Prepping your skin before applying makeup is important because it directly affects how your makeup applies, looks, and lasts. Cleansing and exfoliating removes dirt, oil, and dead skin cells. This helps foundation and concealer glide on more evenly and prevents patchiness or texture from showing through. Moisturizing and priming help makeup adhere better to the skin, so it stays put for longer without separating, creasing, or fading. When skin is dry or dehydrated, makeup can cling to rough areas. Prep keeps makeup from looking flaky, cakey, or heavy. When the skin underneath is healthy, hydrated, and smooth, makeup blends seamlessly and looks more like real skin.