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Makeup Prep Must-Haves 💄✨
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items I have dry skin, so proper skin prep is key to making my makeup look smooth, last all day, and wear comfortably. These are the products I actually use before foundation, concealer, or lipstick. They hydrate, smooth, and give my skin the right base wi...
Sections
6
Toners
Serums
Moisturizers
Eye Creams
Spf
Lip Balms
Toners
These help hydrate, calm, and prep my skin right after cleansing. They give me that fresh base so my serums and moisturizers absorb better and makeup doesn’t cling to dry patches.
This feels like a skin reset. It’s super lightweight but gives this smooth, almost airbrushed texture by the next morning. I only use it a couple of times a week, but my makeup sits so much better when I do, no patchiness, no weird buildup around my ...
SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Smells soft and floral without being too much and feels like a gentle hug for my face. It calms any irritation and makes my skin feel smooth and ready for whatever I’m layering next.
Vinoclean Moisturizing Toner with Rose Water | CAUDALIE®
So comforting and creamy, but still super light. It feels like a drink of oat milk for my face. I use this when my skin’s acting up or feeling dry. It helps everything glide on more evenly.
Hydrating Milky Toner with Snow Mushroom - 12 oz.
his makes my skin feel baby-soft. It has this creamy, hydrating texture that somehow disappears into my skin but leaves behind a subtle glow that peeks through foundation in the best way.
ANUA Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner with Niacinamide
This one always makes my skin look fresh and calm, almost like I had a full night of sleep. It feels silky when I apply it and leaves no residue, just that healthy, dewy look I love under makeup.
Hydrating Milky Toner
It’s cool, watery, perfect for calming redness. I love using this when my skin feels reactive or puffy. It helps smooth everything out before I start layering other products
Madagascar Centella Toning Toner | Skin Care
This is my skin’s ‘good morning’ shot. It feels so silky and light, and I notice my makeup actually grips better when I use it. My skin looks more even-toned and fresh all day.
The Base Face Milk - Clean and Vegan Facial Essence | ILIA Beauty
Feels like a splash of cold water but way more hydrating. It wakes up my skin and adds this cooling, bouncy feeling that makes everything else apply smoother.
belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb with Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide
I use this when I want to look glowy but not greasy. It has a jelly-water feel and gives my skin that extra brightness that makes makeup pop without needing highlighter.
Press & Glow® – Medik8-US
This feels rich and milky but soaks in fast, like skincare silk. I use it when I want that hydrated, luminous look under makeup. It makes my skin feel soft and velvety.
TIRTIR Milk Skin Rice Toner | Deep Moisturizing
The mist is actually ultra fine, no big droplets or stickiness. I love using it between toner and primer, or even to refresh later in the day. It feels like a mini facial misting moment
Balancing Face Mist
This one feels creamy but light, like a barrier-boosting milk. I use it when my skin feels tight or stripped. It adds a layer of comfort and helps everything else blend better on top
Cosmic Silk
This one feels like a brightening serum in toner form, thick but not heavy. It sinks in and leaves my skin glowy, like I’ve already used primer. It’s a staple before makeup on dull-skin days
Rice Toner
Serums
I use these to boost hydration, smooth texture, and add glow. They sink in fast and help create a plump, even surface before moisturizer and foundation.
This feels like a splash of cool water in the best way. It instantly wakes up my skin and gives it that fresh, plump look. I mix it into moisturizer or use it solo when I need hydration but don’t want to layer too much before makeup.
Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops Dewy + Brightening - e.l.f. Cosmetics | Ulta Beauty
This gives me that glazed, juicy skin look without feeling greasy. It’s light and smells amazing. I use it under foundation when I want a dewy vibe or even dab a little on top of makeup for a glass-skin highlight.
Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
Super lightweight but deeply hydrating. It sinks in instantly and leaves my skin feeling calm and quenched. I always reach for this before makeup if I’m dealing with dryness or want everything to blend more smoothly.”
Hydrating Hyaluronic Serum - Caudalie
This feels silky and luxurious. My skin looks brighter and more awake as soon as I apply it. It’s the perfect prep step when I want that model-off-duty glow under minimal makeup.
Merit Beauty Instant Glow Serum
It’s soothing, watery, and perfect when my skin’s irritated or just needs to chill. It gives me a clean, calm base that helps makeup apply evenly without clinging to red or flaky areas.
Madagascar Centella Ampoule - SKIN1004 | Ulta Beauty
This one feels expensive in the best way. Rich but fast-absorbing, with this warm spa scent. My skin looks plumper and glowier after using it, like I got 8 hours of sleep and drank all my water.
Charlotte's Magic Serum Crystal Elixir – Firming & Hydrating Serum
This is my go-to when my skin barrier needs some love. It feels smooth and cushiony, never sticky, and helps prevent dryness or irritation under makeup, especially in colder weather.
Hydrating Serum with Tri-Ceramide Complex - BYOMA
Feels like a skincare power move. It’s lightweight but firming, and my skin looks more even and lifted when I use it consistently. I like it in the morning because it layers so nicely under primer and foundation.
Multi-Peptide Advanced Serum - Firms, Lifts & Brightens
Simple, affordable, and it works. It feels like water but gives lasting hydration without any residue. I always apply it on damp skin. It makes such a difference in how smooth my makeup looks.
2.5 oz Hyaluronic Acid Serum - Good Molecules | Ulta Beauty
This has a slightly honey-like texture that melts into my skin and leaves it glowing, not shiny, just healthy. I use it before makeup when I want that soft lit-from-within finish. Bonus: it helps with redness too.
Glow Deep Serum
Moisturizers
These are my must-haves for sealing in hydration. They make sure my skin feels soft and comfortable under makeup, without feeling greasy or heavy.
This feels rich but not greasy, like a comforting layer that smooths and firms without pilling. I love using it when my skin needs extra bounce before makeup.
Firming Cream with Peptides, Niacinamide + Collagen - First Aid Beauty | Ulta Beauty
Thick and dreamy. It melts in like butter but never feels heavy. My skin instantly feels soft and soothed, and makeup glides right on like I just got a facial.
Rich Cushion Cream Ultra Plumping Moisturizer
This feels like a splash of hydration with a soft, bouncy finish. Lightweight but plumping. My foundation always looks better and wears longer when I use this first.
Magic Cream Anti-Aging Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid
Feels creamy but fast-absorbing. It gives me that smooth, prepped base that makes my skin look tighter and more even. Makeup goes on like a dream.
Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturizer -1.7 oz
Thick, almost balm-like at first, but it melts into a dewy layer of hydration. I use it when my skin’s super dry. It gives that glowy, healthy skin effect under makeup.
Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream - COSRX | Ulta Beauty
True to its name . Weightless and breathable. It disappears into my skin but keeps it soft and hydrated all day. Perfect for minimal makeup days or oily/combo skin.
ITK Weightless Hydrating Face Moisturizer 2oz
This is such a reliable prep step. It’s lightweight, plumping, and never pills. I use it year-round under everything from tinted SPF to full glam.
Fragrance Free Holy Hydration! Face Cream - e.l.f. Cosmetics | Ulta Beauty
Silky, calming, and no-frills in the best way. It helps restore my skin barrier and keeps me hydrated without disrupting makeup, especially great for sensitive skin days
La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer with Ceramide and Niacinamide - Travel Size - 1.35 fl oz
This feels like a cool drink of hydration, and trust me, my makeup has never looked smoother. It sinks in fast, never pills, and gives my skin that soft, baby-skin smooth texture I love before primer. Especially in warm weather, it keeps skin glowy, ...
Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel - CeraVe | Ulta Beauty
This feels luxe and nourishing, like skincare from a K-drama. A little goes a long way. It gives me that soft, velvety finish that makes my makeup look more natural
Dynasty Cream
This has the most unique texture. Jelly-like but super hydrating. It smooths everything out and gives my skin that bouncy, poreless look before foundation.
medicube Collagen Jelly Cream Niacinamide
Thick, buttery, and perfect for days my skin feels parched. It sinks in slowly but beautifully and gives me a dewy, honey-glow finish that shines through my makeup.
Honey Halo Moisturizer Jumbo
Cool, silky, and instantly refreshing. I use it when I want lightweight moisture and a soft matte glow. It’s basically primer in skincare form.
The Dewy Skin Cream Plumping & Hydrating Refillable Moisturizer
Eye Creams
These help de-puff, hydrate, and smooth the under-eye area. They keep concealer from creasing or clinging to dry spots, and make everything look fresher.
Lightweight and creamy. It gives me just enough hydration without making concealer slide around. I use it daily because it sinks in quickly and helps smooth out any dry patches under my eyes.
Holy Hydration! Illuminating Eye Cream - e.l.f. Cosmetics | Ulta Beauty
This has a rich, buttery texture but somehow still absorbs fast. It feels instantly comforting, and the tiniest bit makes my under-eyes look more awake and plump before makeup.
Wake Up Honey Eye Cream with Brightening Vitamin C
Silky and luxe. It’s like a treatment and a moisturizer in one. My under-eyes feel firmer and smoother right after I use it. Makeup glides on beautifully over this.
Double Serum Eye Firming & Hydrating Concentrate - Clarins | Ulta Beauty
Cooling, thin, and perfect for de-puffing in the morning. I keep it in the fridge and pat it in before color corrector or concealer. It helps everything stay smooth without creasing.”
Brighten-i™ Dark Circle Brightening Eye Cream
Thick and rich, but never greasy. It melts into the skin after a few seconds and leaves this soft, cushiony layer that makes concealer look better especially on dry or tired mornings.
0.95 oz Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado - Kiehl's Since 1851 | Ulta Beauty
“This eye cream feels instantly refreshing, but the real star is the metal applicator tip. It’s cool to the touch and helps depuff my under-eyes in seconds. The cream itself is light and smooth, absorbs quickly, and gives just the right amount of hyd...
Revitalizing Eye Cream - cocokind | Ulta Beauty
Creamy and firming without being too intense. I use this when I want to feel like I’m doing a little extra for fine lines. It plays surprisingly well with makeup. No dryness or flaking.
Multi Correxion Vitamin C Eye Balm Stick - RoC | Ulta Beauty
“This eye gel is super lightweight and instantly refreshing. Like a splash of cold water for tired under-eyes. The applicator makes it even better: it glides on so smoothly and stays cool, helping with puffiness and giving a quick lift in the morning...
Aqua Bomb Depuffing Eye Gel with Caffeine + Hyaluronic Acid
Smooth and hydrating with a slight firming feel. It’s my secret weapon for early mornings when I didn’t sleep well. It helps with puffiness and gives me a more lifted look before makeup.
THE PHIX Caffeine Eye Cream with Vitamins
This is basically a primer for your under-eyes. It’s creamy, smoothing, and keeps concealer from creasing or grabbing onto texture. I use it when I want a flawless under-eye finish.
Vitamin Enriched Eye Base Primer & Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid - BOBBI BROWN | Ulta Beauty
Thick and balmy but somehow absorbs fast. My under-eyes feel instantly nourished and look brighter. Perfect for glam days or when I want everything to look snatched and smooth.
Charlotte’s Magic Eye Cream with Retinol
This eye cream feels like a spa moment every morning. Creamy but never heavy, and the cooling ceramic tip is my favorite part. It gives such a luxe under-eye massage that instantly tones down puffiness and brightens dark circles. The blend of vinifer...
Vinoperfect Dark Circle Brightening Eye Cream with Niacinamide
Spf
All of these wear well under makeup, with no white cast or pilling. Some add a glow, some are more natural, but they all protect my skin without messing up the base.
Feels like a silky hydrating lotion. Light, non-greasy. Leaves a soft, natural finish with no white cast. It doubles as a primer and layers beautifully under makeup. No pilling, just a smooth glow.
UV Aqua Rich Daily Hydrating Facial Moisturizer SPF 50 - Bioré | Ulta Beauty
Ultra-light fluid texture, sinks in immediately. Leaves a subtle satin finish with zero white cast. Plays well under foundation with no pilling and has antioxidant benefits for a luminous base
Anthelios Ultra Light Fluid Face Sunscreen SPF 60 - La Roche-Posay | Ulta Beauty
Rich yet fast-absorbing, with a creamy gel feel. Leaves skin dewy and comfortable. No obvious white cast on my medium tone. Works well under makeup once fully absorbed with no clumping.
Bondi Sands Fragrance Free SPF 50 Face Lotion
A sunscreen and radiant primer in one. Lightweight with just enough glow. Sheer finish, no white cast, and grips makeup like a champ.
Sunbeam Suntouchable Whoa Glow Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen - e.l.f. Cosmetics | Ulta Beauty
Feels like a soft lotion but with serious sun protection. Matte-natural finish, no flashback. Glides easily under makeup, zero pilling, and keeps everything in place.
Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion Mineral SPF 60+ - Shiseido | Ulta Beauty
Feels like a watery moisturizer. Barely-there and silky. Natural skin finish, no cast. Makeup applies smoothly; it’s super lightweight but protective.
Ultra-Lightweight Face Fluid SPF 50 - BYOMA | Ulta Beauty
Thicker creamy texture with ceramides and niacinamide. Dries down to a soft, natural finish with no white cast. Works well under makeup after a minute’s wait.
EltaMD UV Pure Broad Spectrum SPF 47 Face and Body Sunscreen 4 oz
Feels like a light CC cream. Silky and slightly hydrating. Natural, semimatte finish with no white cast. Integrates perfectly with makeup, acts as a sheer color-correcting base.
REVISION Skincare Intellishade Clear SPF 50 1.7 oz
Fluid and silky. Basically invisible. Matte-dewy finish with no pilling and no dead giveaway it’s SPF. Great for layering under makeup and for minimal routines.
Invisible Shield Priming Sunscreen SPF 50
Feels like a cooling lotion with SPF 50. Leaves a soft matte, fresh feel. Minimal white cast; works fine under makeup if patted in well.
Garnier Ambre Solaire Super UV Hyaluronic Acid Anti-Dryness Face Cream Spf50 40ml
Weightless gel that literally disappears. Zero white cast, natural finish. Blurs pores and doubles as a primer. No pilling, and you forget it’s on.
1.7 oz Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50 Invisible Sun Protection for Face - Supergoop! | Ulta Beauty
Thick lotion feel but spreads evenly. Slight sheen finish (not greasy), no flashback. Under makeup it gives a soft glow. Just let it set first or there will be some pilling.
Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen SPF 50+ - COSRX | Ulta Beauty
A light, radiant primer with SPF. Dewy-satin finish, subtle glow. No white cast, works perfectly under sheer foundations or as a glow booster.
DreamBeam Silicone-Free Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 with Ceramides and Peptides
his feels like a buttery jelly–texture moisturizer with a soft, natural‑finish tint. It melts into skin effortlessly, calms irritation, and gives breathable coverage that blurs redness without any white cast or flashback. The cooling tip of the squee...
SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation
Feels like a lightweight tinted moisturizer with high SPF. Natural-creamy finish, no white cast. Blurs lightly and blends seamlessly. Great one-step under vacation makeup.
9 Hueguard Skin Tint SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum - Live Tinted | Ulta Beauty
Lip Balms
I apply these while I do my face so they have time to sink in. They smooth and hydrate my lips so lipstick goes on better and lasts longer.
This is probably my second favorite lip balm. The scents are delicious but not overpowering, and I love how easy the tube is to squeeze. It hydrates really well. Perfect for prepping your lips during your makeup routine. I like to apply it early on, ...
Vanilla Frosting Squeeze Me Lip Balm - e.l.f. Cosmetics | Ulta Beauty
This balm is the perfect buttery base before lipstick. Juicy, nourishing, and never thick or gunky. It melts into lips fast and gives a soft, glossy finish that enhances color without sliding. Infused with peptides, squalane, Vitamin E, avocado and c...
Makeup Revolution Juicy Peptide Lip Balm - Nude Spice - 0.27 fl oz
Feels glossy but never sticky. I love how juicy and smooth it makes my lips feel. The perfect base under a sheer tint or when I want a comfy lipstick day.
Lip Glowy Lightweight Hydration Balm with Shea Butter
This balm feels like a soft, plush cushion on my lips. Creamy but featherlight. It’s deeply moisturizing thanks to ceramides and hyaluronic acid, and the texture smooths out fine lines so my lipstick glides on effortlessly without catching on dry pat...
Be Kind Ceramide Lip Blur Balm Hydrating & Smoothing Lip Treatment - cocokind | Ulta Beauty
This balm feels ultra-buttery yet light, juicy, plush, and never sticky. It glides on smoothly, thanks to peptides and hyaluronic acid, and gives a high-shine finish that looks fresh alone or under lipstick. I reach for this during makeup prep so my ...
Strawberry Milk Fresh Kiss Glossy Lip Balm - ColourPop | Ulta Beauty
This balm/gloss hybrid feels luxurious, creamy yet lightweight with a slight oil sheen. Packed with peptides and shea butter, it cushions and smooths my lips, making them look plump and glowy. The curved, flexible applicator tip hugs my pout perfectl...
MCoBeauty Peptide Lip Treatment - Berry - 0.52oz