From cleansing to setting, makeup artist Jason Delos Reyes shares expert pointers on building the perfect makeup base at the MEGA BeautyCon 2024.
This year’s BeautyCon revisited the essentials, and nothing says “basic” more than a well-executed base. MEGA invited makeup artist Jason Delos Reyes to lead a masterclass in beauty fundamentals, diving deep into creating the perfect canvas for everything that comes after. But perfecting your base entails more than just slapping on some foundation and calling it a day. From prepping the skin down to setting the look, Jason shared all you need to know to take your base game to the next level.
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First things first: cleansing. Jason emphasized the importance of starting with a fresh and clean slate. “A good base is the perfect canvas,” he said. On his muse and model Lou Yanong, he used micellar water to strip her skin of excess dirt and build-up that he says may even date back to the night before. This step acts as a follow-up to using your facial wash.
Next, moisturizer. Here’s where Jason threw a curveball: “Actually, sometimes, I don’t believe in makeup primers.” Instead, he claimed that a good moisturizer could do the job just as well. “Just remember that your foundation should match the moisturizer,” he cautioned. If you’re working with a water-based foundation, stick with a water-based moisturizer to maintain a smooth, non-cakey finish.
When it came to coverage, Jason’s method was all about the details: a single pump of foundation, swirled and tapped onto the palm of his hand, and then applied evenly to Lou’s face. He went on to advise using a brush for fuller coverage, and a sponge for a more skin-like finish.
To warm up Lou’s complexion and add dimension, Jason applied bronzer with a technique that was all about control. He preferred to pick it up with a brush instead of applying the product directly to the face. More control meant a more natural, buildable finish.
Next came concealer. Jason highlighted how to place it just right and emphasized matching your base to your skin type. For those with oily skin, skip heavy formulas or oil-rich products. He even shared a little trivia: Most Filipinos—morenas included—have a neutral skin tone rather than warm ones. It’s a good starting point for those picking the right products!
To seal the deal, Jason set the face with powder, followed by a setting spray to keep everything in place. These tips and tricks from one of the industry’s best are more than enough to elevate your base routine.
Photographed by EXCEL PANLAQUE and GRANT BABIA
Special thanks to AIVEE SKIN, Y.O.U. BEAUTY, LUXE BEAUTY & WELLNESS GROUP, FAIRY SKIN, BARENBLISS, PINA SKINCARE, DAZZLE ME, REAL PERFECTION, RPS AESTHETICS, GLUTAWORKS, ZIONNE, LAVOJOY, ASUL, SMARTER DOSE, and GORGEOUS GLOW
