
Great makeup starts with great skin. Whether you’re heading to a wedding, a party, or a photoshoot, preparing your skin the right way ensures your makeup goes on smoother, lasts longer, and looks more flawless throughout the day. A skincare routine before makeup is the foundation of any polished look—one that enhances your features without caking, creasing, or fading.
At Makeover by Sugandha, we’ve perfected the art of prepping skin for makeup. As the best beauty parlor in Dehradun, our approach is tailored to each skin type and occasion. In this blog, we’re breaking down the most effective skincare routine before makeup so that you can enjoy radiant, long-lasting results.
Why a Skincare Routine Before Makeup Is Important
Before diving into the steps, let’s understand why a proper skincare routine before makeup is non-negotiable:
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Enhances makeup longevity
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Creates a smooth, even canvas
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Prevents patchiness and creasing
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Improves product blending
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Reduces breakouts and clogged pores
Without the right skincare steps, even high-end makeup products can fail to deliver their full potential.
Step 1: Start with a Clean Slate
Every effective skincare routine before makeup begins with a gentle cleanser. This step removes dirt, oil, and leftover product from the skin, ensuring that makeup adheres properly.
Choose a cleanser that suits your skin type.
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Foaming cleansers for oily skin
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Cream-based for dry or sensitive skin
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Gel cleansers for combination skin
Cleansing not only refreshes the face but also minimizes the risk of breakouts when makeup is applied.
Step 2: Use a Gentle Exfoliator (2-3 Times a Week)
Exfoliation plays a vital role in a flawless skincare routine before makeup. Removing dead skin cells helps prevent texture issues like dry patches, which can disrupt foundation and concealer application.
For best results:
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Use chemical exfoliants (like AHA/BHA) for sensitive skin
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Choose physical scrubs sparingly for tough skin types
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Avoid over-exfoliating, especially before big events
At Makeover by Sugandha, we use professional-grade exfoliants that brighten and smooth the skin without irritation.
Step 3: Tone and Balance the Skin
Toning is the often-skipped but essential part of a complete skincare routine before makeup. A toner balances your skin’s pH level, tightens pores, and preps your skin to absorb moisture and serum.
Look for toners that are
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Alcohol-free
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Infused with calming ingredients like rose water or witch hazel
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Lightweight and quick-absorbing
This step refreshes the skin and removes any lingering impurities after cleansing.
Step 4: Hydrate with a Lightweight Moisturizer
No skincare routine before makeup is complete without proper hydration. A good moisturiser plumps the skin, making it supple and smooth—an ideal base for makeup products.
Here’s how to choose:
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Gel moisturisers for oily skin
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Cream-based for dry or mature skin
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Water-based moisturisers for combination skin
Massage gently into the skin and wait a few minutes before applying the next product. At Makeover by Sugandha, we always use products that hydrate without leaving residue or greasiness.
Step 5: Don’t Skip the Eye Cream
Fine lines and dryness around the eyes can cause concealer and foundation to settle awkwardly. As part of your skincare routine before makeup, apply a light eye cream to hydrate and smooth the delicate under-eye area.
Use your ring finger and gently dab the product—no rubbing!
Step 6: Prime the Skin
Primer is the final step in your skincare routine before makeup, and it plays a crucial role in sealing in skincare while gripping makeup.
Choose a primer based on skin needs:
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Mattifying primer for oily skin
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Hydrating primer for dry skin
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Pore-filling primer for textured skin
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Illuminating primer for a radiant finish
Priming not only extends makeup wear but also gives a more polished and airbrushed effect.
Step 7: Use SPF (If Daytime).
If you’re stepping out during the day, SPF is a must. Incorporating a sunscreen into your skincare routine before makeup protects against UV rays, which can age and damage the skin.
Choose a sunscreen that’s:
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Broad-spectrum (UVA + UVB protection)
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Lightweight and non-comedogenic
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Suitable for layering under makeup
Some moisturizers or primers come with built-in SPF to streamline your routine.
Bonus Tips for the Perfect Skincare Routine Before Makeup
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Use a jade roller or gua sha to reduce puffiness and increase blood flow before applying makeup.
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Facial mists can refresh and hydrate the skin during long makeup sessions.
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Lip balm preps the lips and prevents cracking under lipstick.
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Sheet masks can be used 30 minutes before makeup for special events.
All these extras help elevate your skincare routine before makeup from basic to professional-grade.
What Products Should You Avoid?
Not all skincare products work well under makeup. Avoid:
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Heavy oils that break down the foundation
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Sticky or tacky moisturisers that don’t absorb well
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Grainy exfoliants that may irritate or inflame the skin before application
At Makeover by Sugandha, we select only makeup-friendly skincare to ensure a smooth and radiant finish.
Why Women in Dehradun Trust Makeover by Sugandha
We’ve worked with women of all skin tones, types, and textures, and we know that perfect makeup begins with the perfect skincare routine before makeup. Our team personalises every routine based on client needs, using safe, high-performance products.
Whether it’s for a bridal look, party glam, or everyday glow, we prepare your skin to be the best canvas it can be.
Conclusion: Trust the Best Beauty Parlour in Dehradun
A proper skincare routine before makeup can completely transform the way your makeup looks and feels. It smoothens texture, boosts hydration, and extends wear, making your face feel as good as it looks.
For personalised skincare and professional makeup results, visit Makeover by Sugandha, the best beauty parlour in Dehradun. Our expert team ensures that you always step out glowing with confidence, comfort, and a flawless finish.