After 30 years as a master barber, hair stylist, and makeup artist, I’ve learned one universal truth: great makeup starts with properly prepared skin. When clients come to me with makeup concerns—whether it’s uneven coverage, excessive oiliness, or makeup that won’t stay put—the solution often lies not in switching products, but in establishing a proper skin prep routine using gentle, natural ingredients.
Step 1: Start with a Clean Canvas
Clean skin is non-negotiable for makeup application. Throughout the night, your skin naturally produces oils and sheds cells that need to be gently removed before applying any products.
For those with sensitive skin like mine, I recommend cleansing with natural, fragrance-free options. Consider using raw honey or a gentle cleanser made with natural butters like shea or mango butter. These ingredients cleanse without stripping your skin’s natural protective barrier—something particularly important for brown skin, which can be prone to both sensitivity and hyperpigmentation when treated harshly.
Step 2: Balance and Tone Naturally
Instead of harsh, alcohol-based toners that can irritate sensitive skin, consider natural alternatives. Rose water, witch hazel (alcohol-free), or even diluted apple cider vinegar can help restore your skin’s pH balance. These natural toners remove any remaining impurities while preparing your skin to better absorb the moisturizers that follow.
Step 3: Moisturize with Natural Butters and Oils
This is where natural skincare truly shines. The right combination of butters and carrier oils can provide superior hydration without synthetic chemicals:
For oily skin: Light carrier oils like hemp seed or jojoba actually help regulate oil production
For dry skin: Rich shea butter or cocoa butter blends provide deep, lasting hydration
For combination skin: A blend of mango butter with lighter oils offers balanced moisture
These natural moisturizers create a smooth base that prevents makeup from settling into fine lines or clinging to dry patches—a common concern I address daily in my practice.
Step 4: Create a Smooth Base
While commercial primers have their place, natural alternatives can be equally effective. A small amount of aloe vera gel or a light application of argan oil can create that smooth, poreless-looking finish. For clients with larger pores, I often recommend a DIY primer using sea moss gel—it naturally tightens and smooths the skin’s appearance while providing minerals that benefit skin health.
Step 5: Natural Sun Protection
Sun protection is crucial, especially for melanin-rich skin that can develop dark spots from sun damage. While mineral sunscreens are ideal, you can also boost your skin’s natural defense with antioxidant-rich oils like red raspberry seed oil or carrot seed oil (though these should supplement, not replace, proper SPF protection).
The Professional Difference
In my years of working with diverse skin types, I’ve seen how switching to natural, butter-based skincare transforms not just how makeup applies, but how skin behaves throughout the day. When you prep with products free from synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals, your skin maintains its natural balance, allowing makeup to perform as intended.
Remember: the goal isn’t just makeup that looks good for an hour, but a routine that supports your skin’s health while enhancing your natural beauty. This is why I developed my own line of natural skincare products—to give my clients the same gentle, effective prep that I use in my professional practice.