When it comes to all-day wear, the secret to a flawless make-up is all in how you prep the skin. These steps will not only provide you with a fresh clean face, they will help prep, prime and perfect for a look that will last all day.

Start out clean

Our current faves for a good clean include, CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, Innisfree Green Tea Hydrating Cleansing Oil and Caudalie Gentle Cleansing Milk.

 

Exfoliate 

Removing dead skin cells gives a smooth surface for the best application. Try the Yo Glow Enzyme Scrub from Wishful Skin for a chemical and physical exfoliation experience or the Summer Fridays Overtime Mask for a vitamin rich physical exfoliation.

 

Mask if you must

Try the Olehenricksen Cold Plunge Pore Mask for oil control and to reduce appearance of pores or, for hydration, try the Wishful Thirst Trap Cocoon Mask for dewy, moisturised skin.

You can also take care of your under-eye area with the Pixi depuffing eye patches for a bit of skincare’s favorite humectant: hyaluronic acid and caffeine to reduce puffiness and aid with dark circles.

Always use eye cream

Making sure the eye area is well hydrated is an important part of long-lasting make-up. This is particularly crucial for dry and sensitive skin types, aging skin, or if you’re going full glam. We love the Olehenricksen Banana Bright Eye Crème with vitamin C to hydrate and boost collagen, or the Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream to help depuff. Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Eye Rescue is a great option to both hydrate and brighten.

Hydration is key

Depending on your skin type, you may need a hydrating moisturiser before you prime your skin. The Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Light is a lightweight option with SPF20 or you can try the oil-free Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base.

SPF

SPF is always a must for you daily routine. The Anthelios Tinted Mineral Primer from La Roche-Posay is not only award winning, it has an SPF50 broad spectrum mineral sunscreen and a subtle tint with a blurring effect. The CeraVe SPF30 is a mineral-based formula that doesn’t leave a white cast.

Prime please

Primers can help smooth skin, mattify, control oil, fill pores and fine lines, add luminance, even skintone and help make-up stick, stay, glide on smoothly and prevent makeup breakdown throughout the day (talk about a multi-tasker!). For mattifying pore control, try the best-selling Benefit Cosmetics Porefessional face primer. The Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Perfecting Primer is water-based and smooths the skin with antioxidant green tea extracts and vitamin C. For a primer with broad spectrum SPF 50 that smooths skin, try the NARS Smooth & Protect primer.