Preparing Skin for Makeup?

Mar 20, 2013

T K.

Many makeup artist recommend products for skin prep when doing other people's makeup, and I think that's really important so your makeup goes in smooth, clean skin. I can understand how to apply a face wipe, makeup remover, toner, eye cream, moisturizer or serums to the face, but how do you cleanse with a liquid cleanser on a client who's in a chair? Personally, I cleanse my own face over a sink, but that's not practical for clients. What do you do? Use a spray bottle? A wet cloth? Thanks for the help :)

Mar 21, 2013

Mary R.

If I have a client who really wants to be pampered, then I'll drape her shoulders and lap in towels, then mist her face with water (don't use a spray bottle - you'll see the person cringing from the way it fees on the face; instead, look for more of a "misting effect" like Evian Mist), apply the appropriate skincare products, and then mist the face in layers to remove the product to where I can gently blot the face dry with a soft cloth.

However, it's much more preferred to tell a client to come in with a freshly washed face (exfoliation also if needed for large pores, flaky or oily skin, etc). If the person has problematic skin, I may recommend products for them to use or give them a trial size product (I love Dermalogica's travel products). Then, I will decide whether to moisturize the skin or mattify it prior to applying makeup. I add eye products if needed for darkness or puffiness.

Mar 27, 2013

Kalia M.

Unless you're a licesed esthetician, I wouldn't recommend for you to do all that work. I get it that you really want to pamper your clients but if you are just doing makeup, just keep it simple. You are working harder not smarter. Set the ambiance with music, proper lighting and offer her a beverage. As far as the application, again keep it simple. Prep the skin by misting your Evian spray, moisturize face and/or eyes, and primer. That's it! You as the professional should know how many appropriate products to put on your client without overdoing it. I find when you layer to many products it doesn't penetrate the skin and do its job, plus it rolls the makeup off the skin. And essentially your client won't even know what's going on anyways or notice a big difference. Focus on maximizing your time and money but cutting extra steps you don't really need. Good luck!

Mar 28, 2013

T K.

Thanks for the replies! I most likely use a light cleanser and moisturizer if needed, and mist of off. I'm just trying to prepare for clients who will most likely be hurried or careless and won't remember to wash their face or who will leave things on.