The holiday season comes with a full calendar: parties, photos, gatherings, and maybe a little glitter. Before the highlighter, mascara, and bold lipstick come out, let’s start with what makes any festive look truly glow: your skin.

Makeup can enhance your features, but radiant, healthy skin is what brings that natural holiday glow to life. So before you layer on the glam, take a few minutes to prep your skin the right way. These simple steps will help your makeup go on smoother and last longer.

Step 1: Start Fresh and Smooth

A good glam look starts with a clean canvas. Begin by washing your face with a gentle cleanser that removes any oil or impurities without stripping your skin. If your skin tends to feel rough or congested, use a mild exfoliating toner to refine texture and give your complexion a smooth, even surface. This step helps your foundation and concealer glide on effortlessly, and stay put through every toast and selfie.

Step 2: Firm, Hydrate, and Prep

Once your skin is clean, hydration is key. Cold weather and indoor heat can both leave skin feeling dry and tight, making makeup cling to flaky areas. Reach forFS Facial Firming Serum, one of Dermasensa’s newest launches, to restore elasticity and give your skin a supple, lifted look. This silky serum works beneath the surface to firm and plump, creating the perfect pre-makeup base that feels both luxurious and lightweight.

Follow with your favorite moisturizer to lock in hydration and create a smooth, even finish for your foundation. Think of this step as the primer for your skin itself. When your moisture barrier is healthy, your makeup looks fresher and more natural.

Step 3: Protect and Perfect with SPF

Even though the sun feels softer this time of year, UV rays don’t take a holiday. Daily SPF is just as important in December as it is in July, especially if you’ll be out and about, driving, or taking photos outdoors.

Dermasensa’sUV-X Daily Replenishing Mineral Sunscreen makes protection easy and photo-ready. The non-tinted version leaves no white cast, so it layers seamlessly under makeup and won’t flash back in photos. If you prefer something with a little coverage, try the tinted version for a soft, natural finish that can replace your foundation on lighter makeup days.

Your skin stays protected, even-toned, and luminous without heavy texture or ghostly cast, just a natural, healthy glow.

Step 4: Add Your Signature Glow

Now that your skin is prepped, makeup application becomes effortless. Cream and liquid products blend beautifully over hydrated, firmed skin, and a touch of highlighter or blush brings that festive radiance to life.

If you’re keeping your look minimal this year, you’ll notice your skin already looks bright and alive — proof that your skincare is doing the heavy lifting. A little brow gel, tinted balm, and mascara might be all you need.

Step 5: Don’t Skip the Nighttime Reset

As fun as the holidays are, they can be tough on your skin. Late nights, heavier makeup, and cold weather can lead to irritation and breakouts if you don’t remove everything properly.

End each evening with a gentle double cleanse—start with an oil-based cleanser to melt away makeup and sunscreen, followed by a foaming or gel cleanser to remove impurities. Follow up with a nourishing toner and hydrating moisturizer to restore balance overnight.

This quick reset prevents clogged pores and dullness, keeping your complexion calm and clear through all twelve days (and nights) of celebration.

Skincare prep isn’t just a beauty routine. It’s a form of self-care amid the holiday rush. Taking five extra minutes to care for your skin helps you slow down, breathe, and set the tone for your entire evening.