I think about aging a lot. More than I’d like to, honestly.
I know the “right” answer is to just embrace it, age gracefully, and let go of vanity. But I also know that’s easier said than done—especially when you’ve been in the public eye since you were 17 and strangers on the internet have no problem picking apart your face, your body, or whatever else they feel like commenting on that day.
I don’t want to chase impossible standards. But I do want to take care of myself in a way that feels good, sustainable, and smart. I want my skin to look healthy, feel strong, and function well for years to come. And yeah, I want my makeup to go on smoothly and stay put—because there is nothing worse than spending time on your skincare only to have your foundation pill, slide, or look blotchy right after.
That’s why I put together this morning skincare routine—not just for aging well, but for setting your skin up to actually work with your makeup, not against it.
Why Some Skincare and Makeup Don’t Mix
If you’ve ever applied a serum, followed by moisturizer, then sunscreen—only to have your foundation ball up, slide around, or disappear in patches—you know the struggle. But why does this happen?
The main culprit is ingredient incompatibility. Makeup and skincare formulas are often either water-based, oil-based, or silicone-based—and when you mix different types, they can repel each other, leading to that dreaded pilling effect.
Here’s what to look out for:
Water-based products absorb quickly and work best with water-based foundations.
Silicone-based products create a smooth surface but can resist water-based makeup, causing pilling.
Heavy oils and butters can break down long-wear makeup, making it slide off.
The key? Lightweight hydration + well-formulated actives + non-greasy SPF—which is exactly how this routine is built.
Step 1: Garnier Micellar Water – The Gentle Reset
Standout Ingredient: Micelles
Micelles are tiny oil molecules suspended in water that act like magnets for dirt and oil. They gently cleanse without stripping the skin, making this the perfect first step to start with a clean, fresh canvas.
Why it plays well with this skincare and makeup routine: This is a water-based cleanser that removes impurities without leaving behind an oily or silicone-heavy residue. Since the rest of the routine is also water-based, it ensures that all subsequent layers absorb properly, prepping skin for both skincare and makeup application.
Step 2: Paula’s Choice Extra Strength Niacinamide Serum – The Balancer
Standout Ingredient: Niacinamide
Niacinamide regulates sebum production, refines pores, and strengthens the skin barrier. It keeps oil levels balanced so your makeup isn’t sliding off by noon.
Why it plays well with this skincare and makeup routine: This is a water-based serum, meaning it layers effortlessly with the peptide serum and vitamin C that follow. Niacinamide also helps control oil production over time, keeping skin balanced and hydrated so foundation adheres evenly and lasts longer.
Step 3: Allies of Skin Peptide + Growth Factor Serum – The Architect
Standout Ingredient: Peptides & Growth Factors
Peptides tell your skin to produce more collagen, while growth factors support repair and elasticity. This is what keeps skin firm, resilient, and bouncy over time.
Why it plays well with this skincare and makeup routine: This is another water-based serum that absorbs fully without leaving behind a thick or occlusive layer. Since peptides help smooth and firm skin, this step enhances makeup wear by preventing foundation from settling into fine lines or emphasizing texture.
Step 4: Paula’s Choice 25% Vitamin C Serum – The Brightener
Standout Ingredient: 25% Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
This high-potency 25% Vitamin C serum uses ethyl ascorbic acid, a highly stable and effective form of vitamin C that brightens skin, evens out tone, and fights free radical damage. Unlike traditional L-ascorbic acid, this version is less likely to oxidize quickly, meaning you get consistent results over time without losing potency.
Why it plays well with this skincare and makeup routine: This water-based serum absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave behind a sticky or greasy residue, making it ideal for layering under moisturizer and SPF. It helps to smooth and brighten skin texture, reducing the need for heavy foundation while keeping the skin tone even and radiant.
Step 5: Lines Wrinkle Pen – The Targeted Smoother
Standout Ingredient: Encapsulated Retinol & Peptides
Encapsulated retinol gently accelerates cell turnover, reducing fine lines and improving skin texture over time, while peptides support collagen production for firmer skin. This combination helps to smooth wrinkles and maintain elasticity without excessive irritation.
Why it plays well with this skincare and makeup routine: This water-based, fast-absorbing treatment is lightweight enough to layer under moisturizer without causing pilling. Since it’s designed for targeted use, it won’t interfere with foundation application but will help keep skin smoother over time, making makeup look more seamless.
Step 6: Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream – The Bright-Eyed Fix
Standout Ingredient: Marine Algae Extract
Marine algae helps firm and smooth the delicate under-eye area, making it ideal for preventing concealer creases.
Why it plays well with this skincare and makeup routine: While this eye cream contains squalane (a lightweight oil), the formulation is non-greasy and absorbs well. This keeps the delicate under-eye area hydrated without interfering with concealer application or causing product breakdown throughout the day.
Step 7: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50 – The Non-Negotiable
Standout Ingredient: Rice + Probiotics
This sunscreen hydrates, protects, and layers beautifully without pilling—a rare gem in the SPF world. Unfortunately, this sunscreen is no longer available for purchase in the US because we’re way behind on updating our sunscreen standards. I’m giving away two tubes of this in the giveaway from my precious, personal stock.
Why it plays well with this skincare and makeup routine: This water-based sunscreen acts as the final layer, sealing in hydration without creating a thick, heavy finish that disrupts foundation. Unlike some sunscreens that contain heavy silicones or thick emollients, this formula maintains breathability, ensuring a smooth makeup application.
Best Water-Based Foundations & Concealers for This Routine
To keep everything working together, pair this routine with water-based makeup. Some bestsellers:
Foundations:
Concealers:
Ready to Win the Full Routine?
Because I love this lineup so much, I’m giving it away to one lucky subscriber.
How to enter:
Be subscribed to Everything is Wellness (if you’re reading for free but haven’t signed up with your email, you can navigate to subscribe here)
Like & comment on today’s giveaway post on Instagram
Bonus: Leave a comment on this newsletter for 5 extra entries
Giveaway closes March 19th, 2025 at 12pm EST, winner announced in stories & DMs.
Good luck, and happy layering!
