The Base Routine That Finally Stops Your Makeup Looking Heavy

After years of working on different faces, different skin types, and different ages, one thing has always been clear to me: makeup only looks heavy when the base isn’t working with the skin. This becomes even more important as skin changes over time. Texture, dehydration, elasticity, age, all of it affects how makeup sits, and no product alone can override that.

The routine I use now is the result of experience, not experimentation. It’s refined, intentional, and designed to let skin look like skin, even on camera, even under lights.

Everything starts with skin prep, but not in an overcomplicated way. In professional makeup, more product underneath rarely equals better results. The goal is comfort and balance. I prep the skin so it feels hydrated and calm, but never overly slick. When skin is prepped correctly, foundation doesn’t need to work as hard, and that’s what keeps the base looking lightweight.