What Do Makeup Artists Use to Prep Skin? The Basics

Makeup artists often begin with a gentle cleanse to remove excess oil, sweat, or leftover skin care, then pat the skin dry rather than rubbing it. If you have dry patches, a damp, soft cloth can help lift loose flakes, but skip scrubbing irritated skin right before makeup because it can make texture and redness more noticeable.

Moisturizer helps prevent foundation from catching on dry areas, so use a lightweight layer if your skin gets oily and a richer one where it feels tight or flaky. Give it a few minutes to settle, then blot any excess before applying makeup; if your skin still feels slippery, adding more primer may make blending harder.

For daytime makeup, apply your sunscreen as directed and let it set before moving on to complexion products. Makeup artists may then use a small amount of primer to address a specific concern—such as shine in the T-zone or a dry-feeling area—but you can skip it when your moisturizer and makeup already sit well together.

For long-wear makeup, artists often favor thin, well-set layers over heavy skin care that could shift underneath foundation; for a natural look, moisturizer and sunscreen may be enough. Our guide to makeup-ready skin prep walks through the routine, and our Makeup-Ready Skin Prep Bundle – 3-in-1 Guides for Prepping Skin Before Makeup is another option if you want guides focused on this step.