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My Everyday Skin Prep (What I Actually Use Before Makeup)
12
items These are the skin prep products I actually use before makeup. I keep my routine simple and focused on hydration, barrier support, and SPF so makeup goes on smoothly and wears better throughout the day.
Sections
3
Hydrating Base
Barrier + Moisture Lock
Daily SPF and Lip Prep
Hydrating Base
This is the first step I use to hydrate and prep my skin so makeup goes on smoothly instead of clinging to dry patches. Lightweight, calming, and focused on hydration without feeling greasy.
A lightweight, milky serum that adds instant hydration and calms my skin without feeling sticky. I use this as my first prep step so makeup goes on smoother and looks more fresh instead of dry or textured.
Glazing Milk Ceramide Facial Essence - rhode | Sephora
This is often mentioned as a more affordable dupe for Rhode Glazing Milk. I personally prefer the Rhode because it feels more hydrating and serum-like on my skin, but this is still a nice lightweight option if you want something milky and gentle at a...
Milky Hydrating Face Toner with Snow Mushroom and Hyaluronic Acid - Thayers | Ulta Beauty
A gentle, barrier-supporting serum I use when my skin feels dry or irritated. It adds hydration without heaviness and helps keep my skin calm so makeup applies more smoothly and wears better.
7 Rice Ceramide Hydrating Barrier Serum - ANUA | Ulta Beauty
I haven't personally tried this one yet but I've heard good things about it and that it is also similar to the glazing milk. Such a good price!
1.69 Hydrating Milky Toner - BYOMA | Ulta Beauty
Linking this product too because I used this for YEARS before discovering the Elf Thirst Burst Drops. These two products feel so similar!
1.0 oz Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator Gel Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid - Clinique | Ulta Beauty
Barrier + Moisture Lock
This step is all about sealing everything in. This is what I use to protect my skin barrier and keep my makeup from drying out or breaking apart throughout the day.
A rich but comforting moisturizer that seals everything in without feeling heavy. I use this to support my skin barrier and keep my makeup from drying out or breaking apart throughout the day — especially when my skin feels sensitive or dehydrated.
Barrier Butter Intensive Moisture Balm - rhode | Sephora
A lightweight hydrating moisturizer I use when my skin needs extra moisture but I don’t want anything heavy. It gives a fresh, dewy feel and layers well under makeup without pilling or feeling greasy.
1 fl oz Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops Dewy + Brightening - e.l.f. Cosmetics | Ulta Beauty
This is a great, more affordable alternative to Rhode Barrier Butter. It has a similarly rich, comforting texture and helps lock in moisture without feeling heavy. I still prefer the Barrier Butter when my skin is extra dry, but this is an excellent ...
Fragrance Free Holy Hydration! Face Cream - e.l.f. Cosmetics | Ulta Beauty
Daily SPF and Lip Prep
Daily protection and lip prep that actually works under makeup. These don’t pill, feel heavy, or interfere with how products sit on the skin or lips.
A nourishing lip treatment I use to prep my lips before makeup or throughout the day. It smooths and hydrates without feeling sticky, so lip liner and lipstick apply more evenly instead of catching on dry spots.
Peptide Lip Treatment Nourishing Glaze - rhode | Sephora
An easy, no-mess way to prep and protect dry areas and lips. I use this to smooth any dry patches before makeup and as lip prep so products apply more evenly and don’t cling to texture.
Aquaphor Healing Balm Stick Unscented - 0.65oz
A lightweight daily sunscreen that layers really well under makeup. It doesn’t pill, sting my eyes, or mess up how foundation sits, so it’s one I actually stick with every day instead of skipping SPF.
Knours Mineral Korean Face Sunscreen SPF 50
This is another lip treatment favorite of mine that feels so luxurious and hydrating without feeling sticky or heavy.
Forget The Filler Overnight Lip Plumping Mask - LAWLESS | Sephora