Skin Preparation Steps: The Secret to a Radiant Look and the Perfect Beauty Routine

Nov 16, 2025

Skin preparation is no longer just a secondary step before makeup, it has become the foundation of a flawless look, one that gives you smooth, radiant, and well-prepped skin, ready to absorb products and deliver the best hold and finish. When skin is properly cared for, it reflects beautifully on every makeup application, from everyday natural looks to bold evening glam.To achieve the perfect base before makeup, here is the ideal routine, step by step, with the best products worth trying.

1. Toner: The First Refreshing Touch

After cleansing, toner plays a crucial role in rebalancing the skin and preparing it to absorb the upcoming products. Toner helps soothe pores, remove residual impurities, and add a light layer of hydration.
It’s best to choose an alcohol-free toner enriched with ingredients like thermal water, chamomile, or hyaluronic acid.

Top Picks:

PIXI Toner known for its instant glow effect

La Roche-Posay gentle and suitable for sensitive skin

The Body Shop Tea Tree for oily and combination skin

Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water hydrating and nourishing

Byome, which supports the skin’s microbiome barrier

2. Serum: Concentrated Power

Serum is the powerhouse of the skin prep routine, with potent formulas designed to target specific needs such as radiance, smoothness, hydration, or fine line reduction.
Apply a few drops and gently massage it in, this is what gives skin that healthy glow that shines through makeup.

Outstanding Options:

Beauty of Joseon Serum, lightweight and suitable for all skin types

The Body Shop Vitamin C, for instant brightness and fatigue-fighting

Seoul 1988 Serum, a modern formula boosting vitality

Seoul Ceuticals Day Glow Serum, rich in highly effective vitamin C

3. Eye Cream: Caring for the Most Delicate Area

The under-eye area is thin and sensitive, and often the first to show signs of fatigue.
Use an eye cream infused with caffeine, niacinamide, or peptides to reduce puffiness and soften fine lines. Apply gently using your ring finger to avoid unnecessary pressure.

Best Products:

The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream for puffiness

Seoul 1988 Eye Cream for ideal hydration

Dr. Loretta Eye Gel to reduce signs of fatigue

Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Eye Cream for deep moisture

Kiehl’s Avocado Eye Cream, rich and nourishing

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue for an instant smoothing and lifting effect.

4. Moisturizer: The Golden Base Before Makeup

Makeup never sits well on dry skin.
Choose a moisturizer that suits your skin type, light gel for oily skin or a richer cream for dry skin, and massage it over the face and neck.
Moisturizer creates a smooth, even surface that helps foundation glide on without cracking or caking.

Top Moisturizers:

Avene Hydrance, lightweight and soothing

La Roche-Posay, ideal for sensitive skin

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, a makeup artist favorite

BYOMA, which strengthens the skin barrier

CeraVe, rich in ceramides

Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream, for luxurious radiance

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream, known for its instant glow

5. SPF: The Non-Negotiable Protection

No skin prep routine is complete without SPF, even on cloudy days.
Choose a lightweight sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white cast, preferably with a matte finish for combination or oily skin.
Apply generously on the face and neck. Sunscreen prevents dark spots, protects from UV damage, and slows signs of aging, all while creating a protected canvas for makeup.

Top Sunscreens:

Supergoop Glow Stick Baton for a natural, healthy sheen

La Roche-Posay Anthelios, lightweight and broad-spectrum

Vichy Capital Soleil, ideal for hot climates

La Roche-Posay Laboratoire Dermatologique, excellent coverage

Lancaster, one of the strongest options for sun protection

6. Lip Mask: The Final Velvety Touch

Since lips are an essential part of the look, a lip mask has become a must-have in skin prep.
It deeply hydrates, smooths fine lines, and helps matte lipstick apply more beautifully and evenly.
Apply a thin layer and let it sink in while you continue your makeup routine.

Great Choices:

Eucerin for long-lasting hydration

Kiehl’s Buttermilk for Lips, nourishing and rich

Tatcha The Kiss Lip Mask, for plump, healthy-looking lips

Bepanthen, simple yet highly effective

Mario Badescu Lip Mask, for ultimate softness

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Mask, with a luxurious formula

Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip Mask, perfect for overnight repair

The Result: Ready Skin, Long Lasting Makeup, and Radiance That Shines

Following these steps in order gives you a professional quality base effortlessly. Your makeup lasts longer, looks smoother, and glows naturally.
With a wide selection of recommended products, you can now choose what best suits your skin type and daily needs.

Bader Al-Kulaib

Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah

Dr. Noura Almashan

Dr. Munira Al-Arouj

Nour Abdul

Eisa Alhabib

Deema Al-Ghunaim

Lama AlOraiman

Alymamah Rashed

Nadia Bader Al-Hajji

Henadi Al-Saleh

Jafar Islah

Abdullah Ghazi Al-Mudhaf

Abeer Al Awadhi

Shahad Alsabeeh

Abdulrahman Bedah Al-Mutairi

Faisal Alagel

Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi

Shaikha Al Majed

Farah Almutawa

Donna Sultan

Dana Al-Mutawa and Sheikha Sharifa Al Sabah and Alzainah Albabtain

Laila Almutairi

Adel Alwasis

Hashim and Amna Naseeb

Dr. Abdullah Al Sumait

Shaikha Al-Hajeri

Shaima Hassan

Sheikha Bibi Al-Yousef Al-Sabah

Free Jabriya

Lulowa Al-Mulla

Salman Al-Kandari

Al-Jawhara-Al-Mahdi

Abdullatif Al Mishari

Hussain Bumejdad

Soaad Al-Faqaan

Maryam Alrefaei

Abdulmohsen AlMarzouq‏

Dr. Faisal Al-Roomi

Noor Al-Nafisi

Shaymaa Al-Terkait

Khalid Muthafar

Dalal AlHajeri

Yousef Alomran

Fahad Al Ghanim

Abdullah Behbehani

Sara Al-kattan

Dr. Manal Aldaihani

Ali Khajah

Raheel Al Roudhan

Bader Al-Kulaib

Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah

Dr. Noura Almashan

Dr. Munira Al-Arouj

Nour Abdul

Eisa Alhabib

Deema Al-Ghunaim

Lama AlOraiman

Alymamah Rashed

Nadia Bader Al-Hajji

Henadi Al-Saleh

Jafar Islah

Abdullah Ghazi Al-Mudhaf

Abeer Al Awadhi

Shahad Alsabeeh

Abdulrahman Bedah Al-Mutairi

Faisal Alagel

Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi

Shaikha Al Majed

Farah Almutawa

Donna Sultan

Dana Al-Mutawa and Sheikha Sharifa Al Sabah and Alzainah Albabtain

Laila Almutairi

Adel Alwasis

Hashim and Amna Naseeb

Dr. Abdullah Al Sumait

Shaikha Al-Hajeri

Shaima Hassan

Sheikha Bibi Al-Yousef Al-Sabah

Free Jabriya

Lulowa Al-Mulla

Salman Al-Kandari

Al-Jawhara-Al-Mahdi

Abdullatif Al Mishari

Hussain Bumejdad

Soaad Al-Faqaan

Maryam Alrefaei

Abdulmohsen AlMarzouq‏

Dr. Faisal Al-Roomi

Noor Al-Nafisi

Shaymaa Al-Terkait

Khalid Muthafar

Dalal AlHajeri

Yousef Alomran

Fahad Al Ghanim

Abdullah Behbehani

Sara Al-kattan

Dr. Manal Aldaihani

Ali Khajah

Raheel Al Roudhan