Your Best Makeup Starts With Skin... The Ultimate Prep Guide
I’ll let you in on a little artist secret... I can have the most expensive foundation in the world in my kit, but if your skin isn’t prepped, it’s not going to look polished. The way your makeup sits, stays, and photographs all comes down to what you do before I even pick up a brush.
Whether you're heading to a Pukekohe wedding or a local ball, you want to feel like the best version of yourself... not like you're wearing a mask. Follow these steps to ensure your canvas is ready for a seamless finish.
The Pre-Makeup Ritual
Exfoliate Gently... Smooth skin is the goal. Use a gentle chemical or physical exfoliant 24–48 hours before your appointment to buff away any dry patches. This prevents foundation from "clinging" to texture... which is the quickest way to ruin a polished look.
Hydration is Key... Drink your water! Dehydrated skin will literally "drink" the moisture out of your foundation, leaving it looking cakey and flat by lunchtime.
The "Clean Slate" Rule... Arrive at your appointment with a completely clean face. That means no leftover mascara from last night and definitely no heavy SPF or oils. Some sunscreens can cause "flashback" in professional photos... leaving you looking a little ghostly in the wedding album.
Tame the Peach Fuzz... This is optional but a total game-changer. Dermaplaning or gentle facial hair removal allows makeup to sit directly on the skin rather than sitting on top of fine hairs. It makes everything look incredibly smooth in person and on camera.
Don't Forget the Lips... Give your lips a quick scrub and a heavy dose of balm the night before. Dry, cracked lips and matte lipstick are not friends... and we want that pout looking ready for photos.
Why Professional Prep Matters
When you sit in my chair, I’ll always finish the prep with high-end, professional-grade primers and hydrators tailored to your specific skin type. But starting with a smooth, hydrated base makes my job easier and your makeup last significantly longer. It’s all about creating that stress-free, luxury experience so you can just relax and enjoy the process.
