Performing a Morning Skin Routine

Wash your face. For the health of your skin and the sake of longer lasting makeup, start each morning by washing your face.^[1] Be sure to use a gentle cream or gel cleanser designed for the face.

• Massage the cleanser into your skin for about 30 seconds, using a circular motion,^[2] and rinse well using lukewarm water. Gently pat your face dry with a soft towel to remove most, but not all, of the moisture.

Moisturize your skin. To give your makeup a soft, smooth surface over which to be applied, make sure your face is moisturized. You can use toners, serums, eye creams, or just a basic moisturizing facial lotion. Be sure to apply it when your skin is still slightly damp.

• To prevent dryness, moisturize your face after every time you wash it.

Apply sunscreen. This is especially important in the summer months, but you should actually wear sunscreen year-round.^[3] Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, and apply it liberally to your face, neck, and ears.

• Sunscreen and proper sun-protection habits will help protect your skin from skin cancer, freckles, wrinkles, and premature aging.

Put on a thin base of primer. Basic daytime makeup can be as simple and easy as applying a little foundation, concealer, and blush, or it can be as complicated as doing your eyes, lips, and brows as well. Primer isn’t strictly necessary, but it will help make your cosmetics last longer if you plan to wear more than just basic daytime makeup.

• The purpose of primer is to give your makeup something to stick to, fill in small wrinkles and creases, and control oil.^[4]
• To apply primer, put a small amount onto your index finger and gently rub a thin layer all over your face.^[5]

Apply a foundation. Use a lightweight foundation that matches your skin tone as closely as possible. Use your finger or a sponge to apply a thin layer all over your face.^[6] Foundation will help even out your skin tone, create a smooth surface, and cover discoloration,^[7] and because it serves such a similar purpose to primer, the primer isn’t always necessary.

• Go for a matte or oil-free finish if you have oily skin, try a moisturizing or cream foundation if you have dry skin, and opt for hypoallergenic and scent-free if your skin is sensitive.^[8]
• You can also use your undertones to choose a foundation. Go for a reddish or bluish foundation if you have cool skin, a golden or yellowish foundation if your undertone is warm, and try ivory or praline foundation shades if you have neutral undertones.^[9]

Use a concealer. Concealer is similar to foundation, but it’s even more capable of covering redness, flaws, and blemishes. Apply small amounts of concealer under your eyes and on all blemishes, and then use your fingers to delicately blend it in.^[10]

• You can also use the concealer to provide some contouring to your face, by applying some down the bridge of the nose and above the eyebrows. Use your fingers to blend it in.
• Use the same criteria to choose concealer that you used for foundation, and try to match the color of your concealer to the color of your foundation. If you want to brighten your under-eye area, you can try a concealer that’s up to two shades lighter than your skin tone.^[11]

Finish with a powder. This is another optional step, but if you want to help set your foundation and concealer for the day, use a sponge or brush to apply a thin layer of loose or pressed powder on your face, especially areas that are prone to oiliness.

• Loose powder will provide a lighter look, while pressed powder is heavier, and will provide more coverage, especially if your skin is oily.
• For an even easier and more natural look, you can simply apply a thin layer of powder on your face instead of using foundation.^[12]

Add a pinch of blush. Once you’ve prepared your face, you’ll be ready to head out the door with a perfect complexion and smooth skin if that’s all you want to do. But if you want to add a bit of color to your cheeks and lips and highlight your eyes, you can do so by adding some basic cosmetics. With a brush, apply a small dab of blush along your cheek bones, then use the brush to blend the blush into your skin.^[13]

• Try light pink, peach, or plum shade for fair skin.
• Go for mauve, apricot, or berry for medium skin.
• Give rose, bronze, or an orangey-peach a try if you have olive skin.
• Try raisin, brick, or tangerine if you have dark skin.^[14]

Add some color to your lips. You don’t necessarily have to choose natural glossy or sheer color for daytime makeup (but you certainly can), and if you want to go a little bolder, try a cream lipstick without the lip liner. After applying, use your finger to blend the lipstick.^[15]

• To choose a lipstick color for daytime makeup, stick to something that’s a similar shade to your natural lip color, but with an extra bit of color and brightness. When in doubt, you can always opt for a soft pink shade.^[16]

Stay with us tomorrow as we will share tips how to do your daytime eye makeup

Don’t miss it!