There’s nothing worse than spending time perfecting your makeup only to have it melt away by lunchtime. If you’ve ever wondered how others manage to keep their makeup flawless from morning to night, here’s the secret: it all starts with skin prep. Prepping your skin might not seem glamorous, but it’s the foundation (pun intended) for long-lasting, picture-perfect makeup. The right routine can make your highlighter pop, your foundation stay even, and your eyeshadow resist creasing for hours on end.

The key to success is understanding your skin’s needs and working with what you have to create the perfect canvas. Whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin, prepping properly will set the stage for makeup that doesn’t budge. Want to learn how to level up your routine and make your makeup stay all day? Keep reading for tips, tricks, and step-by-step guidance on achieving the ultimate skin prep.

Start with a Clean Slate

The first step to any good skin prep is cleansing. Dirt, oil, and leftover makeup can interfere with how products apply, so cleansing thoroughly is non-negotiable. Use a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type. If you have oily skin, try a gel or foaming cleanser that removes excess oil without drying out your skin. For dry or sensitive skin, a creamy or hydrating cleanser works best, leaving your skin soft and calm rather than stripped.

Double cleansing is a great option if you’re wearing sunscreen or leftover makeup. Start with an oil-based cleanser to break down stubborn residue, and follow with a water-based formula to remove any impurities. This ensures your skin is fresh and clean, ready to absorb the products that come next.

Hydration Is Key

Once your skin is clean, the next step is hydration. No matter your skin type, hydrated skin helps makeup apply evenly and last longer. Start with a toner or essence to balance your skin’s pH and add a layer of moisture. This step also helps soothe your skin, especially if you’ve just exfoliated or cleansed deeply.

Next up is serum. If your skin leans dry, choose a hydrating serum with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to plump and smooth. For oily or acne-prone skin, a lightweight serum with niacinamide can help control oil while keeping your skin hydrated. Allow the serum to absorb fully before moving on to moisturizer.

Lock in hydration with a moisturizer that fits your skin’s needs. For normal to dry skin, cream-based moisturizers are a great choice. If your skin is oily, lightweight gel-based moisturizers work wonders without making your face feel heavy. The key is to never skip this step, even if you feel like your skin is naturally hydrated. A balanced, moisturized base creates a smooth surface for your makeup to glide on.

Don’t Skip Exfoliation

Exfoliation isn’t something you need every day, but it’s essential if you want makeup that looks flawless and smooth. Dead skin cells on the surface of your face can create a rough texture, making foundation clump or settle into fine lines. When you exfoliate, you’re essentially polishing your skin, giving it a bright, even surface.

Chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are popular because they gently dissolve dead skin rather than scrubbing it off. If you prefer a manual exfoliator, choose one with fine, rounded particles to avoid damaging your skin. Just remember to exfoliate no more than two to three times a week to prevent overdoing it.

Prime Like a Pro

Primers are like the unsung heroes of great makeup. They create a barrier between your skin and your makeup, helping everything stay in place longer while addressing specific skin concerns. If you’ve never used a primer before, now’s the time to start.

For oily skin, mattifying primers are a game-changer. They blur pores, control excess shine, and keep your foundation from sliding off throughout the day. Meanwhile, hydrating primers are ideal for dry skin, creating a plump and dewy finish. If redness or discoloration is an issue, go for a color-correcting primer with green or peach tones to even out your complexion.

Apply your primer after your skincare routine and before your foundation. Use your fingers or a brush to smooth it over your face, focusing on areas where your makeup tends to fade or crease.

Prep Your Lips Too

Long-lasting makeup isn’t just about your face. If you want your lipstick to look fresh and vibrant, proper lip prep is essential. Start by exfoliating your lips with a sugar scrub or a soft toothbrush to remove dead skin. Follow with a hydrating lip balm or mask to keep your lips soft and smooth. Allow the balm to soak in before applying lipstick to avoid a patchy or uneven finish.

If you’re going for a bold lip color, consider using a lip primer or a bit of concealer as a base. This step helps the color adhere better and last through eating, drinking, and all-day wear.

Set It All in Place

Once your makeup is on, setting it properly ensures it stays put. Setting sprays and powders are your BFFs when it comes to locking everything in. A translucent setting powder works perfectly for oily areas like your T-zone, keeping shine in check without altering the color of your makeup. For dry or normal skin, a hydrating setting spray adds a final layer of moisture while sealing your look in place.

Mist your face lightly with the spray, holding it about eight inches away. If you prefer powder, use a fluffy brush to apply a light dusting, focusing on areas where your makeup tends to move or fade. With these final touches, your skin will look flawless, and your makeup won’t budge for hours on end.

Prepping your skin for makeup is all about creating the ideal canvas. By investing time in cleansing, moisturizing, exfoliating, and priming, you’re setting yourself up for success. With these steps in place, your makeup will not only look better but also last from morning meetings to late-night dinner plans. Now go ahead and put it to the test!