How to prepare your skin for make-up application: the secrets of a celebrity make-up artist.

Posted on by Dr Munir Somji

This month, we’re excited to welcome celebrity make-up artist Sandra Cooke as our guest blogger. With awards season coming up, it’s the perfect time to get some expert tips on achieving red-carpet-ready skin. We all admire that flawless, radiant complexion seen on A-listers and magazine shoots – and Sandra is here to reveal the secrets behind it.

Originally from Sydney, Sandra moved to London to immerse herself in the European fashion scene, where she assisted renowned make-up artist Lucia Pieroni. Since then, her career has soared, with an impressive portfolio featuring global campaigns, runway shows and magazine covers for VOGUE, Harper’s Bazaar, and WSJ. Sandra has worked with luxury brands like Isabel Marant as well as celebrities including Kate Moss, Claudia Schiffer and Dua Lipa.

Sandra shares her tips on why great skincare is essential for achieving your best look, and how to use Dr Somji Skincare to elevate your make-up routine.

Flawless make-up starts with healthy skin

When it comes to make-up, healthy, glowing skin is everything. Yes, make-up can work wonders to even out the skin tone and conceal redness, but it can’t do much for skin texture. With the fashion and beauty moving towards a ‘real life’ beauty aesthetic, there is less retouching of images and the models’ and celebrities’ skin quality is even more important. With our modern-day access to information and cutting-edge technology for skincare placed alongside in-clinic facial and aesthetic treatments, to have a glowing and healthy complexion is now both achievable and expected. 

Why skincare prep is the key to great make-up

Beautiful make-up always starts with proper skin preparation. Think of it as a formula – get the base right, and the rest will follow. A thorough cleanse is step one. Clean, hydrated skin provides the perfect canvas for make-up. Daily use of topical products that target your specific skin concerns – whether that’s rosacea, pigmentation or acne – can make all the difference. For make-up, I avoid anything too oily or sticky, as they can leave a residue that doesn’t sit well under foundation. If the skin is dry, I’ll start with a gentle exfoliation using a liquid exfoliator. This instantly brightens and smooths the skin while addressing problem areas like the nose and T-zone.

Next, I encourage circulation with a firm lymphatic drainage face massage. This helps reduce puffiness, define the face’s contours and allows serums and creams to sink into the skin. Lastly, I always let the skincare soak in for at least 10 minutes before applying foundation. This really allows the skin time to calm and absorb the products.  


Common skin concerns on set

One of the biggest challenges I see, especially in winter, is dehydrated, dull or flaky skin. This often comes from a compromised skin barrier caused by temperature changes, hectic schedules, over-exfoliation and stress. On set, everything in my kit has to be gentle and suitable for sensitive skin. My own skin is reactive, so I test every product on myself first. When dealing with compromised skin, I assess what it needs – sometimes it’s light exfoliation; other times, it’s about layering nourishing, calming products. You can’t rely on make-up alone to cover skin issues. Proper skincare is essential for achieving that desired flawless result.

Avoid these common skincare mistakes

I’ve noticed people often use too many products before applying make-up. A 10-step routine might look good initially, but it won’t help your foundation last.

Sheet masks and under-eye patches are another culprit. Some of these leave a film on the skin that can cause foundation to roll off unless the residue is cleaned away.

Slugging, where you layer on heavy products might be trending on social media, but it can also clog pores and make your foundation slide off.

Another mistake is mismatched textures – like mixing an oil-based moisturiser with a water-based or silicone-based foundation. Your foundation will flake or separate, so choosing products that work together is important.

My go-to products for skin preparation

On set make-up can be different to how the everyday woman prepares her skin. As an artist, I have the freedom to touch up make-up throughout the day, but in daily life we don’t have this luxury. This is why I always recommend streamlining your routine with effective, multi-tasking products that deliver results and last all day.

I love the Dr Somji Signature Serum and the Vitamin C Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF 30, layered in that particular order. Hydration, anti-oxidants, vitamin C and sunscreen all in just two products. This is streamlining skincare at its best!
Both these formulas have the power of active ingredients, but the user feel is one of luxury. This is where the fine textures come into play. Both the serum and the SPF moisturiser glide onto the skin and sink in beautifully, leaving a radiant, protected and hydrated skin surface.  Layered together, they provide the perfect canvas to then go in with your preferred foundation base. The clever Vitamin C Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF 30 is designed for those with a busy lifestyle. If you only have time to cleanse and apply one product, this should be it.

The one skincare step everyone needs

A sunscreen. Having grown up in Australia, wearing an SPF is non-negotiable, 365 days a year. It’s just so important to protect the skin from harmful rays and pollutants and in all weathers. Look for non-comedogenic formulas that won’t clog the pores and will create a beautiful, luminous skin finish.

Healthy skin isn’t just about looking good in make-up – it’s about caring for your skin so that make-up becomes the finishing touch rather than the fix. Whether you’re getting ready for a special event or just your day-to-day life, starting with the right skincare can make all the difference

Sandra Cooke