We’ve all seen those flawless makeup photos on social media — perfectly smooth skin, airbrushed textures, and makeup that looks like it belongs in a magazine. But here’s the truth: most of those photos have been edited, filtered, or retouched in some way. They don’t always reflect the reality of what real skin looks like. And while it’s easy to feel self-conscious about our own skin — especially with scarring, texture, and the subtle signs of aging — it’s important to remember that your skin is uniquely yours, and there are plenty of ways to enhance your natural beauty.
Today, I’m sharing some of the things I’ve learned along the way — from skincare routines to makeup techniques that work best for my skin. I want to share the makeup process before and after retouching, so you can see the difference, and know that it's completely okay to embrace your real skin, with or without filters.
Skincare is Key
This is hands down, my number one tip: skincare. The better the base, the better your makeup will look. Think of your skin as the canvas; if the base isn’t healthy and balanced, your makeup will only accentuate imperfections rather than enhance your natural beauty. Finding the right skincare products for your unique needs will make a world of difference.
Here are some tips for creating a skincare routine that’s tailored to your goals:
For Hydration
Ingredients to Look For: Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, Squalene, Lactic Acid
Avoid: Harsh products, excess heat, hot water, and fragrances
For Fading Hyperpigmentation
Ingredients to Look For: Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Licorice Extract, Arbutin, AHA’s, Retinoids, Kojic Acid, Rice Water, SPF
Avoid: Direct sunlight, touching your face, picking your skin
For Fading Acne & Controlling Oil
Ingredients to Look For:
Cica,Green Tea, Niacinamide, Aloe Vera, Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree, Hyaluronic Acid
Avoid: Sharing makeup, sleeping in your makeup, over-washing, harsh scrubbing, poor diet (fried foods, processed sugar, alcohol, etc.)
For Anti-Aging/Well-Aging
Do: Wear SPF daily, use a self-tanner instead of sun exposure, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly
Ingredients to Look For: Snail Mucin, Peptides, Licorice, Vitamin C, Retinoids, AHA’s, Glycolic Acid
Avoid: Smoking, poor diet, overexposure to the sun, repetitive facial expressions
Minimizing Pores
Ingredients to Look For: Niacinamide, Clay, Vitamin C, Retinoids, AHA’s, BHA’s, Salicylic Acid
Avoid: Not exfoliating, touching your face, sleeping in makeup
Skin Treatments
Skincare products can only do so much and work at a slower rate than some skin treatments can provide. If you want to spend the money and see enhanced results you can research the procedure(s) that meet the goals you want to accomplish.
Chemical Peels - Helps to treat wrinkles, acne scars, rough skin, and hyperpigmentation.
Laser Resurfacing - Helps treat uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and scars.
Dermabrasion - To treat scars and wrinkles.
Microdermabrasion - To treat hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores, acne, fine lines, and uneven skin tone.
Dermal Fillers - To increase volume in the lips or cheeks.
Botox - Helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Less is More
I get it — when we feel insecure, it’s tempting to cover everything with layers of foundation, concealer, and powder. But here’s the thing: too much product can actually age you, especially as skin starts to show signs of aging. The key is starting light and building up as needed. Focus on lightweight foundations and hydrating formulas to avoid a cakey or heavy finish.
Quick Tips
Use a damp makeup sponge for a more natural, airbrushed finish.
Opt for light coverage foundations or tinted moisturizers for a fresh, dewy look.
Try cream-based products for blush and bronzer, as they blend more seamlessly than powders.
Experiment with Products
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to makeup, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Some products work wonders for others but might not work for your skin type or age. For instance, powder highlighters can settle into fine lines, and heavy foundations can make texture more noticeable. Instead, focus on products that enhance your natural features rather than mask them.
Quick Tips:
Avoid heavy powders on textured skin; opt for a luminous or satin-finish foundation instead.
When choosing makeup, don’t assume higher price means better. Test different brands and formulations to find what truly works for you.
Consider cream blushes and bronzers for a soft, youthful glow.
Exfoliation Can Be Your Friend
The texture of your skin plays a huge role in how makeup sits and wears throughout the day. Dead skin, dry patches, or clogged pores can cause makeup to cling unevenly. Regular exfoliation is essential for a smooth makeup application. Whether it’s with a gentle scrub, an exfoliating mask, or dermaplaning (shaving your face), removing dead skin will give you a fresh canvas to work with.
In Person vs. On Camera
It’s essential to understand the difference between makeup designed for everyday wear and makeup meant for special occasions. Makeup artists often use higher contrast products (like bold contouring, heavy foundation, and dramatic eye makeup) for events or photos, so the features pop on camera. This is why your makeup might look slightly more intense than usual when you see photos or video — it’s designed to stand out in photos, not necessarily for everyday wear. Additionally, with the help of Photoshop, professional lighting, and a team of experts, online images are often far removed from reality. What you see online is rarely a true reflection of how makeup looks in person.
Final Thoughts: Embrace Your Real Skin
It’s easy to get caught up in comparing ourselves to the airbrushed perfection we see on social media. But remember, that person doesn’t always look like that in real life either. Social media is just a highlight reel. Your skin, with all its texture and unique features, is beautiful — and makeup is meant to enhance, not cover up. So don’t be too hard on yourself.
The next time you feel self-conscious about your skin, try to focus on the things you love about yourself and remember that flawless skin doesn’t come from a filter — it comes from embracing your unique beauty.
If you found these tips helpful, check out my other posts on skincare routines and makeup for every skin type. Let’s continue this journey together!
Got any favorite makeup tips or skincare secrets you swear by? Drop them in the comments — I’d love to hear what works for you. And don’t forget to subscribe for more beauty advice, skin confidence, and everything in between!
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