Exfoliate: Perfect makeup application depends on a smooth surface. It will slough away the cells that cause a dull, uneven complexion. Try Merle Norman's Gentle Polish. This creamy facial scrub with rounded microspheres suspended in a hydrating base gently polish the skin’s surface and smooth the way for flawless-looking skin. Shea Butter, Honey and Sweet Almond Oil hydrate and cushion the skin.

 

Moisturize:  Begin with a serum before applying your moisturizer. It will give you the hydration and nourishment for your skin. Wayne Goss, a favourite makeup artist of mine, suggests to always apply a generous amount of moisturizer before priming, as it makes your primer application even. He says to take your usual amount of moisturizer and then triple it! Wait a few minutes after your application before priming. Two of my favorite moisturizers are:

-Daily Moisture Cream. This Luxurious, lightweight cream provides deep moisturization and comfort. Advanced formula locks in moisture to help plump away fine, dry lines. 

-Intensive Moisturizer is a super-rich, fast-absorbing, moisturizing cream and is packed with moisturizers and humectants to help replenish lost moisture, relieve very dry patches on the face and body and prevents future dryness. Can be used day or night.

 

Dab & Blend: Makeup artist Elle Leary gave us this tip for applying your primer: “When it comes to primers a little bit goes a long way. Start in the center of the face and work your way out- you want a light coverage, not heavy.

 

Beauty guru Tim Quinn recommends applying with your fingertips or a sponge, and avoiding the eye area. Wait Once your primer is on, allow a few minutes for it to set before applying foundation. A few of my favorite primers are:

-Merle Norman's Foundation Primer Plus SPF 15...Designed for daily wear, this light reflecting liquid beautifully highlights the face with advanced HD pigment technology. Created with a signature blend of micronized pigments, it enhances and complements all skin tones. These iridescent pigments are also multi-dimensional to naturally catch and reflect light. Further enhanced with Apple Extract Complex, which helps make this formula smooth as silk. It can be mixed with any foundation for soft, all-over radiance, or used to highlight specific areas such as brow bones, cheekbones, bridge of nose or wherever you want a light catching accent.

 

-Anti-Blemish Foundation Primer...Whether your blemishes are the result of stress, hormonal changes, diet or climate … it’s time to put a stop to that vicious breakout cycle! Formulated for all skin types, this lightweight foundation primer contains 2% Salicylic Acid to help effectively promote clearer skin. It helps clear up blemishes while also helping to prevent new ones from forming. Its silky, oil-free formula is designed to extend the wear of foundation. An elastomer blend helps absorb and control excess oil providing a smooth, matte-like finish that blurs fine lines and pores. The breakout cycle stops here.

 

-Anti-Redness Foundation Primer...Harness the powerful soothing benefits of Sea Whip Extract and a soft green tint to instantly neutralize visible redness. This color-correcting primer is formulated with a balanced water and silicone system that is specifically designed to fill in rough, uneven patches without the resulting dryness or tightness that can sometimes occur with people who suffer from occasional or persistent redness. All while extending the wear of foundation, powder, concealer and blush.

Anti-Redness Foundation Primer