We all crave flawless skin that doesn't need makeup to look good — but what does it actually take? A little prep right before makeup, or just face wash and moisturiser? Neither, really. Think of skincare as an investment in yourself, and invest daily — that's when the results actually show up.
As a makeup artist, I'm constantly asked for a look that isn't cakey and leans natural. My honest advice to every client, every time: take care of your skin before the big day, because the better the skin, the better the makeup glides on. That's why brides are always told to focus on their skin ahead of the wedding — it's not vanity, it's just how makeup physically works.
Skincare is a never-ending journey, not a one-time fix before an event. Here are the five steps worth building into both your morning and night routine (with a little shuffling between the two).
1. Cleanse Thoroughly
The most basic, first step — and the right cleanser for your skin type matters just as much as cleansing itself.
- Oily, acne-prone or combination skin — a gel-based cleanser to properly lift oil and dirt (Neutrogena Deep Clean, Avène Cleansing Gel).
- Dry skin — a cream-based cleanser with a moisturising effect that won't strip skin (The Face Shop Rice Water Cleanser, Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser).
- Normal skin — either works.
- Sensitive skin — stick to dermatologist-recommended products like Cetaphil, and steer clear of random over-the-counter face washes.
Cleansing also gives makeup a clean base — apply foundation over unwashed oil and dirt, and it mixes with the grime for an uneven finish. Massage your cleanser in for at least a minute to give it time to actually work.
2. Tone the Skin
Toning is a genuinely controversial step — some consider it unnecessary, others swear by it. My take: it's worth it for that extra layer of moisture or freshness, depending on what your skin needs that day.
Toners help restore skin's pH after cleansing. When my skin feels congested or oily, I reach for a refreshing water-based toner like Plum Green Tea Toner; when it needs moisture, I go for a creamier, lotion-like one like Laneige's Cream Skin Refiner.
Dry or normal skin tends to prefer moisturising toners (Laneige, Tony Moly Ceramide Mochi); oily or combination skin does better with an oil-control formula (Plum or Tony Moly green tea toners). You can also pick a toner to target something specific — acne, oil, or dryness.
3. Use a Targeted Serum
Serums are everywhere right now, with a version for practically every skin concern. They're concentrated products with active ingredients — put simply, a genuinely potent serum solves a specific problem faster than almost anything else in your routine.
Brands I'd personally point you toward: Minimalist, The Ordinary, Innisfree, The Face Shop, Klairs, and Estée Lauder.
4. Don't Skip Moisturiser
A good moisturiser is essential, full stop — including for oily skin. That's a myth worth retiring: skipping moisturiser because your skin already looks oily usually backfires, since that oil is your skin overcompensating for a lack of hydration in the first place.
- Dry skin — a thicker cream, adjusted seasonally (heavier with facial oil in winter, a thick lotion may be enough in summer).
- Oily, combination or acne-prone skin — a lightweight, lotion-style moisturiser.
Experiment until you find what genuinely suits your skin, then stick with it. And apply by patting it in, not rubbing — you'll get better results.
5. Apply Sunscreen — Properly
The one product everyone knows matters but few actually use correctly. Sunscreen doesn't just protect against sun damage — it's genuinely one of the best anti-ageing steps available.
Look for one that doesn't leave a white cast or extra shine, with SPF 30+ and at least PA+++ protection. Physical (mineral) sunscreen sits on top of skin, reflects sunlight, and works instantly but wears off faster; chemical sunscreen absorbs in and releases UV from within skin — less sticky, but takes longer to start working.
Bonus: Weekly Exfoliation
Exfoliation clears oil, dirt and buildup that leads to blackheads, whiteheads and acne. There are two types: physical (scrubs, traditional but harsh — it can cause micro-tears and aggravate acne, so I'd steer away from it) and chemical, which targets specific concerns faster and more gently. Chemical exfoliants need a patch test first, and should be introduced slowly, starting at the lowest percentage before working up.
That's the full picture — five steps, done consistently, is genuinely all it takes to get closer to the skin of your dreams. Got a question or want a specific recommendation? Message me any time. Until the next post — take care of yourself.
Written by Ritu Singh
Makeup artist and founder of The Beauty Thesaurus. Every review here is written after real, first-hand use — no PR spin, ever.
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