Your step-by-step beginner’s guide to building a glowy, smooth, long-lasting base
Bestie, it’s 2025 and somehow your makeup still isn’t sitting right? Trust me, you’re not alone. I used to be you. Slapping on foundation straight onto my face and wondering why I looked like a cake pop by 2PM. So I started this series, Makeup for Dummies, because no one taught us the basics. But we’re not gatekeeping anymore. We’re going to break it down step-by-step, and today we’re starting with the most underrated part of makeup: SKIN PREP.
Step 1: Start with a Clean Slate (Literally)
Imagine painting a wall that’s still dusty. That’s what it’s like putting foundation on skin that hasn’t been properly cleansed.I always start with a facial pad to remove leftover dirt, oil, SPF all the stuff that didn’t come off in your nighttime skincare. I like the First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads for this step because they’re gentle but effective, and perfect if your skin is more on the sensitive side. After this step, you’ll literally feel your skin getting smoother, like you just gave it a mini spa day.
If you’re not new to this and want to level up, the QRx Labs Glycolic Acid Pads go in. But fair warning: they’re strong. So if your skin isn’t used to exfoliants yet, maybe save that one for later.
Step 2: Give Your Skin a Vitamin Boost (aka Serum)
This is where we add a little bounce back to the skin. After exfoliating, your skin might feel a bit tight or dry totally normal. That’s why I follow up with a serum. Think of this like your skin’s energy drink.My fave right now is the Olay Super Serum. It has a soft iridescent glow to it, which is cute, but more importantly it actually hydrates my dry skin without feeling heavy. It just melts right in and gives me that lit-from-within look before I even reach for makeup.
Step 3: Moisturize Like You Mean It (With SPF!)
I cannot stress this enough whether you’re dry, oily, or somewhere in between, you need moisturizer. And not just any moisturizer. A good one with SPF, especially if you’re stepping out during the day.
Lately I’ve been into the Clinique Dramatically. Different Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 35. It’s lightweight but moisturizing, and it protects your skin without leaving a white cast. If you want makeup that looks good all day, it has to go on skin that’s hydrated and protected.
Step 4: Primer Is the Bridge Between Skincare and Makeup
Think of primer as the invisible step that makes the real difference. No one talks about it enough, but when you use the right one? Game-changer.
Here’s how I break it down by skin type:
- For large pores or a smoothing effect: Try the Iconic London Velvet Smooth Pore Refining Primer.
- For grip and long wear: I’m obsessed with the NYX Face Glue Primer. It feels sticky in the best way like your makeup just locks in.
- For glow and hydration: The One Size Secure the Glow Primer is bomb for dry skin girlies.
- For an overall healthy finish: The YSL Glow in Balm Primer is lightweight and makes you look like you actually drink water.
I used to skip primer and wonder why my foundation was separating or fading by hour six. Never again.
Final Thoughts
After this skin prep routine? Your skin should feel clean, glowy, hydrated, and ready to grip that foundation like it means it. And speaking of foundation, that’s what we’re covering next in the Makeup for Dummies series.
So stay tuned, because if your base is off, your whole face is off. And we don’t do that over here.
xoxo,
Ale Jay
