The Moisturizer "Edit" For Your Pro Makeup Kit

That saves space, time, and money.

Hey beauty pros!

Let's discuss skin prep products, particularly moisturizers – the unsung heroes that can make or break every single makeup application. Moisturizer is that pro kit essential that often gets overlooked when we're distracted by a new foundation formula or a great pro trick that locks concealer in place (more about that here).

Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned artist looking to streamline your kit, having the right moisturizer(s) on hand is a must. Trust me, clients will thank you, and your makeup applications will look infinitely better (and last longer).

Why Moisturizers Matter More Than You Think

Before we dive into the fun stuff (product reviews), let's chat about why stocking the right moisturizers in your professional makeup kit is so important. Think of them as your insurance policy. Not everyone who sits in your makeup chair takes the best care of their skin, but they still expect you to make them look great…even if their skin looks like grandma’s old leather handbag.

Our body’s natural water content is constantly evaporating through our pores (not only when we sweat), and that lost water needs to be replenished. Drinking gallons of water to hydrate you from the inside is great, but it’s not enough for your skin to function at its best. You need to apply a reserve of hydration to the surface of your skin and lock it down with an emollient to keep it looking soft, smooth, and healthy - you know, the coveted “glow”.

The most important thing is understanding the difference between a “humectant” and an “emollient” and how they address different skin needs, but function best when used together.

• Humectants amplify the skin’s hydration level (water content) and address dehydration from the outside. Look for products that feature glycerin, polyglutamic acid, and HAs (hyaluronic acid derived from sodium hyaluronate). These ingredients specifically attract moisture from the air to the skin’s surface, replenishing what is naturally lost through evaporation through the pores.

• Emollients fortify the skin's barrier function, keeping it soft and smooth while enhancing its ability to slow down natural moisture evaporation. Look for products that feature non-comedogenic oils (such as squalane, grape seed, and jojoba), butters (like shea, cocoa, and mango), and fatty acids (like linoleic and alpha-linoleic).

In short, to create an optimal environment for a beautiful, long-lasting makeup application, you need to flood the skin with hydration and then seal it in with an emollient.

Now let’s talk about the two products that get the “moisturizer” job done, no matter what skin type sits in your makeup chair.

Let me preface this by saying, I don’t believe in stocking a pro makeup kit with expensive skincare full of fancy ingredients that take 6-8 weeks to show “cumulative results”. I want instant gratification products in my kit, because my client needs to look good NOW, and that’s precisely what these two products address (minus the often-expensive extra bells and whistles).

BELIF - Aqua Bomb The True Cream is hydration heaven and most definitely lives up to its name. I call this moisturizer the “One-And-Done”. It’s a deceptively lightweight gel-cream that feels refreshing, but don’t let the light texture fool you; it packs a mega-ton dose of hydration for thirsty skin (hence the name AQUA BOMB).

This moisturizer has been my secret weapon when anyone sits in the makeup chair with seriously dehydrated skin. It hydrates instantly and intensely to give your client that bouncy, glowy-looking skin that says, "I drink plenty of water and get eight hours of sleep". It also contains lightweight barrier-boosting ingredients to keep that moisture locked in.
Aqua Bomb can be used on ALL skin types. It’s especially effective on oily or combination skin types that don’t require additional emollients (oils), but are dehydrated and need a water boost.

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 is an emollient skin soother and barrier booster, formulated for use on even the most sensitive, reactive skin.

If you spend any time on social media platforms and follow it’s beauty community, you’ve probably heard the term “slugging.” Slugging is a technique where an occlusive emollient is applied as the last layer of your skincare to fortify the skin’s natural barrier and lock in hydration. Most folks “slug” their skin overnight with thick, greasy balms like Vaseline.
Cicaplast Balm B5 applies the same “slugging” principle, but in a breathable balm formula that can be used during the day, under makeup. It’s enriched with soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial Cica (Centella asiatica). I apply it over Aqua Balm on sensitive skin types (like rosacea and eczema) to reduce irritation and keep hydration locked in. I also use it on very dry skin to boost elasticity and prevent foundation and concealer from looking dry or cakey.

The Bottom Line

These moisturizers might seem basic, but if you’re building your first pro makeup kit and need cost-effective skin prep, or if you’re editing your kit to be more lightweight and efficient, these two products are pretty much all you need.
Remember, the best moisturizer is the one that works.

What moisturizers have you found work best in your professional kit? I'd love to hear about your favorites!