe Bi-Phased Makeup Remover. It’s micellar water-based and has the extract of aloe vera and witch hazel that work together beautifully to leave your skin gently cleansed and totally fresh.
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Exfoliate
This is the step to get rid of what you clearly shouldn’t carry on your skin as you go to sleep — the dead skin cells and dirt. Staying deep in your pores, these impurities and dead layers can be removed with exfoliation.
There are many ways for you to exfoliate. Choose among these and see what works for you:
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Scrub Gel: You can use scrub gels that work across the entire surface of your skin and deeply exfoliate, applied in a thorough and circular massage. They bring out the freshest version of your skin, but make sure to use one that’s not too harsh. The Face & Body Cleansing Scrub Gel unclogs pores and gently exfoliates while keeping your skin soft and supple with moisturisation. Talking of its fragrance, it’s nothing like heavy chemicals but subtly soothing like fruits — naturally sweet and fresh, a feeling you will love to sleep in.
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Face Mask: This is the most relaxing and comfortable exfoliation you could experience. A face mask is beneficial because its active ingredients soothe and penetrate the skin once the dead skin cells have been removed. So simply apply your mask on a clean, fresh face and let it do the trick.
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Nose Strip: You would want to exfoliate your nose with extra care, and for valid reasons. The T-Zone, which includes the nose, is typically oilier and more prone to clogged pores, blackheads and acne than the rest of the face. You need a different approach to exfoliate it.
A nose strip effectively works on that area without overexfoliating the dry and sensitive area. Use one that feels painless while removing, like our Deep Cleanse Nose Strips. It removes gunk clogged in your skin like magic in just three easy steps:
Clean and wet your nose to have the strips adhere better. Press the strip firmly across your nose. Wait 15 minutes until the strip has hardened, then peel it off to reveal your nose with no traces of blackheads, whiteheads, or dirt.
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Hydrate and Nourish
A good 8-hour sleep routine does magic to your health and facial appearance, but your skin will thank you if you nourish it during those hours. A serum is the blessing you’re looking for if you want that luxurious treatment and improved hydration for your skin. Here’s a list of effective serums from Hilary Rhoda you can choose from as per your skin’s needs:
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Tea Tree Mulberry Acne Buster Serum: For an acne and pimple-free skin, formulated with tea tree oil.
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Dandelion & Argan Oil Age-Defying Serum: For reduced wrinkles and fine lines, and a youthful look with boosted collagen and firm yet soft and supple skin.
- Vitamin C & E Brightening Face Serum: For a glowing, brightened and even complexion and reduced sun damage.
Finishing Skincare Day Routine
For a day routine, you initially just have to repeat the cycle: wash and cleanse, and then add a finishing layer of moisturising cream and sun protection that prepares your skin to stay healthy throughout the day. Here’s what you can add to your day routine after cleansing:
Moisturise
Prepping your skin only for the sake of its looks isn’t enough. You can face dryness, irritation and bad skin health over time if you don’t moisturise it well enough. Apply moisturiser thoroughly before you step out. If you want one that also works as a highlighter, which gives a subtle boost of natural shine, use Skin Shine Strobe Cream.
Add Sunscreen
Imagine all that work going to waste only because you missed adding a layer of sunscreen to your day routine. Even a few minutes of exposure to the sun can lead to discolouration and tanning. You must protect your skin against harmful UV rays and apply sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days. The NoTrace Sunscreen is a great choice for those who need a weightless and gentle formula. Its SPF 50+ PA+++ protects against UVA and UVB rays, without leaving any greasiness or white cast.
Layer It With Makeup
Once your skincare has done its job, it’s time for makeup, the fun part! The way you layer each product decides whether your base looks natural and smooth or heavy and cakey. Here’s the right order to avoid cakey finish and build your base that stays fresh all day:
Primer
A primer creates a soft, blurred finish that bridges your skincare and makeup. It smooths out the texture and blurs pores for your face to serve as a flawless canvas.
Prep and Prime Tips: Serum Before Primer
For a primer to give its best results, it requires skin that’s nourished, plump and healthy. Serum before primer helps you get that flawless finish. You can use any one of the serums mentioned above that suits your skin. The SmoothBlur Primer Serum is a convenient choice with both primer and serum in one to avoid piling. It’s infused with niacinamide that locks lasting hydration and leaves a blurred-to-perfection finish.
Foundation
Besides evening out your colour complexion, a foundation is supposed to do more. It shouldn’t just match your skin tone but also suit your skin type. Read here about the foundation mistakes you’re probably making and how to fix them. For a natural finish, you must go for a lightweight formula, no matter whether the coverage you want is high or light.
Use a damp sponge and blend well for an effortless look without layering too much product to avoid a cakey finish. The High Definition Liquid Foundation promises a skin-true finish and hides imperfections without feeling heavy at all.
Concealer
Are the blemishes, scars or spots still visible? Apply concealer where it’s needed: under the eyes, around the nose or over blemishes. Use a creamy formula that melts into the skin instead of sitting on top of the foundation, like the Hide It All Cover Concealer. It’s infused with shea butter and suits all skin types. Tap in gently with your fingertips or a small brush. Blend well in such a way that it goes well with the foundation tone and avoid piling.
Get That Balance With Proper Layering Order
The correct order of layering makeup and skincare can enhance your look, but who decides what products to use? The truth is, there are no strict rules about what you must use. It’s entirely up to you!
More products do not necessarily mean better skin. Skincare is designed to build a healthy barrier for your skin, and overloading on products may harm it. It’s recommended to follow a simple, straightforward routine with products suitable for your skin. Just follow this general guide and ensure the products are used in the same order. Just like that, you can create your own skincare routine that is easy, healing and fun.
