Let’s be honest.
Skincare and makeup can get overwhelming.
Too many products. Too much advice. And way too many filters on Instagram.
If you’ve ever stared at your bathroom shelf wondering what am I even doing, you’re not alone.
Some days your skin feels amazing. Other days? Total mystery.
So, let’s break it down.
No fluff. No fancy words. Just straightforward stuff that works.
Plus, I’ll share the top 10 skincare hacks only few people know about which you don’t want to miss those.
Why Skincare Comes Before Makeup
Before we jump into products, hacks, or anything else, one thing has to be clear:
Good makeup needs good skin.
You don’t need flawless skin. No one actually has that, by the way.
But you need skin which is hydrated, balanced, and not angry.
When your skin is in a better mood, makeup goes on easier.
It looks more natural. And you need less of it.
What Most People Get Wrong About Skincare
Here’s what I wish someone told me earlier:
- More products don’t mean better skin
- Expensive doesn’t always mean effective
- You don’t have to follow a 10-step routine
- Drinking water won’t fix your skin overnight
- Scrubbing harder won’t make acne go away
Sound familiar?
People often buy into trends because they look good online.
But skin isn’t a trend. You’ve got to know what yours actually needs.
Quick Basics That Actually Help
Let’s get this part out of the way.
You’ve probably heard these before, but they still matter:
Wash your face twice a day
Don’t sleep with makeup on
Always use sunscreen
Be gentle with your skin
Use products that match your skin type
Boring? Maybe.
But this stuff lays the foundation.
Now, let’s get to the good part.
Top 10 Skincare Hacks Only Few People Know About
This is where things get interesting. These are small tricks.
Most of them don’t cost much. But they can change how your skin behaves.
1. Wash Your Face After Conditioner
Seriously.
Shampoo and conditioner leave residue that can clog your pores—especially around your forehead or jawline.
So, rinse off your conditioner. Then wash your face.
2. Use Ice—But Smartly
You’ve probably seen people rubbing ice on their face.
It actually helps reduce puffiness and makes your skin feel tighter.
But don’t do it straight from the freezer. Wrap it in a soft cloth.
Use it in the morning for a quick fresh look. Just 1–2 minutes.
3. Don’t Dry Fully Before Moisturizing
Apply your moisturizer when your skin is still slightly damp.
It locks in the water better. That means more hydration, longer.
You’ll notice your skin feels softer, longer.
4. Your Pillowcase Could Be Causing Breakouts
If you get random acne on one side of your face, check your pillowcase.
Oil, dirt, and hair products build up fast.
Switch to a clean pillowcase every 3–4 days. You can use a cotton or a silk cover.
5. Try “Slugging” Occasionally
Not every night. But once or twice a week.
Basically, you apply a thick layer of something like Vaseline after your usual night routine.
It seals everything in. Helps with dry patches and overall texture.
But don’t try this if you have acne-prone or oily skin.
6. Use Green Tea on Your Skin
Not just drinking it. Brew some, let it cool, and use it as a toner.
It calms redness and adds antioxidants.
Bonus: you can freeze it into cubes and use like a cooling facial rub.
you can use this twice a week
7. Spot Treat With Honey
Got a small breakout? Dab a little raw honey (not the sugary one) directly on it.
Leave it for 10–15 minutes before rinsing.
It’s anti-bacterial and gentle. Works better than most harsh spot creams.
you can also add a pinch of turmeric for better result.
8. Layer Products Thin to Thick
Simple rule: water-based stuff goes first, then thicker stuff.
So toner → serum → moisturizer → sunscreen (if it’s daytime).
Don’t mix it up or your skin might feel heavy or get irritated.
9. Use Lip Balm Before Foundation
Sounds odd, right?
But if you apply a light layer of lip balm before doing your base, your lips stay hydrated while you work.
By the time you get to lipstick, your lips are soft and ready.
10. Don’t Rub Products Between Palms
A lot of people rub serums or creams between their hands.
It just wastes product. Press it gently into your face instead.
You’ll use less and your skin absorbs more.
And always wash your hands before applying anything on it.
Building a Simple Skincare Routine That Works for You
You don’t need 12 serums.
A good routine should feel easy. Something you can actually stick to.
Try this:
Morning-
Gentle face wash
Lightweight moisturizer
Sunscreen
Evening
Cleanser (double cleanse if you wear makeup)
Treatment (like a serum or acne gel)
Moisturizer
That’s it.
Once your skin feels stable, you can add things slowly. Like a toner, face mask, or exfoliant.
Makeup: Enhance, Don’t Hide
Makeup should feel fun. Not like a mask.
You don’t have to cover every spot or pore. Let your skin breathe.
Some practical tips:
Always moisturize your skin before makeup
Use a primer only if your base slips
Less foundation = more natural look
Use cream products if you want skin like finish
Always take your makeup off completely (yes, even when you’re tired)
Try skipping foundation once in a while. Just do brows, mascara, blush, and tinted balm.
You might be surprised how fresh it looks.
How Skincare Affects Your Makeup
Ever wonder why your concealer creases or foundation cakes up?
Most of the time, it’s skincare.
If your skin is dry, flaky, or oily—makeup will show it.
Here’s what helps:
Exfoliate 2–3 times a week (not daily)
Hydrate well before applying makeup
Use a light, non-greasy moisturizer
Let each skincare layer absorb before applying makeup
Think of skincare as prep. Like priming a wall before painting.
No shortcuts.
Use gel moisturizer for oily skin
and use cream moisturizer for dry skin
Things I’ve Tried That Didn’t Work (At Least for Me)
Just being real here. Not everything out there works for everyone.
Overusing exfoliants: My skin got sensitive fast
DIY lemon or toothpaste masks: Made things worse literally worst
Switching products too often: Messed up my skin barrier
Sleeping in makeup “just once”: Instant regret
Following what influencers use: Their skin isn’t mine
Sometimes you learn the hard way. And that’s okay.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all.
But there is a version of skincare and makeup that fits you.
Start with the basics.
Listen to your skin. Not every trend.
Use what works. Skip what doesn’t.
And if a product feels wrong—even if everyone raves about it it’s time to ditch it.
Skincare is personal. So is makeup.
And most of the time, less really is more.
Extra Tip: Trust Experience Over Hype
Before buying something new, ask yourself:
Does my skin actually need this?
Am I buying this because it looks cool or works well?
Do I know someone who’s used it and seen real results?
It helps to follow people who show real skin. Not blurred, filtered stuff.
Also, track your progress. Take photos in natural light. Week by week.
Sometimes your skin’s improving—you just don’t notice it daily.
What to Do Next
If you made it this far, you’re already way ahead of most people.
Now pick one or two hacks from the list above. Try them for a week.
See what changes. Keep what works.
Because skincare shouldn’t feel like homework.
And makeup shouldn’t feel like hiding.
Both should feel like care. For you.