I'm a Celebrity Makeup Artist, and This Critical Skin-Prep Step Is Also the Most Commonly Missed

Ash K Holm is a Who What Wear editor in residence, a celebrity makeup artist and educator, and the co-founder of the luxury medspa Dripology.

If you’re familiar with my work, you know it’s all about the eyes. I love winged liner, live for a smoky eye, and am always going to say yes to major lashes. So you can imagine how hard it was to hear my ophthalmologist say that I should stop wearing eye makeup. I was dealing with chronic dry eye on top of a diagnosis of ocular rosacea and blepharitis. Getting this news made me change everything about my own eye-care routine and how I prep clients like Khloé Kardashian, Alix Earle, and Kris Jenner. (And even if you don’t think you have eye issues, we all have eye fatigue from staring at screens all day. Consider this your reminder to put your phone away after you read this!) Here’s the good news: You can still rock a glam eye with just a few simple additions to your daily routine. Because, in case you missed it, eye care is the new skincare. Here's everything I do to prep my eyes (and those of my clients) for makeup, plus some gold-level makeup removal tips.

Pre-Makeup Eye Prep

Step 1: Use a Dedicated Eye Cleanser

This tip from my doctor changed everything for me: Don’t use your face wash to wash your eyes. The eye area is super sensitive, and face washes are often too harsh for use directly on the eyes. Instead, use a dedicated eye cleanser or cleansing wipe with soothing ingredients like green tea, tea tree, coconut, or oat extract. (Check with an ophthalmologist for a recommendation suitable for your eyes.) A cleanser will help to remove any impurities and prep the skin for makeup application. I start and end every day with an eye cleanser.

Step 2: Prep the Delicate Eye-Area Skin

Keeping the delicate skin around the eye hydrated is key to smooth makeup application. I prefer a lightweight gel cream for use under makeup and often use something richer at night for added moisture. Hyaluronic acid will help boost hydration, while ingredients like green tea and caffeine can aid in de-puffing.

Step 3: Use Eye-Safe Makeup Ingredients

Pay attention to ingredient lists, especially when it comes to your mascara, shadows, and liner. I prefer using products that are free from carbon black and talc whenever possible and also look for products that have been ophthalmologist-tested for sensitive eyes.

Step 4: Wash Your Brushes!

I know you’ve heard this a million times, but it is seriously important, especially if you have sensitive eyes. As a makeup artist, I’m religious about washing my brushes. I also have dedicated liners and mascara for each client.

Eye-Safe Makeup Removal

Step 1: Use a Dedicated Eye Cleanser (Again)

After removing my eye makeup, I’ll wash my face and then follow up with my dedicated eye cleanser. This guarantees I’ve removed all of my makeup and any residue left behind from my face wash from around the eye.

Step 2: Use a Hypochlorous Acid Spray

I never go anywhere without my hypochlorous acid spray. This helps to remove bacteria from your lashes and lids without irritation.

Step 3: Use Eye Drops

I’m also the girl with eye drops in every bag. I always apply drops at night, and keep them close by for any time my eyes feel dry during the day.

Step 4: Apply Heat

Don’t underestimate the power of a hot compress after staring at a screen all day. I’m all about a few minutes with a heated eye mask (this is my favorite one; it uses flaxseeds to create moist heat) or my heated eye wand at the end of the day. The heat helps to loosen clogs in the oil glands along your eyelid (called meibomian glands) to keep your eyes lubricated. It’s also just incredibly relaxing. Don’t be surprised if you fall asleep!

See Holm's Full Nighttime Eye-Care Routine