Before the brushes come out and the glam takes over, makeup artists have one non-negotiable: skin prep. It’s the backstage ritual that sets the tone for everything that follows, and according to the beauty pros, it’s just as important as the makeup itself.

At the Allure Philippines launch held at The Peninsula Manila, experts, celebrities, and creators gathered to celebrate all things beauty. But amidst the glitz and glow, we asked the real backstage MVPs—our country’s top makeup artists—one question: What’s your go-to skin prep move before a big event?

From glow-boosting tricks to smoothing tips, here are six expert-approved tips straight from the artists themselves.

1. Hydration is your real primer.

Contrary to the notion that a flawless base must begin with a strictly matte canvas, makeup artist Czari Domingo Angeles insists that true smoothness comes from slip and moisture. “For big events, some people have the impression that they need to be super matte before they apply their products,” she explains. “It’s so easy to mattify towards the end, but if your skin has that slip, your products will go on more smoothly and look more skin-like.” To lock in that glow, Angeles’s go-to hydrating products are Benefit Smooth Sip Moisturizer and Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré.

2. Exfoliate early, not last-minute.

Makeup artist Nicole Ceballos emphasizes that when you exfoliate can be just as important as how you do it. “Exfoliate the night before. Number one,” she advises, noting that an evening scrub allows the skin to “soothe from the night before” and fully absorb the serums and moisturizers that follow on D-day. She warns against last-minute scrubs, which can leave skin “a little raw” and prone to breakouts once makeup goes on. For those new to acids, Ceballos suggests starting with lower-strength lactic or gentle glycolic formulas; seasoned exfoliators can graduate to mandelic or higher-concentration glycolic acid.

3. Your moisturizer should match the moment.

Celebrity makeup artist Jelly Eugenio believes dryness is the enemy of glam for big events. “Dry skin is much harder to deal with once you’re already out,” he says. “I think what’s more intimidating to [fix] is when your skin is more dry than oily, because if you’re oily you can [always] blot it later,” he adds. 

To strike the right balance between dewy and oily, Eugenio tests multiple formulas—some oil-free, some rich in hyrdation—depending on the event’s length and setting. “Right now, I’m wearing an oil-free moisturizer so I don’t get super oily and at the same time I don’t look dry,” he notes. His key takeaway: Choose hydration that suits both your skin type and the occasion’s demands.

Makeup artist Jelly Eugenio; Photo: Kim Angela Santos

4. Sleep is the original skin prep.

Sometimes the best skin care step happens before you even wake up. Seasoned makeup artist Gery Penaso keeps his prep simple but effective: “Hydrate the skin by getting enough sleep before the event, and still complete your skin care regimen.” Fellow pro Slo Lopez agrees: “Get a lot of sleep and hydrate.” Together, they remind us that no serum can substitute for well-rested, well-hydrated skin.

Makeup artist Slo Lopez; Photo: Kieran Punay

5. A little shine? Sometimes that’s the flex.

When the engagement isn’t for television but for in-person mingling, a subtle gleam can read as healthy radiance rather than oil slick. “You’ll be seen in person. It’s not really for TV, right? Sometimes shiny is better for in-person,” says top makeup artist Juan Sarte, who favors La Mer’s moisturizing creams under makeup. He adds that properly prepped skin actually requires a thinner application of base products. “The more skin-like the makeup, the better,” he stresses. 

Allure US editor in chief Jessica Cruel and makeup artist Juan Sarte. Photo: Ed Simon

6. Fight the heat with a primer plan.

Finally, when Manila’s humidity threatens to undo your efforts, veteran makeup artist Lala Flores underscores the value of a mattifying primer. “Because it’s gonna be so hot, you have to use a mattifying primer,” she advises. “After skin care, [apply] a mattifying primer, then a semi-matte foundation,” she says. This two-step approach—hydrating, then selectively controlling shine—ensures makeup stays fresh from the first toast to the last dance.

The bottom line?

Whether you’re logging hours on a set or stepping out for a gala, take a page from these pros: hydrate thoughtfully, exfoliate with timing, embrace rest, and most importantly, treat your skin as the masterpiece it is. When the prep is right, the beat truly drops.

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