FLAWLESS MAKEUP STARTS WITH SKIN

Words: Jamal Grootboom | Images: Supplied

Seeing flawless makeup looks on your social media feeds and trying to recreate them yourself can go one of two ways. You'll either hit it out of the park or get a result that comes close but doesn’t quite hit the mark. Especially, when it comes to your complexion routine. There you are; using the same primer, foundation and concealer, but the end result isn’t even close to what your fave influencer's flawless face looks like.

This issue might have nothing to do with your makeup and everything to do with your skincare prep before you sit down and get up into glam. And while you can use makeup products that have some skincare ingredients, having a routine that prepares your skin adequately for makeup makes a world of difference.

The canvas you paint on is just as important as the materials you use to paint with, and the same goes for getting a stunning makeup application.

And with the Superbalist Beauty Week round two running from 25 September to 2 October this year with up to 50% OFF, you’re sure to find the right products for your skin to be the perfect canvas.

Whether you have normal, oily, sensitive or combination skin; choosing the correct skincare preparation can take your makeup routine to the next level.

Cleansers are gentler than face washes and remove excess oils, impurities, dirt or makeup residue from the previous day. This allows your skin to be ready to absorb the steps that follow. However, make sure you don’t apply a new face with makeup residue on it. Try the It's Skin Power 10 Formula Powerful Genius Foam In Milk, Skoon GEL-TO-MILK Cleanser, Clarins Hydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser or Clinique All About Clean™ Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser to kick start your routine.

Chemical exfoliators are gentler compared to physical ones on your skin and you’ll avoid the risk of micro-tears which is better for your skin in the long run - along with it only being necessary once or twice a week. This is also great to do on the days you intend on wearing a full face of makeup since it helps brighten your skin and adds to the effectiveness of topical products for better absorption. Check out the SKOON. OH SHERBET! Azelaic Acid 10% Exfoliating Mask, Skin Functional Texture & Blemish Tonic and Lelive save our skin (sos).

No matter your skin type, a toner plays an important part in your skincare routine whether you're putting on makeup or not. However, since we're specifically focusing on makeup, not agitating your skin prior to starting your look is important. Makeup can often block your pores and cause any irritation to worsen. Toning helps to gently refresh your skin and helps to better absorb products such as serums and moisturisers. Try the It’s Skin Tangerine Toneright Toner, Tonymoly Three Herb Blemish AC Toner, Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions™ Clinical Clearing Gel and Clarins Bright Plus Treatment Essence.

Nothing feels more luxurious than a sheet mask when you want an at-home spa experience. Whether it’s for hydration, detoxing, collagen production or brightening, using one a couple of times a week is an excellent addition to your skincare routine. And since we’re putting on a full face of makeup, it not only sets you in a relaxing mood but also allows serums to absorb into your skin. Sheet masks also offer an instant glow which will, in turn, have your makeup apply better and give you a glow-from-within look. Take a look at the Tonymoly Fresh To Go Mask Sheet, It’s Skin The Fresh Mask Sheet, W7 Cosmetics Hydrate 3D Sheet Face Mask and Skin Republic Hyaluronic Acid + Collagen Face Mask. If there isn’t a sheet mask for your specific needs, use a standalone serum such as It’s Skin Power 10 Formula, W7 Cosmetics Skin So Bright! Serum and Teaology Black Tea Vitamin C Infusion Serum will also do the job.

The part of the skincare routine that many look forward to is applying moisturiser. Adding hydration to your skin is important for any skin type, and also preps your skin for your base routine, preventing it from looking cakey. And don’t forget about an effective eye cream that helps keep your under eyes nice and hydrated. This helps prevent your concealer from creasing and drying out. Check out the It’s Skin Aloe Relaxing Cream, Lelive créme de la cream, Neutrogena Soothing Clear Oil-Free Moisturiser, Tonymoly The Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Eye Cream, Clarins Total Eye Hydrate and Estée Lauder Revitalising Supreme+ Youth Power Eye Balm.

Make sure to end your skin prep with effective sun protection - even if your moisturiser and foundation are SPF-infused. Try Clarins Dry Touch Facial Sun Care, Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Multi-Defense Aqua UV Gel SPF 50 and Bioderma Photoderm AR SPF50+. SPF is not a trend but essential.