Preparing the facial skin properly for make-up comes first! Taking care of your facial skin, especially before applying make-up, is one of the most important steps of all. When we take care of it, we build a foundation that makes make-up look perfect and, on top of that, keeps it in place without touch-ups for up to a dozen or more hours. Natural skincare is one of those elements that shape the overall look and condition of the face - it surrounds the skin with care, but it also helps the make-up applied later last longer. In this post we focus on the facial skin and on preparing it for make-up. And this will be a path lined exclusively with natural products from Ministerstwo. As a Polish manufactory that has specialised for years in creating artisan cosmetics - and of the highest quality at that - we have a certain recipe for perfect facial care. One that will make every face look beautiful, with or without make-up.

All right, so if there is a path, there are also specific steps to success. We start with understanding the needs of your skin and choosing the right products, and we finish with complete care. With us you will find a whole range of natural cosmetics that will let you create the ideal skincare routine, matched to meet all your needs. Our philosophy of "good raw materials, good craft and hard work" translates into products of the highest quality, little miracles that will prepare the skin for make-up and take care of its condition for a long time.

Why is preparing the complexion for make-up so important?

As we mentioned above, there is no getting anywhere without a base! Preparing the skin for make-up is the first step to a beautiful face, even before the colourful embellishments arrive. When we take proper care of the face before applying make-up, colour cosmetics will spread better, last longer and naturally emphasise what is most beautiful in our face.

Making make-up last longer - exactly. That is what we need, especially when we do not use setting spray but want to look beautiful all day or all evening in make-up. Nothing could be simpler: the right care before make-up gives us precisely the longevity we dream of. Cleansed, moisturised, well-cared-for skin is the ideal base for foundation and stops it from sliding off. What is more, it saves us from annoying flaking, visible dry patches or uneven distribution of the product. It is worth remembering that when the skin is properly prepared, even evening make-up can look fresh - after more than a dozen hours of wear.

Better application of cosmetics - cosmetics are easier to apply on smooth, soft skin. You prepare the face, and in gratitude for such care the cosmetics will spread evenly, without streaks or patches. What else? Your foundation will look natural, without those telltale mini-shadows of dry skin, your concealer will cover blemishes better, and bronzer and blush will blend harmoniously with the base, completing the work.

Preventing irritation is something particularly important for people with sensitive skin. If our routine is correct and thorough, the risk of redness, rashes and other allergic reactions is minimised - and that is what we are fighting for. Our natural cosmetics, free of artificial preservatives and aggressive ingredients, are perfect for this, and on top of that they soothe and calm.

Smoothing the epidermis is a bonus that results from the regular use of good-quality products suited to your skin. Serums, creams and scrubs all work hard to improve the skin's texture. In an elegantly designed routine these three types of product join forces to leave the skin smooth and soft to the touch. And what does such smoothing of the epidermis give us when it comes to make-up? It comes in very handy when applying matte foundations, which will then settle nicely on the face instead of emphasising imperfections - which is what would happen with poorly prepared skin.

Complete facial care before make-up, step by step

Stage I: Effective cleansing with a natural oil

So where do we start? The answer is: cleansing. We remove impurities and thereby already begin the process of preparing the skin. The Rose-Raspberry hydrophilic oil for make-up removal and face washing works best here. This exceptional, one might even say revolutionary cosmetic combines effective make-up removal with gentle, natural, oil-based care. Except that... it is not the kind of oil that clings and refuses to wash off, because it rinses away perfectly. How does it work? A hydrophilic oil is based on the principle that "like dissolves like", which means roughly that the cosmetic oil binds with the oils used in make-up products and with those present on the skin. Thanks to the gentle emulsifiers in its composition, on contact with water an emulsion forms that rinses off easily. Such cleansing effectively removes even waterproof eye make-up, excess sebum, the dust that has settled on the skin all day and other impurities.

When we apply the oil to dry skin and massage gently in circular movements, we ultimately cleanse the face, but we also stimulate microcirculation, which improves its tone. A genuine, blessed ritual. On meeting warm water the oil emulsifies and turns into a milk, which then rinses off without difficulty. We recommend it to everyone - it really is worth it.

And after cleansing? We recommend a hydrolat - a natural flower (or herbal) water distilled from real mountain greenery, take your pick, a mist that tones the skin and prepares it for further care. Organic rose hydrolat is a classic for every skin type; it smells divine and takes wonderful care of the complexion. Immortelle hydrolat, meanwhile, is ideal for oily skin, while mint hydrolat is the best choice for the morning - it refreshes and energises, for a good start to the day.

Stage II: Precise exfoliation of the epidermis

And why exfoliation, of all things? Well, a regular face scrub allows us to get rid of the layer of dead skin and, as a result, improves the look of make-up. Which of us has never looked in the mirror after applying foundation and noticed flakes sticking up on the nose or above the lips, especially after an ultra-sunny summer? Let us be honest, it is a bit like preparing a canvas for painting - we would rather nothing stuck out of the canvas, we want a smooth surface, and it really shows! The Halva face scrub is our perfect solution for exfoliation. We created this innovative product to combine the effectiveness of mechanical exfoliation with the caring properties of natural ingredients. In its composition we placed finely ground sesame seeds, which gently remove dead skin, and plant oils, which provide the right level of moisture during exfoliation. Its consistency resembles a creamy tahini paste and warms up gently. Sheer delight and... Halva :)

You can exfoliate your lips too! Our Honey lip scrub is a great product intended for the delicate skin of the lips. It focuses on removing flaking skin, and thereby smooths the surface of the lips and elegantly prepares them for lipstick or gloss.

When, what and how? Every scrub, whether for the face or the lips, we do 2-3 days before an important event or before applying intense evening make-up. There is no point overdoing it with scrubs, but we should point out that regular use 1-2 times a week makes the skin smoother and more radiant.

Stage III: Intense regeneration with highly active serums

The Rose-Raspberry face serum has been one of our absolute bestsellers for many, many years. This multi-ingredient, nourishing serum with coenzyme Q10, lipoglycine and vitamins A, E and C has revolutionised the preparation of skin for make-up. Try it yourself and you will not be disappointed.

Our serum holds a wealth of remarkable ingredients. It contains coenzyme Q10, one of the strongest anti-ageing ingredients, which bravely supports the regeneration of cells. You will also find in it vitamin A, which stimulates the renewal of the epidermis, vitamin E, which protects against free radicals, and vitamin C, which sets its sights on brightening the skin and evening out its tone. In the background there is also lipoglycine, which improves hydration at cell level.

The consistency of the serum is light and oily, but it is not the clinging type - it absorbs quickly. It can be used in the morning, before applying make-up, with a suitable interval of time. After it the skin becomes smooth, soft, intensely moisturised and radiant - you have to believe us, it really is the perfect base for any type of foundation.

What else can bring you similar results?

The soothing Rice + Ceramides face serum is the ideal product for sensitive skin prone to irritation. Sensitive souls will be pleased. Rice has soothing and brightening properties, while ceramides strengthen the skin's protective barrier.

The concentrated serum for the eye and lip area with ximenynic acid, coenzyme Q10 and vitamins is a product that focuses on caring for the most delicate parts of the face. It improves skin elasticity and reduces the visibility of fine lines exactly where it is needed. Most importantly, thanks to it under-eye concealer goes on more evenly.

Stage IV: Moisturising with natural creams

How and with what do we moisturise? Well, in our vast range we have such gems as the light H2O face cream with niacinamide and glacier water, a revolutionary product for oily and combination skin. Niacinamide steps in here as the agent that regulates sebum production and minimises the visibility of pores. This cream, with its exceptional yet delicate scent, has a pleasant consistency that absorbs in a flash without weighing the skin down.

The nourishing Rose-Raspberry face cream is the ideal option for dry and mature skin. We have to be honest, this is one of those products our customers reach for very often - and come back for more! It is rich in pure goodness - active ingredients, vitamins and coenzyme Q10. On top of that come the oils - rosehip seed (which improves elasticity) and raspberry seed (which strengthens the protective barrier). Most importantly, our cream regenerates and intensely nourishes the skin. A boost of wonderfulness.

Stage V: Precise care with natural oils

You can always rely on natural oils, a truth that requires no further elaboration, but even so we will briefly present the oils that have stolen our hearts. Plum kernel oil is an absolute hit for oily and combination skin. This oil is non-comedogenic and has a very light consistency, which helps regulate sebum production and reduces the visibility of pores. Do not worry, it absorbs in a flash, which means it leaves no greasy film on the face.

Sweet almond oil, in turn, is a classic for dry and sensitive skin. It is hypoallergenic, it soothes, moisturises and strengthens the skin's natural protective barrier. Is it not a gem? Perfect for the night or as a base under light everyday make-up. It is important to check whether it clogs your pores.

Natural shea (karite) butter is a treasure for very dry skin. Admittedly it works best in body care, but this unrefined plant butter has an outstanding talent for intensely nourishing and regenerating the epidermis. It can be used on its own or as an addition to a cream.

Personalising your routine according to skin type

Dry skin - intense nourishment

For dry skin the following routine will be ideal: Rose-Raspberry hydrophilic oil → rose hydrolat → Rose-Raspberry serum → nourishing Rose-Raspberry cream. In the evening you can additionally reach for sweet almond oil or shea butter. And a scrub, yes, at most once a week.

Oily and combination skin - regulating sebum

What routine do we suggest? A beautiful and gentle one. Here it is: Rose-Raspberry hydrophilic oil → immortelle hydrolat or mint hydrolat → a small amount of Rose-Raspberry serum, sealed with a layer of the light H2O cream. In addition, as needed, plum kernel oil. A scrub 2-3 times a week.

Sensitive skin - gentle care

In this case we recommend the path of a delicate skincare routine made up of the following elements: Rose-Raspberry hydrophilic oil → rose hydrolat → soothing Rice + Ceramides serum → and a cream chosen to suit your needs. In addition, also as needed, hypoallergenic sweet almond oil. A scrub at most once a week, but careful - a very gentle one!

Mature skin - anti-ageing care

If you are wondering what we suggest on the subject of anti-ageing care, you need wonder no more. Here it is, an intensive routine in a nutshell: Rose-Raspberry hydrophilic oil → rose hydrolat → Rose-Raspberry serum + eye serum → nourishing Rose-Raspberry cream. In other words cleansing, then regulating sebum and extra moisture before the absolute bombs of the nourishing world. Short and to the point: we advise you to make yourself at home in the rose-raspberry world and smell wonderful, wonderful!

Practical tips for the perfect make-up base

Timing in skincare

Yes, timing matters, and here is our handful of tips. Your evening routine should take the most time and care, because the night is the ideal time for the skin to regenerate. Your morning routine before make-up, in turn, should be lighter. Pro tip: make sure you apply all products at least 15-20 minutes before putting on make-up. A moment or two and the skin will be ready to receive the colour :)

Seasonal adjustments

It is worth remembering to adjust your routine accordingly and to adapt it well to the season. In winter the skin needs more intense protection, which is why it is recommended to increase how often you use shea butter and nourishing oils. In summer, on the other hand, something lighter works best, like a light touch - we mean, for example, the light H2O cream and hydrolats. The latter can be kept in the fridge, which means that on hot days they turn into a refreshing spray that brings relief.

Solving problems

All right, and what about the problems that can visit us out of the blue? Sudden breakouts: here, as first aid, immortelle hydrolat + plum kernel oil applied gently to the spot will help. As for redness: here we recommend the Rice + Ceramides serum + rose hydrolat. And on the subject of dried-out skin: the remedy will be shea butter at night + a larger amount of Rose-Raspberry serum.

The long-term effects of natural skincare

Attention! Regular use of the natural cosmetics of Ministerstwo Dobrego Mydła results in long-term benefits and a naturally pampered, radiant look! We will add that when it comes to long-lasting results the specialists include the Rose-Raspberry Serum with coenzyme Q10, which improves skin elasticity and stimulates collagen production, and the Halva Scrub, responsible for renewing the epidermis. Also deserving of mention are the natural oils and butters, which strengthen the skin's protective barrier. And among the gems, niacinamide in the H2O cream, which regulates sebum production, and last but not least - hydrolats, responsible for restoring the skin's natural pH and supporting its natural bacterial flora.

Natural ingredients as the foundation of beauty

If you are wondering what makes up the foundation of beauty built from natural cosmetics, nothing could be simpler: see what lives in our biophotonic bottles. Ministerstwo products are based on carefully selected natural ingredients, and among them are such stars as: plant oils (rosehip seed, raspberry, plum kernel), plant extracts (rice, immortelle), vitamins A, E and C, coenzyme Q10, niacinamide, ximenynic acid and natural waxes and butters. What is more, each of these ingredients works synergistically, which means that together with the other ingredients they strengthen one another, so that the effectiveness of these natural cosmetics increases.

Summary - the natural road to the perfect make-up base

Remember that the foundation of make-up is well-prepared skin. Natural cosmetics are the ideal choice for such preparatory care, and Ministerstwo will help you look after your beautiful face in the best and most effective way. If you stick to your routine consistently and match it to your individual needs, you will not need anything more on this subject. Healthy skin? The perfect make-up base? All of it under control :)

In short, we keep it simple: in the first step we reach for the Rose-Raspberry hydrophilic oil, which provides gentle cleansing, then come the hydrolats that tone the skin, then the serums with their wealth of concentrated active ingredients, then the creams that moisturise, wrap and protect the skin. As a bonus there are also the scrubs, which take care of smoothness, and the natural oils, which give the skin extra nourishment. A whole range of natural treasures.

Natural skincare is a path that requires patience, but in return it brings long-lasting and hugely satisfying results. Who does not dream of skin that step by step becomes healthier, more resilient and simply more beautiful? When we add to that the ease of applying make-up, its staying power and its more natural look, it quickly turns out that natural cosmetics are the perfect key to make-up success. With Ministerstwo you can look after your skin naturally, and your make-up will look fresh and professional in every situation, as an emphasis of your natural beauty and self-confidence.