skin prep · short for skin preparation

Prep Your Skin Like a Make-Up artist

Skin prep is the deliberate way you make your skin ready before Make-Up.
The goal: a balanced surface where foundation sits evenly, looks more natural and lasts longer.

What Make-Up artists use on set

So we’ll show you the skin-prep steps the pros use for a flawless application.
When you get the base right:

✔️ your Make-Up sits better
✔️ it lasts longer
✔️ your skin looks more natural

HOW IT WORKS

3 BASICS OF SKIN PREP

1. CORRECT CLEANSING

Remove makeup, oil, sunscreen and dirt every day. Water-based cleansers alone often leave makeup and SPF behind, while harsh cleansers dry the skin out. A gentle, barrier-friendly oil cleanser plus a pH-neutral water-based cleanse removes everything without stripping the skin.

Why it matters: residue clogs the pores and leaves an uneven "base", and harsh cleansers can stress the skin barrier.

What you don't want :
silicones, pore-clogging ingredients like mineral oil or isopropyl myristate, and harsh surfactants.

2. PROPER HYDRATION

After cleansing, replenish your skin's moisture. Good hydration works in two parts: humectants that draw water into the skin, and an emollient or occlusive that seals it in so it doesn't just evaporate. Together they support the barrier, so your skin stays comfortable, balanced and plump.

Why it matters: when your skin loses moisture and the barrier is stressed, it looks dull and fine dehydration lines show up faster, especially under make-up.

Ingredients you want in your products: hyaluronic acid or a natural hyaluronic acid alternative, aloe vera, cactus extracts like prickly pear, and plant-based glycerin.

3. LIGHT WEIGHT PROTECTION

The last important step is daily SPF. It shields your skin from UV, the number one cause of premature ageing, helps prevent dark spots and keeps your skin looking clearer and healthier long term.
Here are a few tips on how to apply SPF so it doesn't pill.

Applying SPF correctly: your SPF goes on as the last skincare step, in an even layer. Press it in gently instead of rubbing it over your other products. Let it absorb for a few minutes before you move on to make-up.

Ingredients to avoid:

- Silicones, film-forming polymers often cause pilling.
- Heavy, greasy oils, they make makeup slide.
- Comedogenic ingredients like isopropyl myristate.
- Fragrance & high amounts of alcohol, which can irritate sensitise skin.

NATURAL SKINCARE ACTIVES

How the right actives make your skin prep work

Smooth: Gentle, natural exfoliants remove dead skin cells without stripping the barrier. Tepezcohuite bark powder works as a fine exfoliant, while papaya enzymes (papain) dissolve dead cells enzymatically. The result is a smooth, even surface for foundation to sit on.

Refine: Tepezcohuite bark extract is naturally rich in tannins, plant compounds with a tightening, astringent effect. They gently tighten the skin's surface, so pores look finer and moisture stays in the skin, keeping the surface even for makeup.

Hydrate: A few natural hydrators work best together. Plant-based hyaluronic acid and glycerin pull water deep into the skin and hold it there for a plumper look, while aloe vera and prickly-pear cactus add moisture and soothe. Together they keep skin hydrated, so nothing clings to dry patches.

Protect: Mineral filters like zinc oxide are often said to ruin makeup, but formulated right they do the opposite. Paired with an antioxidant like tamarind, a zinc oxide filter gives broad-spectrum UV protection, sits lightly and mattifies, and contains no silicones, so it won't pill under makeup.

NATURAL ACTIVES & HELPERS

Here's what each active and helper actually does for your skin.

Mimosa Tenuiflora Bark Extract

Tepezcohuite Bark Extract

Tepezcohuite Bark Extract

Tepezcohuite is our hero ingredient, a Mexican bark long known as the "skin tree".

  • Strengthens your skin barrier: tannins gently tighten the skin's surface so it holds moisture better.
  • Supports natural renewal: arabinogalactans help skin renew and look fresher.
  • Protects from daily stress: antioxidants shield skin from pollution and the environment.

Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid is our plant-based hydration hero, made from Cassia seed.

  • Long-lasting hydration: its plant polysaccharides hold up to 100 times their weight in water.
  • Plumper, smoother-looking skin: deep hydration helps soften the look of fine lines.
  • A botanical alternative to synthetic HA: the same plumping power, from a plant not a lab.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract

Aloe Vera Leaf Extract

Aloe Vera Leaf Extract

Aloe Vera is skincare's calming classic, a clear leaf gel used for thousands of years.

  • Soothes and calms sensitive skin: acemannan helps calm redness and irritation.
  • Long-lasting hydration: it draws water deep into the skin and holds it there.
  • Fresher, brighter-looking skin: aloe helps revive skin that looks dull.

Pachyrhisus Erosus Root Extract

Jícama Root Extract

Jícama Root Extract

Jícama extract, commonly known as jicama or Mexican yam bean, is a plant species in the legume family (Fabaceae). The root extract of Pachyrhizus erosus is used for its moisturizing and skin conditioning properties.

Carica Papaya Fruit Extract

Papaya Fruit Extract

Papaya Fruit Extract

Carica papaya fruit extract is derived from the fruit of the Carica papaya plant, commonly known as papaya. The papaya plant is a tropical fruit-bearing tree native to Central and South America, but it is now cultivated in various tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The fruit extract is obtained from the ripe fruit of the papaya plant and is known for its rich content of vitamins, enzymes, and other bioactive compounds beneficial for skincare and health. It is rich in vitamins, enzymes, and antioxidants.

C13-15 Alkane

Squalane

Squalane

Squalane is a featherlight, plant-based oil that mimics your skin's own natural oils.

  • Lightweight, lasting hydration: it absorbs in seconds and never feels greasy.
  • Strengthens your skin barrier: it slots into skin's natural oils to lock moisture in.
  • Smoother, more resilient skin: regular use improves texture and comfort.

Mimosa Tenuiflora Bark Powder

Tepezcohuite Bark Powder

Tepezcohuite Bark Powder

Tepezcohuite, derived from the bark of the Mimosa tenuiflora tree, also known as "tepezcohuite" or "skin tree," is rich in beneficial compounds such as tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids. Traditionally used for wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, tepezcohuite offers soothing and regenerative effects on the skin, thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, promoting skin health and vitality.

*It's important to note that our skincare formulations do not contain N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), an indolic alkaloid found in Mimosa tenuiflora responsible for hallucinogenic activity. Additionally, we prioritize certified providers to ensure the highest quality and safety standards in our products.

Tamarindus Indica Seed Extract

Tamarind Extract

Tamarind Extract

Tamarind Extract is a tropical treasure, prized for its deep, long-lasting hydration.

  • Deep, long-lasting hydration: its polysaccharides hold water in the skin and keep it there.
  • Supports your skin barrier: minerals like potassium and magnesium help reinforce it.
  • Softens the look of fine lines: antioxidants help keep skin looking firmer and smoother.

Bixa Orellana Seed Powder

Achiote Seed Powder

Achiote Seed Powder

Achiote Seed Powder is the whole lipstick-tree seed, milled fine: the form closest to how it was used for centuries.

  • The whole seed, nothing removed: milled fine, so it keeps the full carotenoid, flavonoid and tocopherol profile.
  • Powerful antioxidant protection: bixin and norbixin defend your skin from pollution and environmental stress.
  • Calms and evens: phenolic acids soften the look of redness and uneven tone.

Zinc Oxide

Zinc Oxide

Zinc Oxide

Zinc Oxide is a gentle, naturally-derived mineral filter that shields skin from the sun.

  • Broad-spectrum UV protection: shields skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
  • A gentle mineral filter: it sits on top of skin and reflects UV away, perfect for sensitive skin.
  • Calms the look of redness: soothes reactive, easily-irritated skin.

Pouteria Sapota Seed Butter

Mamey Seed Butter

Mamey Seed Butter

Mamey butter is produced by cold-pressing or extracting the oil from the seeds of the sapodilla fruit (Pouteria sapota). It has highly moisturizing and emollient properties. It is rich in essential fatty acids, such as oleic acid and stearic acid, as well as vitamins and antioxidants, which helps nourish and protect the skin. Mamey butter offers promising skincare benefits, providing moisture, nourishment, and protection for the skin.

Curcuma Longa Root Powder

Turmeric Root Powder

Turmeric Root Powder

Curcuma longa root powder is derived from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, commonly known as turmeric. Turmeric is a flowering plant belonging to the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). The roots of Curcuma longa are harvested, cleaned, and then processed to produce the bright yellow-orange powder known as turmeric or, more specifically, Curcuma longa root powder. It is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Tocopherol

Vitamin E

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a skincare powerhouse. Its active form, alpha-tocopherol, works as a powerful antioxidant that helps protect, hydrate and soften your skin.

  • Protects from daily stress: its antioxidants neutralise the pollution and stress that dull skin.
  • Locks in moisture: as an oil-loving vitamin, it sits in skin's natural oils and helps hold moisture in.
  • Softens the look of fine lines: that same antioxidant action keeps skin looking radiant and nourished.

Agave Tequilana Stem Extract

Agave Stem Extract

Agave Stem Extract

Agave is the gentle cleanser, a Mexican plant that cleans without stripping.

  • Deep, lasting hydration: its inulins form a moisture-holding film on the skin.
  • Cleanses without stripping: natural saponins clean gently and keep skin's pH in balance.
  • Antioxidant protection: caffeic acid defends your skin from pollution and environmental stress.

Persea Gratissima Oil

Avocado Oil

Avocado Oil

Avocado Oil is the everyday nourisher, a rich green oil pressed straight from the fruit.

  • Deeply nourishes dry skin: it is around 70% oleic acid, which sinks in rather than sitting on top.
  • Supports your skin barrier: beta-sitosterol helps your skin lose less moisture through the day.
  • Softens the look of fine lines: vitamins A, D and E work on texture and tone over time.

NEW TO SKIN PREP?

THIS IS WHERE MOST PEOPLE START

FROM DAILY MAKE-UP WEARERS

Even heavy eye makeup comes off easily

May '26

Karin Marquart · 45-54 · Dry skin · Verified buyer

The cream oil cleanses excellently, it removes even heavy eye makeup totally easily, without irritating the eyes. The scent is really good. I use the bar every morning. It cleanses well, the skin feels clean and prepared for the routine. I will order it again

Double Cleanse Duo
Double Cleanse Duo
Step 01: Cleanse • 2 items

Worth the investment, and first class under makeup

Jan '26

Gina F. · Age & skin type not stated · Verified buyer

Great set. I have already tried a fair bit, but this skincare under makeup really is first class! Of course it is a bit expensive, but when you have something good you invest gladly, and it lasts a long time too :)

Mexican Skincare Bestseller
Mexican Skincare Bestseller
Steps 01→02 & 04→05 • 4/5 items

My makeup is no longer cakey

Apr '26

Sandra Schmidt · 45-54 · Combination skin · Verified buyer

I am almost 54 years old and have tried plenty of products!
I was really sceptical and now I am so glad I bought this range!
My skin has never been this soft and my makeup is no longer cakey!

Harmony Routine
Harmony Routine
Steps 01→02 & 04→06 • 5 items

I would recommend it!

Apr '26

Sophie Lehner · 25-34 · Combination skin · Verified buyer

I have been using the balm for a good year now and I think it is AMAZING!
I can remove my daytime makeup very well with it, without my skin becoming irritated. I have acne and sensitive skin, so I am very careful with products. I can recommend Viva Maia products to anyone.

Removing Balm - Mamey, Guayaba & Aguacate
Removing Balm - Mamey, Guayaba & Aguacate
Step 01: Oil cleanse • 80g

The best routine I have ever had

Apr '26

Silke Drdallaj · 35-44 · Normal skin · Verified buyer

I use the cleansing cream mainly around the eye area. It does not sting, it does not feel sticky and it is very efficient. I ordered a jar a year ago and it is only now almost empty. The cleanser lasts just as long. It makes the skin wonderfully soft and clean! That makes the value for money very, very good. I had tried a lot before. Now I have arrived :)

Double Cleanse Duo
Double Cleanse Duo
Step 01: Cleanse • 2 items

My makeup looks much better now

Dec '25

Sandra S. · Age & skin type not stated · Verified buyer

My face has a real glow and looks finer. My makeup also looks much better now, I am very happy

Mexican Skincare Bestseller
Mexican Skincare Bestseller
Steps 01→02 & 04→05 • 4/5 items

I never thought a bar could exfoliate like this

Nov '25

Anita G. · Age & skin type not stated · Verified buyer

The Exfoliating Bar is an absolute gamechanger for me!
I would never have thought a bar could have such an exfoliating effect!
Every makeup look instantly looks fresher! Thank you so much!!!

Exfoliating Bar - Tepezcohuite
Exfoliating Bar - Tepezcohuite
Cleanse & Exfoliate • 100g

Not too oily before makeup, and not too dry either

Aug '25

Marlen T. · Age & skin type not stated · Verified buyer

Really good skincare! Especially before putting makeup on, the skin does not get too oily but is not too dry either! Simply wonderful!

Mexican Skincare Bestseller
Mexican Skincare Bestseller
Steps 01→02 & 04→05 • 4/5 items
"This is also one of my absolute favourite routines for under my foundation."

Vivien, Make-up Artist

Frequently asked questions

Your skin prep questions, answered

The things people ask most before prepping their skin for makeup.