California Cosmetology Practice Exam 2026 – Complete All-in-One Study Guide for Success!

Preparing the skin before applying makeup is essential for achieving a smooth, flawless finish that lasts throughout the day. Each of the steps listed plays a critical role in this preparation process.

Exfoliating the skin removes dead skin cells, which can make the skin appear dull and rough. By exfoliating, you create a smoother surface for makeup application, allowing products to adhere better and look more even.

Applying moisturizer is vital as it hydrates the skin, preventing dryness and flakiness, which can lead to makeup settling into fine lines and uneven patches. Moisturizer creates a hydrated base that helps makeup glide on smoothly.

Using a toner can also be beneficial as it helps balance the skin’s pH, removes any residual impurities after cleansing, and enhances the skin's texture. A good toner prepares the skin further by tightening pores and providing an additional layer of hydration.

Combining all of these steps ensures that the skin is in optimal condition for makeup application, making the choice to include all the methods the most effective preparation strategy.