Foundation Before Freakout: A Makeup Artist's Honest Take
The intersection of skincare and makeup is an art form that can significantly enhance our natural beauty while expressing personal style. In our latest podcast episode, we delve into this fascinating relationship with professional makeup artist Ashley, who shares insider knowledge on creating flawless makeup application that lasts throughout the day.
Perhaps the most surprising revelation from our conversation is the critical importance of exfoliation before makeup application. As Ashley explains, exfoliating removes the accumulated oils and dead skin cells that form a barrier between your skin and makeup products. This simple step creates a smooth canvas that allows makeup to adhere properly and last significantly longer. Many of us skip this crucial preparation, then wonder why our carefully applied makeup seems to disappear or look patchy after just a few hours. Even a gentle surface-level exfoliation can make a dramatic difference in how makeup applies and lasts.
Another key insight involves understanding product compatibility. Different makeup products have different bases - water, oil, or silicone - and mixing incompatible formulations can lead to disappointing results. When Ashley notices her clients experience issues with makeup not looking right or lasting through the day, she often identifies incompatible product combinations as the culprit. This explains why sometimes our favorite primer might work wonderfully with one foundation but cause another to separate or pill. Taking time to understand which of your products work harmoniously together can transform your makeup routine.
The conversation also addressed common makeup application mistakes, particularly regarding the quantity of product used. Many people apply too little product, especially for photography or special occasions, resulting in makeup that looks beautiful in person but appears washed out in photos. Ashley revealed that professional makeup often involves using significantly more product than most people would expect - sometimes as much as five pumps of foundation for a full-coverage look that photographs well. This doesn't mean we should pile on products for everyday wear, but understanding this principle helps explain why celebrity and professional makeup looks so different from what we might achieve at home.
One of the most valuable aspects of our discussion centered around realistic beauty standards. In an era of filters, photoshop, and carefully curated social media, it's easy to develop unrealistic expectations about how our skin should look. Ashley emphasized that everyone has pores, lines, and texture - these are natural features of human skin. The trend for 2025 appears to be moving toward finding what authentically works for each individual rather than following rigid beauty rules. The "clean girl aesthetic" and experimenting with whether you're better suited to high or low contrast makeup are gaining popularity, but the overarching message is about discovering your own unique beauty formula.
For those struggling with skin conditions like acne or hyperpigmentation, Ashley offers particularly compassionate advice. Rather than covering your entire face with heavy makeup to conceal a few problem areas, she recommends targeted concealing that allows your skin to breathe and heal. This philosophy aligns perfectly with dermatological approaches to skin health - our skin is a living organ that needs respect and care to function properly.
