Cleanse The Face Thoroughly

Always wash your face before you apply makeup. This prepares the skin for the makeup, and removing dirt and oil is essential to keep your skin clear and radiant. A good cleansing lotion, or moisturizing bar of facial soap will do the trick. Some good brands include pHisoderm pH Anti-Blemish Gel Facial Wash, Burt’s Bees Facial Cleanser, and Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser. These deep cleansing treatments will leave you feeling refreshed, while preparing your face for makeup.

Remember to choose a facial cleanser that is appropriate for your skin type. Gently massage your cheeks, forehead, chin, nose, and the area around your mouth. Be careful not to get any soap in your eyes. Apply the cleanser right back to your hair line, and follow the instructions on the product. Rinse your face clean, and then apply a good toner.

Try A Good Facial Toner

Some really effective facial toners include Clinique Clarifying Lotion, Burt’s Bees Rosewater and Glycerin Toner, and Dermalogica Multi Active Toner.

Skin toners are wonderful for shrinking your pores, and they also tend to freshen your face by tightening your skin. There are lots of ways to apply a toner. My favorite method is just to use cotton balls. Simply apply a little facial toner to the cotton ball, and trace along your face, again avoiding the eyes, until you have spread the solution across your face. You will want to rinse the solution off with warm water, following the instructions on the product.

Moisturize

Being over 40, I like to apply a light moisturizer before putting on my makeup. It keeps my skin fresh looking especially if I want to wear a matte foundation or powder. It’s also good for diminishing fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and mouth. Moisturizers are good for adding that extra dewy look to your skin, and it also creates a barrier that keeps moisture in. Some excellent moisturizers that won’t dull your foundation include Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream, Bare Escentuals RareMinerals Purely Nourishing Facial Moisturizer, and DML Daily Facial Moisturizer.