About Face: 3 Things You Must Do Before Applying Makeup

• Wash Your Face.

  Always start with a fresh face before makeup. This clears away bacteria, dead skin, and oils from pores. Try double-cleansing—first with an oil-based cleanser or micellar water, then with a gentle cleanser.

  Admittedly, I don't double cleanse every time I wear makeup. If I regularly wear heavy makeup, I will apply the method when prepping my face because it's a needed deep clean that keeps my skin healthy.

  I also don't apply toner each time. Toner is a bit tricky - I know some people swear by it daily. Toner was initially designed to remove soap residue and leftover makeup, debris, and dirt from the face after washing it. It can be convenient if you're removing heavy amounts of makeup. However, toner is optional; in some cases, overusing it will strip your natural skin barrier and present issues, compromising your skin health. Use it in your face-washing routine sparingly, no more than once or twice weekly.

  Pro tip: If your skin feels tight after washing it, then the product you are using is too harsh.

• Moisturize.

  Moisturizing your face is an absolute must; your skin will thank you. At this step, you're protecting your skin from dryness and creating a smooth surface for makeup application. Use your favorite lightweight product, preferably one with sunscreen (we recommend SPF 50). We'll talk about sunscreen another day. In the meantime, trust me and add it to your New Year resolutions (if it isn't close to the new year while you're reading this, start early).

• Prime Time.

  Primer is magic. It makes all the difference when applying makeup. Its silicone base creates a smooth surface on the face, reducing wrinkles and creases when using concealers and eyeshadows. Primer also makes colors appear more vibrant when applied to the skin.

  But wait - there's more.

  You'll notice the texture of primer is a bit tacky or sticky. This is a good thing. The tackiness will prevent applied makeup from slipping or smudging, so your face beat will last much longer. Primer is terrific - you cannot skip this step.

Before applying makeup to your face, a few steps must be taken to achieve a look that will have people thinking you're a pro.

I wish online makeup influencers placed more emphasis on prepping the skin. It's an important exercise that promotes skin health and a beautiful appearance. No matter the skin type, take these steps to look and feel your best when wearing makeup.