You may be wondering…Gab, you’re a makeup artist — not an esthetician, why are you making a blog post about skincare? While I wouldn’t consider myself to be a skincare expert, I am definitely a skincare enthusiast, and taking care of your skin is so important, especially before makeup.

I always say your makeup only looks as good as your skin does. Does this mean you need perfect skin? Hell no! Let’s be real. But, taking care of your skin, sticking to a routine and staying hydrated makes such a huge difference on how your makeup applies, how it sits on the skin, the way your makeup looks, and how long your makeup lasts.

We’re makeup artists not miracle workers (or plastic surgeons). We can only adjust or enhance color. We CANNOT get rid of texture, acne, fine lines and wrinkles with makeup. This may feel like a harsh truth, but you need to have realistic expectations and meet your makeup artist in the middle.

If you don’t have a skincare routine, your makeup may not look or last the way you want it to. Of course a makeup artist will prep your skin before makeup, but 5-10 minutes of skincare is nothing compared to consistently keeping to a skincare routine.

I don’t expect my clients to drop $$$ on expensive skincare, treatments, and facials like your favorite celebs, but keeping to a routine at home and getting a facials every so often will make all the difference in the world.

Here are some skincare tips that can improve your makeup application and wear:

• Exfoliate at least once a week
• MOISTURIZE
• Wear SPF every day (yes, even during the winter and on cloudy/rainy days)
• Don’t use makeup wipes! Instead use a cleansing balm or oil to remove your makeup
• Get routine facials/see an esthetician (if your budget allows!)

And remember:

• always apply your skincare from thinnest to thickest. After cleanser comes: toner, essence, serum, eye cream, and then moisturizer
• make sure to wait around 5-10 minutes after you apply your SPF to put on your makeup

Here are some of my skincare favorites below: You can shop all my skincare faves here.