Small night routine tweaks that actually fixed my foundation flaking by lunch

if your makeup gets patchy around dry spots or looks messed up no matter how much primer or setting spray you use, i honestly think skincare prep can make a bigger difference than adding more makeup products.

these are a few small changes that helped my base look way smoother:

1. i stopped over-cleansing in the morning.
   i usually use the Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser, but if my skin feels especially dry, i just rinse with lukewarm water. harsh foaming cleansers were making my skin feel tight before i even started my makeup.
2. i started using a hydrating toner right after cleansing.
   a few light layers of the Anua Heartleaf 77 Soothing Toner seem to help my skin feel calmer and less dry before moisturizer and makeup.
3. i added a gentle retinol cream at night.
   i used to scrub away flaky skin pretty aggressively, which honestly just made things worse. i've been using the lepique glass skin retinol night cream instead, and after a couple of weeks my foundation started sitting much better.
4. i use a heavier barrier cream when my skin needs it.
   on really dry nights, i'll put a thin layer of Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream on my cheeks. i don't use much because otherwise my makeup can feel too heavy the next morning.

it took a couple of weeks before i really noticed a difference, but now my foundation doesn't seem to fall apart around lunchtime anymore.

has anyone else made small changes to their nighttime routine that unexpectedly made their morning makeup look better?