If you have never heard of skin-prep and under-makeup yet, it is likely to happen very soon since so many cosmetic companies have started to perk up and enter the sector which, until recently it was really niche. Our brand, ZAGO Milano, was the first to bring the trend from overseas and give it an extra boost, and we are really proud of it - let us be vain.
Advertising space and reminder aside, under-makeup is really the trend of the moment, but there is still a lot of confusion on the subject and reading on the net it seems that it is still not possible to figure out whether it exists or not difference between under-makeup and skin-prep, or if even skin-care has a role in this area.
Are you really sure you'll be able to give a clear answer before continuing reading? If yes, we congratulate you, in addition to being super on the spot on new beauty trends, you've probably already tried some products from our Undermakeup line and you follow us on our social channels, so the topic has now become your daily bread.
If instead the word Undermakeup tells you something but you haven't completely unraveled the matter yet, don't throw in the towel: keep reading this article, follow us on our social networks so you don't miss any news and you'll see that in a short time you'll be an Undermakeup expert.
So let's get back to us.

Skin-prep and skin-care are the same thing?

The answer is no, of course. Although the two procedures may still have points in common or even replace each other in some circumstances.
This is because the skin-prep, as the word itself recalls, is the set of all those actions, or those steps, which they prepare the skin for something that has to happen immediately after, be it applying makeup, sunbathing, having an operation, shaving, etc. It goes without saying that for each of these eventualities it is necessary to carry out a specific and preparatory skin-prep for what must happen immediately after, which has the purpose of preparing the skin in order to obtain the best possible result. In our case and in this article, we will mainly talk about the skin-prep to be done before makeup.
On the other hand, skin-care does not necessarily have the objective of preparing the skin for makeup, even if it is always a good idea to carry out a correct skin-care always and in any case, regardless of whether or not you use makeup afterwards. This is because the skin, especially that of the face, has a constant need for attention and care to prevent the products and substances that come into daily contact with it from damaging its surface and creating blemishes or other problems. It is true that makeup can hide many small flaws, but the appearance of the skin underneath the makeup can definitely compromise, or on the contrary enhance, an exceptional makeup.
So in a nutshell, what is skin-prep? It is nothing more than the sum of all the essential steps to have perfect skin even before makeup, thus also including skin-care.
From here another fundamental question arises.

What is the difference between skin-prep and under-makeup?

As we have just said, skin-prep is the sum of all the essential steps to have perfect skin even before makeup. And what role does under-makeup play in all of this? Under-makeup can also be included in the skin-prep, after skin-care and before makeup. This is because under-makeup includes all those products with particular formulations that make the make-up perform better, perhaps by illuminating the skin or making the make-up adhere better to it. So let's talk about base creams, bb-creams, primers and so on.So let's say that the under-makeup is the last step before the skin-prep make-up
All clear, right? And here we raise the bar: what is the difference between overseas under-makeup and our Undermakeup, purposely written in capital letters and all stuck together? We at ZAGO Milano are not satisfied with offering products whose sole purpose is to make make-up adhere better to the skin. What we try to do is create an all-round experience, which knows how to make you feel good, enhance you and at the same time give your look the result you are looking for.

To achieve this result, we have studied formulations that combine the aesthetic effect you need, i.e. smoother, glowy or matte skin depending on your needs, with the properties of a primer, i.e. the ability of the products to make adhere better to the make-up and enhance its performance. All of this, of course, maintaining a good quality of the formula and its ingredients, rich in natural active ingredients useful for the skin and capable of acting as a barrier between you and everything that comes into contact with your skin afterwards. And you know what's cool? You can use Undermakeup even without make-up because, thanks to its numerous properties, you will see your wonderful skin already like this, without the need for any make-up.

Read also: Under-makeup: everything you need to know to prepare your skin for makeup

The 5 essential steps for skin-prep before makeup

Skin-prep can be made up of countless steps, but we offer you only 5 in this case, those that are essential for us to be on top with makeup and at the same time take care of your skin's needs.

1 - Cleansing. Any beauty routine begins with a good cleansing that is specific to your skin type, in order to rebalance and cleanse in the most correct way for you. We suggest these 3 products:

• PURIFYING CLEANSING GEL with grapefruit extract: it is perfect for thoroughly cleansing your skin and removing any make-up residues, pollution and excess sebum. Specific for skins with impurities.
• MOISTURIZING FACE CLEANSER with mint extract: more hydrating, it is ideal for refreshing the face and starting your day in the best possible way or for removing any make-up residues, pollution and excess sebum.
• NOURISHING CLEANSING MILK with orchid extract: it is the perfect solution if you want to awaken your face with a pampering or if you want to gently cleanse your face, more suitable for dry skin or ripe.

2 - Exfoliating. Necessary to refine the skin and make it more radiant and homogeneous, removing dead cells. It is important to specify that exfoliation should not be done every day, to avoid irritation and accidental thickening of the skin.
Suggested product:

• NEW SKIN enzymatic exfoliating face scrub: delicate enzymatic peeling that helps eliminate dead cells from the face, purify the skin and refine its texture. Suitable for all skin types.

3 - Tonic. Useful for rebalancing the skin's pH after cleansing, apply the tonic on the skin and wait for it to dry before moving on to the next step.
Suggested product:

• REGENERATING FACE TONIC with blueberry extract: with a light and creamy texture, it combines the benefits and performance of a toner with those of a face serum, making it perfect for elasticising the skin and to give it a pleasant feeling of well-being. Suitable for all skin types, even dry ones.

4 - Moisturizing cream. You can give up everything, but not a good moisturizer, especially in the evening. It adds rebalancing active ingredients to your skin and seals them inside, also trapping hydration and prolonging the comfort effect. Also in this case it is necessary to find the right moisturizer for your skin, which is difficult to do on the first try. Fortunately, we have the right product for every need.
Suggested products:

• PERFECTING FACE CREAM with niacinamide: improves and refines the texture of impure skin, while reducing imperfections. Suitable for impure or combination skin.
• REHYDRATING FACE CREAM with hyaluronic acid: gives your skin an immediate hydration boost. Ideal for your daily skincare, it plumps and quenches your skin giving it a pleasant sensation of comfort and elasticity. Suitable for dry and normal skin.
• RESTRUCTURING FACE CREAM with vitamin E: perfect for restoring the natural elasticity of your skin, regenerating it to the fullest and giving it an extreme feeling of comfort. Suitable for sensitive and mature skin.

5 - The right base: Undermakeup, perfect for the day not only to simplify your routine but also to protect and take care of your skin.
With hydrating, smoothing and uniforming properties , as well as obviously divided according to the specific needs of your skin, the Undermakeup line will be your new must-have.

Suggested products for:

All skin types

• BELLA PRONTA 24h moisturizing primer: plumping, very light and rapidly absorbed, it is the ideal all-in-one primer cream under your favorite make-up and to moisturize the skin without greasing.

• MOLTO FRESH hydrating primer stick: is our solution to keep skin soft and hydrated all day long. super light texture with rapid absorption and its practical and hygienic stick packaging, it is a smart product that you can always carry with you for every need.

• MY GLOW illuminating face cream: is our must have to use every time you feel the need to give a touch of brightness to your face or you notice your tired and dull skin. Specially designed to be a multitasking product, you can use it alone after applying your moisturizer, dabbing a small amount of product into the most protruding areas of the face to embellish your natural look, directly as a make-up base for an all-over illuminating effect or mix it directly with your favorite face base for a brighter effect.

Combination, oily and/or acne-prone skin

• SOLO MATTE mattifying face primer: it is our base ideal for counteracting the appearance of imperfections and regulating sebum production, keeping the clarity of face without drying out the skin.

Dry skin

• TUTTO GLOW illuminating serum: halfway between treatment and make-up, it is a delicate serum in oil, easily absorbed, perfect for making your skin naturally radiant and hydrated.

Tired and dull skin

• PIU LIFT lifting effect face primer in gel: thanks to its watery, rapidly absorbed consistency and its natural active ingredients, it is able to immediately give your face a relaxed and radiant appearance, redefining its contours.

• MY GLOW illuminating face cream: is our must have to use every time you feel the need to give a touch of brightness to your face or notice your tired and dull skin Specially designed to be a multitasking product, you can use it alone after applying your moisturizer, dabbing a small amount of product on the most protruding areas of the face to embellish your natural look, directly as a make-up base for an all-over illuminating effect or mix it directly with your favorite face base for a brighter effect.