Ace your base with these makeup essentials on your big day

It’s no secret that a makeup look is only as good as the base it rests upon. Choosing the right base essentials can make or break the look—heavy, drying formulations can leave you looking cakey, but finding the ones that best work for you can create the perfect canvas for any look! While many still appreciate the full-coverage red carpet glam look, more people are opting for a natural, second-skin look, especially when it comes to their base. This approach focuses on correcting uneven skin tones, seamlessly concealing blemishes, and smoothening the skin—all while looking natural and lightweight. Think of it as the minimal makeup look, where the base is so on point that people think it’s a lit-from-within glow.

So what exactly does it take to achieve this feat? The key lies in prepping your skin correctly! A lot depends on the skin prep—the way the rest of your makeup blends, looks, and even lasts. Most makeup artists reccommend massaging a moisturiser into the skin, followed by a primer, of course. This helps smoothen your skin’s surface and create a hydrated base for foundation or concealer. Nothing looks and feels worse than applying makeup to dry skin, it clings to dry patches, and makes the makeup look cakey and flakey. The right base products will nourish the skin and still lend a hand with excessive oil control. It’s best to pay extra attention to the eyes and undereye area too! An eye cream and primer can make a world of difference when it comes to concealer and eyeshadow application and hold. Plus, they also reduce the chances of creasing.

In the end, there’s no ‘one size fits all’ approach when it comes to your base makeup. You have to do what you feel works for your skin. Try as many formulas as you have patience for and see what looks and feels the best for you. Below are some of our favourite makeup base essentials.

MAC Hyper Real Serumizer, ₹5,900