A well-chosen serum under makeup is not only care, but also a key step in preparing the skin for the whole day. Moisturizing, smoothing, protecting the skin barrier and controlling sebum secretion allow you to achieve the effect of perfectly smooth and radiant skin, on which makeup looks fresh for many hours. It is worth reaching for formulas containing hyaluronic acid, tremella, niacinamide, squalane and glycerin - thanks to them, makeup not only looks better, but also cares for the skin from the very first stage of application.
Makeup starts not with foundation, but… with care. And although many people focus on cream, an equally important (and often overlooked) step is serum. It can decide whether the makeup will look fresh, last all day and not emphasize imperfections. What should the ideal serum be like under makeup? Let's find out.
Light consistency – quick absorption, zero burden
A serum under makeup should have a light, quickly absorbed formula that does not leave a greasy or sticky layer. Gel or water-gel consistencies work best – they create a flexible base for subsequent steps, do not roll and do not negatively affect the durability of the foundation.
Avoid: thick, oily formulas that can shorten the life of your makeup and cause your skin to shine.
what serum under makeup? Moisturizing is the basis!
Makeup always looks better on well-hydrated and elastic skin. This is rule number one if you want to avoid the effect of a dry mask, visible wrinkles or unsightly cuticles. A moisturizing serum under makeup works like an invisible primer - it smooths the skin's surface, restores its softness and improves the adhesion of color cosmetics. And at the same time, it should not be greasy or heavy.
Why does makeup serum matter?
A makeup serum plays an extremely important role in preparing the skin for the application of foundation and other color cosmetics. When the skin is properly moisturized and smoothed, makeup spreads better, lasts longer, and the final effect is natural and fresh. Improper skin preparation often results in foundation rolling, dry skin being highlighted, pores being visible, and makeup fading quickly during the day. A well-chosen serum is a kind of care base that minimizes these problems.
Common ingredients in makeup serums
Hyaluronic acid - immediate hydration and smoothing
One of the most commonly used ingredients in makeup serums is hyaluronic acid. Thanks to its ability to bind water (up to 1000 times more than its molecular weight), it provides an immediate effect of smoothing and moisturizing the skin. Moisturized skin "holds" foundation better, looks healthy and radiant, and fine wrinkles and irregularities are less visible. High-quality preparations often use different forms of hyaluronic acid with different molecular weights, which allows for moisturizing both the skin surface and the deeper layers of the epidermis.
Tremella - the plant equivalent of hyaluronic acid
Tremella fuciformis mushroom extract, called plant hyaluronic acid, is becoming increasingly popular in make-up serums. Studies show that it has a comparable, and in some cases even higher, water-binding capacity than classic hyaluronic acid. Tremella not only intensively moisturises, but also improves skin elasticity, gives it a healthy glow and a delicate "glow" effect - ideal for day and evening make-up.
Vegetable glycerin - hydration for many hours
Vegetable glycerin is another humectant that works great in products that prepare the skin for makeup. Its molecules attract moisture from the environment and bind it in the epidermis, maintaining the right level of hydration for many hours. Thanks to glycerin, the skin remains soft, smooth and elastic, and makeup does not settle in facial wrinkles or on dry parts of the face.
Niacinamide - regulating, brightening and smoothing
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a multifunctional ingredient that works on several levels in a makeup serum. First, it regulates the sebaceous glands, which reduces the risk of excessive shine in the T-zone. Second, it tightens pores, smoothes the skin structure and evens out the skin tone. Third, it has anti-inflammatory effects, reducing minor redness and irritation. Serums with niacinamide are especially recommended for people with combination and oily skin, who often struggle with makeup durability problems.
Squalane - silky smoothness and protection
Squalane is a light, biocompatible fatty substance that perfectly mimics the natural lipids present in human sebum. In a serum under makeup, it acts as a delicate protective layer, protecting against moisture loss, while at the same time giving the skin a silky smoothness. Squalane does not clog pores, does not burden the skin and leaves it elastic, soft and perfectly prepared for the application of foundation. Its presence in the formula makes the makeup stay fresh longer and adheres better to the skin.
Which makeup serum for which skin type?
Dry and dehydrated skin - intensive hydration and smoothing
Dry and dehydrated skin is particularly sensitive to the lack of proper hydration. This manifests itself through a feeling of tightness, roughness, the visibility of dry skin and faster settling of foundation into wrinkles. For this type of skin, the best choice will be a serum with strong moisturizing properties, which will fill the stratum corneum with water and smooth the surface of the epidermis. Formulas rich in hyaluronic acid and its plant equivalents, such as Tremella fuciformis extract, are ideal here. Such a serum creates a perfectly smooth base for makeup that looks light and natural for many hours.
Combination and oily skin - light hydration and sebum control
Although it is often believed that oily skin does not need hydration, in reality it also requires proper hydrating care. However, it is crucial that the serum is light, non-comedogenic and does not cause additional burden on the sebaceous glands. Tremella Exosomes Serum is an excellent choice for combination and oily skin. The combination of the moisturizing properties of tremella with exosomes works on many levels - it maintains the appropriate level of hydration, regulates sebum secretion, soothes micro-inflammations and improves the structure of the epidermis. Such care prepares the skin for even distribution of foundation, reduces shine during the day and ensures durability of makeup.
Sensitive skin - soothing, regenerating and antioxidant protection
Sensitive skin requires an exceptionally gentle approach when preparing it for makeup. It often reacts with irritation, redness, burning or tension, which is why it is worth reaching for formulas based on soothing, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredients. The Antioxidant Serum-Ampoule from Orientan will work very well here, combining the action of adaptogens, vitamin C and niacinamide. These ingredients not only protect the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals and environmental factors, but also strengthen the hydrolipid barrier, soothe irritation and reduce redness. The serum perfectly prepares sensitive skin for makeup application, minimizing the risk of skin reactions during the day.
How to use serum under makeup?
For the serum under makeup to work as effectively as possible, it is crucial to apply it correctly. The first step should be a thorough cleansing care - preferably a delicate gel or foam that will remove impurities and excess sebum without irritating the skin. We apply the serum to the prepared, slightly damp skin. Moisturized skin absorbs active ingredients better, thanks to which the serum works more effectively and penetrates the epidermis faster.
After applying the serum, it is worth waiting about 1-3 minutes so that the ingredients are well absorbed and do not mix with the subsequent layers of care. Next, apply a moisturizing cream, which will close the layer of moisture, protect the skin and extend the durability of the makeup. In the morning, before applying makeup, you cannot skip sun protection - a cream with an SPF filter not only protects the skin from photoaging, but also stabilizes the care effects of the serum.
The diagram for the correct application of serum under makeup looks as follows:
cleansing → serum → moisturizer → SPF cream → makeup.
Examples of serums from Orientana's offer that are ideal under makeup
Tremella Serum Ampoule – light consistency, intensive hydration
The Tremella serum-ampoule from Orientana is an excellent choice as a care base for makeup. The formula based on the extract of Tremella fuciformis, called plant hyaluronic acid, provides intensive and long-lasting hydration after just a few minutes of application. The light, gel consistency of the serum absorbs quickly, leaving no greasy layer on the skin, which is extremely important when applying foundation. After use, the skin is smooth, elastic, and fine wrinkles and irregularities are less visible - thanks to this, the makeup looks fresh for many hours.
Serum with ashwagandha and niacinamide - additional antioxidant and smoothing effect
The second Orientan suggestion, ideal under makeup, is a serum with ashwagandha and niacinamide. Adaptogenic ashwagandha neutralizes free radicals and protects the skin from oxidative stress, which can contribute to the loss of freshness of makeup during the day. Niacinamide additionally smoothes the skin, tightens pores, brightens minor discolorations and regulates sebum secretion, which is especially important for people with oily and combination skin. The light, quickly absorbed formula allows for even application of subsequent care and makeup steps.
When to apply serum?
It is best to use it on slightly damp skin right after toner. Wait a moment for it to absorb, then apply cream or foundation straight away – depending on your needs. If you are planning a full make-up, choose a serum with a light lifting or smoothing effect, which will create the perfect “canvas” for make-up.
A properly selected serum under makeup is a key step in skin preparation, which directly translates into the appearance and durability of makeup. Moisturizing, smoothing and strengthening the skin barrier make the foundation adhere better, do not settle in wrinkles, and the complexion looks fresh and radiant for many hours.
There is no universal solution for make-up care - the serum should be selected according to the skin type and its individual needs. For dry and dehydrated skin, the serum with Tremella works great, which deeply moisturises and smooths. Combination and oily skin will benefit from light, regulating formulas such as the Tremella Exosomes Serum, which moisturises and controls sebum secretion. Sensitive skin, on the other hand, will respond best to the soothing and strengthening Antioxidant Ampoule Serum, rich in antioxidants and niacinamide.
By choosing a make-up serum from Orientana, you combine effective skin care with perfect skin preparation for every day - without compromise, without the mask effect, with care for the healthy appearance of the skin.
A well-chosen serum can not only extend the durability of makeup, but also really improve the condition of the skin. It is an investment in care and aesthetics in one - and after all, this is what a well-thought-out beauty routine is all about.
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