There are many factors that contribute to an ideal makeup application, the most important being skincare practices, makeup product selection, application and removal. The way that skin is treated in preparation for wearing makeup can play a huge role in the overall performance of your products. To make things easier, we’ve outlined tips and different ways for getting the best results with Zyderma Skincare.

 

How To Layer Skincare to Change the Finish of Your Makeup

When creating a skincare routine, make sure to take into account the textures and consistency of the products you’re choosing. If incorporating a serum, experience how it sits on your skin and observe if you prefer to apply it before or after the Clarifying Cream. You may find that the order will create a different finish, both on its own and with makeup. For example, if a serum is applied under the Clarifying Cream, you may experience a matte finish overall. If the same serum is applied on top of the Clarifying Cream, it could result in a dewy or glowing finish. This shows that you can transform the look of your makeup based on the order of the skincare products underneath. 

Tip: Skin type can also influence decisions on how to layer products. In the case of dry or dehydrated skin, the order that skincare is applied may not have as much of an impact on the surface appearance, and will typically result in a matte or natural finish. On the other hand, someone with oily skin would have to be more conscientious about the order of their products in order to avoid appearing shiny overall.

Generally, we encourage a lightweight serum to be applied underneath the Clarifying Cream and rich serums to be applied on top. For example, squalane oil is considered to be lightweight and argan oil is rich. Do some trial and error and you will be sure to find the right order. For more on how to choose the right skincare products, as well as how to layer, see Optimize Your Skincare Routine.

How To Prep Skin for Makeup

Regular practices aimed at ensuring skin is feeling comfortable, hydrated, and protected all contribute to a better makeup application.

Conventional makeup primers are, for the most part, mainly composed of various forms of silicone, which provide a slip on the surface, but don’t tend to be associated with any skin benefits. Also, individuals with sensitive and breakout-prone skin may have a tendency to experience congestion as a result of using products that have high concentrations of silicone.

The Clarifying Cream acts as an alternative to conventional primers with unique attributes that benefit the skin. The key factor is that the micronized silver particles in the cream are too large to be absorbed into the skin, thus creating a “Depot Effect'. This effect is the accumulation of silver in the skin folds of the skin surface and where they remain until washed off.

• This effect also creates a smooth surface allowing makeup to glide over the skin while remarkably providing a slight “grip” for makeup to adhere to, resulting in long-lasting wear.
• Provides a long-lasting microbial cleansing barrier to help ensure that bacteria exposure does not affect the skin, even under makeup. Bacteria could be present in the environment, from interaction with makeup brushes or hands, or even in makeup products themselves.
• Helps normalize sebum production, potentially resulting in needing less moisturizing products, and even makeup, over time.
• Creates a slight mattifying effect, decreasing the likelihood that makeup products will slide around or need to be reapplied over the course of the day. 
• Provides a moisturizing layer that helps lock in hydration, keeping makeup products and environmental factors from affecting skin’s moisture levels.

How To Choose and Apply a Foundation

There are three main types of foundation: powder, cream and liquid.

Each type comes with different benefits, but choosing one ultimately boils down to personal preference. 

The key things to consider when choosing a foundation:

• how you like your skin to look in terms of finish (matte, natural, dewy) 
• how much coverage you would prefer (light, medium, full) 
• how you like to apply the product

A summary of each type of foundation:

Powder

Format: Loose or pressed.

Coverage: Can range from sheer to full coverage.

Application: Typically applied with a large, fluffy brush that makes it easy to layer and blend seamlessly. Some powders come with a sponge for application.

Key Features: Powder is typically chosen if looking for something quick and easy, with little mess, and a matte or natural finish. Oftentimes, individuals with an oily skin type will gravitate towards this option. Powder can also be layered on top of cream and liquid foundations to get rid of shine and to prolong wear.

Cream 

Format: Tends to have a thick or mousse-like consistency and be stored in a compact.

Coverage: Can range from sheer to full coverage.

Application: Typically applied with a sponge or a brush. 

Key Features: Creams have a variety of finishes, anywhere from matte to dewy. They are sometimes preferred because they can offer good coverage while looking natural on skin, but it all depends on the individual product. One of the challenges with a cream product is keeping it sanitary. Make sure to use clean hands, a clean brush, or switch out your sponge often.

Liquid

Format: Fluid that comes in a bottle.

Coverage: Can range from sheer to full coverage.

Application: Typically applied with a brush, sponge or fingers.

Key Features: Liquid is the most versatile out of all the options. The benefit of a liquid is that it coats the skin well and can offer full coverage, if needed, but less can be used for a more natural-looking result. Also, liquids tend to offer the most options when it comes to colour selection. 

Experiment with the Clarifying Cream as a base, and, in all cases, make sure to apply products in small amounts and build to get your desired result. 

Tip: If looking to cover or reduce the appearance of red areas or spots, it’s not always necessary to apply foundation or the Clarifying Cream to the whole face. To minimize the amount of makeup you’re applying, try to apply foundation selectively to where you’re looking for coverage and blend around the edges.

It’s also important to note that if you are prone to sensitivities and reactions to make sure to test out any new makeup products beforehand to see how your skin responds. Many retailers offer the option of getting samples.

How to Properly Remove Makeup

At the end of the day, it’s important to thoroughly remove all makeup to avoid any risk of irritation or congestion. It’s also an opportunity to refresh skincare and enjoy the benefits of your products without makeup on the surface. 

1. Use a makeup remover with a cotton or reusable pad to take off waterproof and long-wear products.
2. Apply the Gentle Foaming Cleanser on dry or slightly damp skin. Massage onto face and use a damp Konjac Facial Sponge to gently remove all makeup and debris. The sponge is also an effective way to exfoliate the skin daily, enhancing your natural glow and creating a smooth even surface for your makeup. (Repeat this step, if needed).
3. Apply skincare, as usual.

If not wearing a full face of makeup, any waterproof or long-wearing products, feel free to go straight to step two. 

Tip: If wearing a full face of makeup, including long-wearing and/or waterproof products consider trying one of these makeup removal options: oil cleanser, micellar water, or a facial cleansing wipe. Even a simple option, such as jojoba oil on a cotton or reusable pad, can work well for lighter makeup removal. It’s non-comedogenic and gentle. Either way, make sure to choose one that your skin enjoys and always remove the residue with a cleanser afterwards. 

How to Keep Makeup Tools Clean

Makeup brushes, if not cleaned properly and regularly, are a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause or worsen the skin problems you are trying to manage. The Gentle Foaming Cleanser works well to cleanse makeup brushes, and applicators without damaging them. Here’s how:

1. Pump foam into the palm of your hand. 
2. Dampen brush and move back and forth in palm until all makeup is removed.
3. Rinse brush.
4. Gently squeeze out excess water. 
5. Lay flat to dry. This will prevent moisture from becoming trapped in the handle, leading to the mold and bacterial growth we want to avoid. 

It may be necessary to cleanse more than once for a tool that’s used with rich emollient products, such as a foundation brush. Washing brushes one to two times a week is recommended especially if you have problematic skin.