SHE SAID: SKIN FIRST!

Because your foundation only looks as good as the canvas beneath it

- CHARNDRÉ EMMA KIPPIE

Most makeup enthusiasts love a good face beat, right? And that means a flawless, smoothed out, dewy-but-not-oily base that makes you feel like you've just stepped out of a pro makeup artist's chair. But the truth is, no amount of foundation, concealer or setting spray can fix skin that's dry, congested or inflamed underneath. Your makeup is only as good as your skincare, and the secret to a truly seamless look isn't just what products you use, but how you layer them. Welcome to the new era of skin-first glam, where skincare and makeup don't compete, they collaborate.

SO FRESH, SO SMOOTH!

What you want to do is start by cleansing your face to remove oil, sweat and buildup. Use a gentle gel or cream cleanser suited to your skin type (foaming for oily skin, hydrating for dry).

Then, exfoliation is your secret weapon for that glass-skin effect. Twice a week, reach for a chemical exfoliant (containing AHA or BHA) to gently dissolve dead skin cells and even out texture. Think of it as hitting reset on your complexion by giving your foundation a smooth, even surface to cling to. Just don't overdo it: more isn't more here.

Now, the tea on exfoliating face scrubs? Well, they often contain microbeads that claim to gently buff and polish the skin and remove dead cells for a smoother feel. However, most microbeads are plastic and can scratch the skin.

Dr Martin Wade, a dermatologist at the London Real Skin clinic, warns that these tiny abrasions damage the skin and accelerate the aging process.

"You are essentially rubbing your face with the same plastic used to make milk bottles. Natural alternatives are better."