Prep, Cover, Set: 3 Steps To Ace Your Makeup Base

Perfect makeup is something we all dream of, but it isn't exactly easy to keep your look prim and proper all day long. Blame it on the sultry weather or your busy schedule, an absolutely polished look seldom lasts 9–5. Here’s where we come in; this article will provide you with tips and tricks to help keep your makeup fresh and photo-ready throughout the day.

First things first, it's super important to set the stage for makeup with proper skin prep. Prepping the skin ensures smooth and seamless makeup application, enhancing the longevity of your makeup and promoting a radiant complexion. Without a well-prepped base, it's nearly impossible to achieve the perfect look, even with top-notch makeup products. So, let's break it down for you with Prep, Cover, Set – our 3 steps to fabulously flawless makeup.

What Is PCS?

In order to become a makeup maestro, one needs a solid base, and in makeup, it all boils down to Prep, Cover, and Set. If you want people to compliment your skin and not just your foundation, mastering this trio is key. It’ll keep your glam intact from a hectic work day to a post-work date. And while curating the perfect makeup arsenal is half the battle won, blending the products seamlessly into your skin is just as important. Here are some expert tips to help you Prep, Cover, and Set your base like a pro!

An even and durable makeup base requires a primer, foundation, concealer, and a setting spray or loose powder.

• Prep: Primer prepares the skin by filling in pores and fine lines for a smooth canvas; it provides a better hold to your makeup.
• Cover: The foundation is applied to even out your skin tone for a uniform finish. Meanwhile, a concealer helps camouflage blemishes and dark circles for a spotless canvas.
• Set: Compact powders and setting sprays lock your look in place, minimising shine and creases. They also prevent your makeup from fading away through the day.

Why Prep, Cover, Set?

Makeup tends to fade after a couple of hours, especially in a humid climate like ours. The trick lies in finding ways to lock everything in and keep it intact. Begin your makeup application by moisturising with a product suitable for your skin type; follow through with a primer. Employ a blurring one for oily skin, a serum-based variety for combination skin, and a hydrating primer for dry skin.

While primers extend the wear of your makeup and help your foundation last longer, a solid setting spray or loose powder is that final touch to seal your look and offer a dewy or matte finish.

A Glowy Canvas

In order to create a dewy, illuminating base for your glam, follow these steps:

PREP

• Begin with a hydrating primer: Pick a primer that delivers an added dose of moisture to leave your skin looking luminous. Think of it as the first layer to glow-smoothen your skin while locking in hydration.

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COVER

• Use a lightweight, dewy foundation: Select one with a dewy finish for a fresh, glowy look. Apply the dewy-finish foundation with a damp beauty sponge to give your skin a ‘no-makeup’ makeup touch. Make sure you blend the foundation out well, particularly along the edges, for seamless coverage.

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SET

• Spritz and set: A few spritzes of a hard-working setting spray will seal your look in a matter of minutes. The fixing spray will also deliver a healthy dose of hydration to the epidermis.

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Mattify Your Base

To get the ideal matte base for your makeup, here’s how you should go about applying primer, foundation, concealer, and loose powder or setting spray:

PREP

• Begin with a mattifying primer: Opt for a matte finish primer if you have oily or combination skin. You can apply it on your T-zone and any other area of the face that tends to get overly greasy. The perfect hack for a smooth, oil-free base!

Prep In Under ₹600

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COVER

• Use a lightweight, mattifying foundation: Apply a mattifying foundation best suited to your skin tone and blend it using a beauty blender or brush. To build up the coverage for a full-glam look, ensure your foundation is well-blended for a non-cakey appearance.

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SET

• Set with a light dusting of loose powder: While aiming for a mattified appearance, avoid taking that glowy vibe away from your glam by over-powdering. Gently tap loose powder over greasy areas such as your T-zone. This way, your look will stay put sans over-mattifying the skin.

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Key Takeaway

With the right Prep, Cover, and Set routine, you can master a flawless base that lasts all day long. We hope this guide helps you achieve a solid makeup base, be it a glowy, dewy finish or a sculpted matte look.

FAQs On Sunscreen

1. Why is primer important?

   A primer not only helps blur out enlarged pores and smoothens your skin, but it also brightens the complexion, giving it a refined texture before you apply makeup. Besides, it extends the wear-time of your base.

2. How to apply foundation?

   Whatever the mode of application – be it a foundation brush, a beauty blender, or your fingertips – remember to dab and not rub, or gently tap the product into your skin. Always avoid wiping and rubbing motions.

3. Is setting powder really necessary?

   Yes, consider it the unsung hero of your makeup routine. Setting or loose powder helps lock your look in place, ensuring your base doesn’t budge for hours on end. You may also use a makeup fixing spray to seal your base.