Creating flawless, long-lasting makeup starts with understanding what to apply first as a makeup base. Many people make the mistake of skipping or misapplying the base, which can lead to uneven texture, creasing, and makeup that doesn’t last. At Crazy Girls Salon, we specialize in professional makeup techniques that ensure your makeup looks radiant and stays perfect all day.
This guide covers step-by-step instructions, product recommendations, and expert tips on preparing your face for makeup, so you can achieve a smooth, photo-ready finish.
1. Why a Proper Makeup Base is Important
A makeup base serves as the foundation for all other products. Applying it correctly:
- Evens out skin tone
- Creates a smooth surface for foundation
- Enhances makeup longevity
- Minimizes the appearance of pores, fine lines, and blemishes
- Prevents makeup from melting or smudging
Without the right base, even high-end makeup products can appear patchy or cakey.
2. Step 1: Cleansing Your Face
Before applying anything, start with a clean canvas:
- Use a gentle cleanser suited for your skin type (oil-free for oily skin, hydrating for dry skin)
- Remove dirt, oil, and impurities that can interfere with makeup adhesion
Crazy Girls Salon Tip: Avoid harsh scrubs that can irritate the skin; a mild exfoliation 1–2 times a week is sufficient.
3. Step 2: Moisturizer – The First Layer of Makeup Base
After cleansing, the first product to apply is moisturizer:
- Hydrates skin to prevent dryness under makeup
- Creates a smooth, supple surface
- Helps foundation glide evenly
Tips for Choosing a Moisturizer:
- Lightweight gel for oily skin
- Cream-based for dry skin
- Sensitive skin: fragrance-free and hypoallergenic
Crazy Girls Salon Pro Tip: Even oily skin benefits from moisturizer—dry patches can make foundation cling unevenly.
4. Step 3: Sunscreen – Protection and Prep
Before any foundation, applying sunscreen is crucial:
- Protects against UV damage and premature aging
- Acts as a barrier for sensitive or acne-prone skin
- Some sunscreens also have moisturizing properties
Application Tip: Allow sunscreen to fully absorb for 2–3 minutes before moving to the next step.
5. Step 4: Primer – The Essential Makeup Base
Once your skin is moisturized and protected, it’s time for primer. Primer is the first true makeup base product and serves several purposes:
- Smooths skin texture
- Minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines
- Helps foundation adhere and stay in place longer
- Controls shine for oily skin or adds glow for dry skin
Types of Primers:
- Mattifying Primer: Ideal for oily or combination skin
- Hydrating Primer: Perfect for dry skin
- Color-Correcting Primer: Neutralizes redness, sallowness, or dullness
- Illuminating Primer: Adds a radiant, dewy finish for photography
Crazy Girls Salon Tip: Apply primer with fingertips or a brush in gentle, upward strokes for even coverage.
6. Step 5: Color Corrector (Optional)
For brides or anyone aiming for flawless coverage, a color corrector can be applied after primer:
- Green: Reduces redness or blemishes
- Orange/Peach: Corrects dark circles under eyes
- Lavender: Brightens sallow skin tones
Apply lightly only on areas that need correction, then blend seamlessly.
7. Step 6: Foundation – Building the Flawless Look
After preparing your base with moisturizer, sunscreen, and primer:
- Choose a foundation suited to your skin type and tone
- Apply foundation with a sponge, brush, or fingertips for smooth coverage
- Build coverage gradually to avoid a heavy or cakey finish
Crazy Girls Salon Tip: Always blend foundation onto the neck to avoid visible lines.
8. Step 7: Concealer and Spot Correction
Concealer is applied after foundation:
- Covers blemishes, dark circles, or hyperpigmentation
- Choose a shade slightly lighter for under-eye areas for a brightening effect
- Blend edges carefully for a seamless finish
9. Step 8: Setting Powder and Additional Base Products
Once foundation and concealer are applied, set your makeup:
- Use translucent or mineral powder to control shine
- Helps makeup last longer, especially in humid or hot conditions
- Can be lightly applied to eyelids to prevent creasing of eyeshadow
Optional: Cream blush or contour can also be applied before powder for a natural finish.
10. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping moisturizer or primer: Makeup will look uneven or patchy
- Applying foundation on dry skin: Leads to flaking and cakiness
- Using too much primer: Can make foundation slide off
- Neglecting sunscreen: Exposes skin to UV damage under makeup
- Skipping color correction: Imperfections become more visible
11. Expert Tips from Crazy Girls Salon
- Always prep the skin first; hydrated and protected skin is the key to flawless makeup
- Use non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic products if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin
- Blend layers gradually rather than applying heavy amounts at once
- Finish with setting spray for long-lasting makeup, especially for weddings or photo sessions
12. Why Professional Guidance Matters
At Crazy Girls Salon, we understand that the right makeup base is critical for achieving a flawless, long-lasting look:
- Personalized skin prep based on skin type
- Guidance on the best moisturizer, primer, and foundation combinations
- Expert application techniques for smooth, radiant results
- Tips for maintaining makeup all day during weddings, parties, or events
Knowing what to apply first as a makeup base can transform your makeup routine from average to professional-level results. The correct order—cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, primer, color corrector, foundation, concealer, and setting powder—ensures a flawless, long-lasting finish.
Crazy Girls Salon specializes in creating smooth, radiant, and long-lasting makeup bases tailored to your skin type and event needs. Follow these steps and expert tips for a professional, camera-ready look that stays perfect all day.