Skip to content
REGIMEN BUILDER

Customized recommendations for your ideal skincare routine. Take the quiz!

Article: How to Prep Skin for Holiday Makeup

How to Prep Skin for Holiday Makeup

How to Prep Skin for Holiday Makeup

As the holiday season approaches, we’re all looking to shine brighter than ever. Achieving the perfect holiday makeup look starts long before you even open your makeup bag. The secret? A well-prepped skincare routine.


Prepping your skin not only ensures a smooth and radiant makeup application, but it also keeps your skin healthy and glowing even after the festivities. Let’s explore why skin prep is so essential and discover a step-by-step guide with recommended products from IMAGE Skincare’s Regimen Builder to suit every skin type.


Why Skin Prep for Makeup Is Essential



Without a proper skincare routine, makeup can settle into fine lines, look patchy, or feel uncomfortable. Prepping your skin creates a smooth, hydrated canvas, helping makeup glide on effortlessly and stay in place throughout the night. Whether you have oily, dry, combination, or mature skin, preparing your skin with the right products makes a noticeable difference in both the application and longevity of your makeup.


Skin Prep for Makeup: Step-by-Step Guide



1. Cleanse

Start with a gentle yet effective cleanser. IMAGE Skincare cleansers are pH-balanced, which means there’s no need for a toner afterward. This is especially beneficial for holiday routines, as it simplifies the process while keeping the skin balanced and ready for the next steps.



2. Exfoliate

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, creating a smooth surface for makeup. However, over-exfoliating can cause irritation, especially during the winter months. Depending on your skin type, choose a gentle exfoliant that brightens and smooths without disrupting the skin barrier.



3. Treat

Face serums are vital for infusing the skin with hydration and targeted nutrients. For those with combination or oily skin, a lightweight serum like ORMEDIC Balancing Antioxidant Serum keeps skin balanced and free of excess oils.



4. Eye Crème

To keep the delicate under-eye area smooth and hydrated, an eye cream is essential. This step is crucial, as concealers and powders can accentuate fine lines and dryness around the eyes.



5. Moisturize and Prime

Moisturizing creates a protective barrier, sealing in hydration and leaving the skin plump and ready for makeup. For oily or combination skin, try the Clear Cell Mattifying Moisturizer, which controls shine without clogging pores. Primer is the finishing touch to your skincare routine, acting as a bridge between skincare and makeup. This step is especially beneficial as it helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and ensures makeup stays in place all night.


Skin Prep by Skin Type: Steps and Recommendations


Each skin type needs a tailored approach for flawless holiday makeup. Here’s a quick guide to prepping each skin type for holiday makeup with recommended IMAGE products.



Oily skin types need products that control excess sebum while keeping the skin balanced. The right combination of products will help prevent makeup from slipping and keep shine at bay

Cleanse: CLEAR CELL clarifying salicylic gel cleanser – Controls excess oil and deeply cleanses

 



Exfoliate: CLEAR CELL salicylic clarifying pads – Smooths and removes dead skin cells

 



Treat: ORMEDIC balancing antioxidant serum – Balances skin without adding shine


Eye Cream: ORMEDIC balancing eye lift gel - Softens the appearance of fine lines

 


Moisturize and Prime: CLEAR CELL mattifying moisturizer – Controls oil for a matte finish

 



Dry skin benefits from deep hydration and barrier-strengthening ingredients to prevent flaky or uneven makeup application. This routine focuses on nourishing and plumping the skin for a radiant holiday glow.

Cleanse: VITAL C hydrating facial cleanser – Gently hydrates and cleanses

 



Exfoliate: ILUMA intense brightening exfoliating cleanser – Smooths and brightens without irritation

 



Treat: VITAL C hydrating anti-aging serum – Boosts moisture and softens skin

 



Eye Cream: AGELESS total eye lift crème - Targets signs of aging around the eyes

 



Moisturize and Prime: VITAL C hydrating repair crème – Provides deep, lasting hydration

 



Combination skin requires a balance between oil control and hydration. Using targeted products in your skin prep helps ensure an even texture without exacerbating oily or dry areas.

Cleanse: ORMEDIC® balancing facial cleanser – Keeps skin balanced without over-drying.

 



Exfoliate: ILUMA® intense brightening exfoliating powder – Gentle and effective.

 



Serum: ORMEDIC balancing antioxidant serum – Hydrates without heaviness.



Eye Cream: VITAL C hydrating eye recovery gel – Soothes, hydrates and de-puffs

 



Moisturize and Prime: ORMEDIC balancing biopeptide crème – Controls T-zone oil and hydrates.

 



Mature skin requires hydration, firmness, and brightening. The following products help to smooth fine lines and create a youthful base for makeup.

Cleanse: AGELESS total facial cleanser – Hydrates while gently cleansing.

 



Exfoliate: AGELESS total resurfacing masque – Refines texture for a smooth finish.

 


Serum: AGELESS total pure hyaluronic 6 filler – Deeply hydrates and plumps fine lines.

 



Eye Cream: the MAX™ eye crème - Reduces look of dark circles and wrinkles

 



Moisturize and Prime: the MAX™ crème – Firms and smooths for a youthful glow.

 



Conclusion


With a few simple but targeted steps, you can enjoy holiday makeup that lasts all night and keeps your skin feeling its best. IMAGE’s pH-balanced cleansers, gentle exfoliants, nourishing serums, and protective moisturizers provide a solid foundation for flawless holiday makeup. Embrace this season with a radiant, well-prepped complexion by following these steps tailored to your skin type.



Read more

Yes, You Need Sunscreen in Winter
winter skincare

Yes, You Need Sunscreen in Winter

Most of us think of sunscreen as something for summer, but you actually need it all year round, even during winter. Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you’re safe from the sun’s harmful UV rays. I...

Read more
Top Skincare Trends for 2024 and Predictions for 2025

Top Skincare Trends for 2024 and Predictions for 2025

Skincare is changing rapidly, with new products and ingredients focused on science, sustainability, and simplicity. In 2024, trends like protecting the skin's natural defenses and using fewer but s...

Read more