The mantra goes that true beauty comes from within, right? Well, BeautyTok’s latest obsession calls for a revived “skin first” approach to our everyday makeup routines. Prioritising that all-important prep, the foundation of a flawless look begins long before the first stroke, dab or slick of makeup.
Let’s face it, no matter how much moisturiser we lather ourselves in or how rigorous our exfoliation exercises are, many of us might struggle with dusty or crusty visage. Others might face problems when it comes to uneven texture or enlarged pores, in any case, leading to makeup application that gets clogged and caked in all the wrong places.
From toners that balance and prep the skin to primers that create a smooth, blurred canvas, and serums that rejuvenate and hydrate the base, here are our top product picks that will make your prep as indulgent and essential as the makeup itself. Get ready to radiate from within!
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Herbar Barrier Cream
Science-backed and mushroom-led, Herbar’s brand-new Barrier Cream merges the silken texture of a balm with the velvety, cushion-like consistency of a cream, absorbing almost instantly to form the perfect base layer.
Clinical trials have shown that the product improves the skin barrier's function by 59%, in just 2 hours – enabling skin repair and rejuvenation by harnessing the power of shrooms!
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Winter Glow Primer
A MUA fave, this product will guarantee that Galliano glow and forms the perfect luminous (but non greasy) base under any make-up. Perfect for a pre-summer skin boost.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA+BHA Pore-Tight Toner
New beauty products blow up on TikTok every five minutes, but this one actually seems to live up to the hype. Glow Recipe's sweet-smelling, super gentle formula exfoliates without stripping the skin with harsh chemicals. Making its soothing capabilities great for all skin types. The best in the business for evening out and hydrating your base ahead for make-up application. Apply twice a day!
Merit Great Skin Instant Glow Serum
A product from the cult “clean” beauty brand we love. Merit’s Instant Glow Serum’s illuminating capabilities are great with or without make-up. Enriching the skin with science-backed ingredients that plump, hydrate and illuminate.
Milk Makeup Pore Eclipse Mattifying Primer
For those with more oily skin, Milk's brilliant mattifying primer, which literally makes visible pores disappear, allowing your foundation to glide one with not an imperfection in sight.
The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer
This gel-based formula from The Ordinary glides on like butter, blurs imperfections and leaves just the right amount of dewy goodness in its path to blend over.
Laneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide Toner And Moisturiser
For those who prefer an easy everyday routine, this product lies somewhere between a toner and a moisturiser. Delivering two skincare steps in the swipe of a cotton pad, Laneige’s toner locks in hydration while remaining super lightweight and fast absorbing. Perfect for a low-effort makeup look, that keeps you cool, unlike some thicker alternatives.
