This festive season, as you prepare to dazzle, Parsi Times brings you ‘Glow With Cherag’, an exclusive column by renowned celebrity hair, skin and make-up expert – Cherag Bambboat. With over two decades of experience perfecting the looks of India’s top stars and brides, Cherag Bambboat shares expert tips to help you look and feel your best – from flawless skin prep to festive glamour. In this debut edition, he explains the essential first step to beauty perfection: ‘Preparing Your Skin Before Makeup’.

 

The Art of Skin Preparation Before Makeup

A flawless makeup look begins long before the first stroke of foundation. Without proper preparation, makeup tends to slide off, flake, or appear patchy, depending on your skin type. Different skin types behave differently under makeup: While Dry skin can look flaky and cracked, leading to a heavy, cakey effect, Oily skin often becomes shiny or greasy, making makeup ‘slip’ off. Sensitive skin can flare up with redness or rashes, making it tough to achieve an even tone, and a Combination skin poses a unique challenge – an oily T-zone but dry cheeks can make blending tricky.

 

Immaterial of your skin type, here is a five-step universal prep routine before makeup:

(I) Cleanse: The first and most important step. Cleansing removes impurities, excess oil, and sweat. For oily skin, use a cleanser that cuts grease effectively. Dry skin benefits from cream-based or hydrating cleansers. While Sensitive skin prefers gentle, gel or water-based formulas, Combination skin needs a cleanser that balances hydration and oil control. Cleansing wipes, lotions, and gels are all good options – pick what suits your skin best.

(II) Tone: Toning refines pores and improves texture. For sensitive skin, use plain rose water. Acne-prone or oily skin benefits from an astringent. For added nourishment, a skin tonic enriched with vitamins A, C, and E proves excellent. Toners also reduce shine in humid weather and prep your skin for the next steps.

(III) Disinfect: This step protects your skin from bacteria that can cause breakouts. Apply a pea-sized amount after toning. It forms a thin protective barrier that keeps bacteria from brushes and tools away from your skin.

(IV) Moisturize: Hydration is key to smooth, even makeup. A good moisturizer allows foundation to glide and blend easily while preventing a cakey finish. Those with extremely dry skin should apply a transdermal serum before moisturizing for extra nourishment.

(V) Prime: The final step, and a game-changer! Primers, often silicone-based, act as a protective wall between your skin and makeup. They blur pores, smooth fine lines and ensure makeup lasts longer. Many primers also include optical diffusers that give your skin a soft-focus glow, ideal for festive events and photography.

Think of your skin as a canvas. The smoother, cleaner, and healthier it is, the more stunning your makeup will look. Preparation is the real secret behind every flawless face. So, stay tuned to Parsi Times, where Cherag Bambboat will decode skincare, haircare and makeup secrets — helping you shine your brightest, all season long!