Skincare for Daily Makeup Wearers: Prep, Removal and Rest Days

For many people, makeup is part of getting ready every day, for work, college or just feeling good. Wearing makeup daily is fine for most skin. What matters is how you prepare your skin, how you remove makeup at night and how you look after your tools.

Prep: the base under the base

  1. Cleanse gently in the morning.
  2. Moisturise and give it a few minutes to settle.
  3. Apply sunscreen. Makeup with sun protection is a nice extra, but most people do not apply enough of it to rely on it alone.
  4. Then apply makeup, starting with thin layers.

Skin that is moisturised underneath usually lets makeup sit more smoothly. See how to apply sunscreen properly.

Removal: the most important step

Going to bed in makeup is one of the most common skincare mistakes. Every night:

  1. Remove eye and lip makeup first, gently, without rubbing.
  2. Remove face makeup with a gentle makeup remover or cleansing oil or balm.
  3. Follow with a gentle face wash to clean the skin.
  4. Moisturise.

On very tired nights, at least remove makeup and moisturise.

Keep tools clean

  • Wash brushes and sponges regularly with mild soap and let them dry fully.
  • Do not share brushes, sponges or eye products.
  • Close lids after use and keep products away from heat.
  • Replace old products, especially mascara and eyeliner, and anything that smells or looks different.

Touch-ups during the day

  • Blot shine with tissue before adding powder.
  • Wash hands before touching your face.
  • Reapply sunscreen if you are outdoors for long stretches.

Give skin rest days

Many people enjoy one or two makeup-free days a week, such as weekends at home. On those days, a simple routine of cleanse, moisturise and sunscreen is enough. See our weekend skin reset routine.

Habits that help

  • Drink water through the day.
  • Sleep well.
  • Change pillowcases regularly.
  • Patch-test new makeup just like skincare.

Common mistakes

  • Sleeping in makeup.
  • Skipping moisturiser because makeup "covers it".
  • Rubbing eye makeup off hard.
  • Dirty brushes and sponges.
  • Using old or expired products.

When to get advice

If a product causes itching, burning, redness or swelling, stop using it. If irritation does not settle, or you notice painful breakouts, see a doctor or dermatologist.

A plan for your skin, under the makeup

The Theraglam Glow Scan turns 3 photos and a short quiz into a personal skin routine with helpful ingredients, a diet and water plan, face massage moves with step-by-step diagrams and a daily to-do list. Knowing what your skin needs makes it easier to choose what goes on before your makeup.

Quick questions

Is wearing makeup every day bad for skin? Not for most people, as long as you prepare skin well and remove makeup fully every night.

Do I still need sunscreen under makeup? Yes. Apply it after moisturiser and before makeup.

Start my Glow Scan: 3 photos and a short quiz become your personal skin, diet and face massage plan, sent by email within about 2 hours. Rs 599, one time.

Glow Scan and this article give skincare and lifestyle guidance, not medical advice. For a skin or health condition, please see a doctor or dermatologist.

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