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Why Prep Matters: Makeup Starts Before the Makeup

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1. Let’s Talk About Prep

Want smoother foundation, longer wear, and fewer touch-ups? It all starts here.

Let’s get one thing straight: prep is not “extra.”
It’s not a luxury step. It’s not something only influencers do.
And no—it’s not just slapping on primer and hoping for the best.

Prep is the foundation for your foundation.

If your makeup creases, slides, clings to dry patches, or disappears before dinner, chances are your prep routine needs some love.

Think of it this way: would you paint on a dusty wall without wiping it down first? Same goes for your skin. Even the best foundation needs a smooth, happy surface to work with.

2. Why Prep Matters (The Science Stuff—But Make It Cute)

LLet’s break it down:

Hydration makes your skin plump and smooth. That means less texture for makeup to cling to and fewer cakey moments.
Balance keeps oil under control. No surprise shine, no melted contour.
Protection (like SPF and moisturizers) creates a comfy barrier between your skin and your products—especially if you wear makeup often.

Your skin is alive. It changes with the weather, your sleep, your cycle—everything.

So prepping isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s about tuning in, then choosing the right steps to support your skin that day.

It’s not about perfection. It’s about giving your skin a chance to work with your makeup, not against it.

3. Types of Prep: What Your Skin Might Be Asking For

Prep Type	When to Use + What to Try
Hydrating Prep	Best for: dry, dull, or textured skin Try: moisturizers, dewy primers, hyaluronic mists
Mattifying Prep	Best for: oily, acne-prone, or makeup that melts fast Try: oil-free gel moisturizers, mattifying primers, lightweight blurring serums
Barrier Prep	Best for: sensitive or breakout-prone skin Try: fragrance-free moisturizers, SPF, calming serums (like niacinamide)
Morning vs. Night	AM: hydrate + protect (moisturizer + SPF) PM: cleanse + repair (gentle wash, creams, serums)

4. Beginner Decision Guide

You don’t need a 12-step routine. Just give your skin what it’s asking for. And if you’re not sure? Keep it light, keep it gentle.

Problem	What You Need
Makeup looks patchy or flaky	Hydrating primer or moisturizer
Makeup slides off mid-day	Mattifying primer
Foundation clings to dry spots	Exfoliate + hydrate
Skin is sensitive	Gentle moisturizer + SPF
You’re just starting out	Cleanser → Moisturizer → SPF

5. Glaminai’s Matchmaking 💘

This is where I come in.

You tell me what your skin feels like—dry, oily, sensitive, unsure—and I help you build the perfect pre-makeup routine.

Here are a few go-to combos to get you started:

Dry Skin:
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream + e.l.f. Power Grip Primer
Oily Skin:
Neutrogena Hydro Boost + Fenty Mattifying Primer
Sensitive Skin:
Aveeno Calm + Restore Moisturizer + Black Girl Sunscreen
Beginner Basics:
Moisturizer + SPF = a strong, simple start

You don’t need more. You need what works for you.

6. Takeaway Graphic

If your skin feels…	Start with this:
Dry or tight	Moisturizer + hydrating primer
Oily or shiny	Oil-control gel + mattifying primer
Combo	Hydrate cheeks, mattify T-zone
Sensitive	Gentle moisturizer + SPF
Unsure	Lightweight moisturizer

Final Takeaway

You don’t need a million products.
You don’t need a viral routine.
You just need prep that matches your skin.

Makeup doesn’t fix texture, dryness, or oil—it sits on top of it.
So when you give your skin what it needs first, everything you put on after shows up better.

Start simple. Stay consistent. I’ve got you. 💖

✨ Need help picking your perfect prep? Ask me. I’ll match your skin to the right routine in seconds—no stress, no second guessing.