We’ve all been inspired to try out a bare-faced makeup look at one time or another- the chances of anyone forgetting the Megan Markle bare faced wedding look that literally sent international shockwaves of beauty inspiration, are slim to none. Unfortunately though, we’ve also all probably experienced the disheartening realisation that those models really are airbrushed, and that real life does not have the same effect. But don’t stress: there is a middle ground between full-face and bare-faced, and that is what these 8 makeup hacks will help you figure out.
We all know that if you were to skip out an element of your daily routine, moisturising would be the first to go. If you’re lucky enough to be blessed with silky-soft skin, it’s easy to see moisturising as a waste of time, especially when it can often off-set the way your base layer lies on your face. But trust us on this one, cutting moisturiser from your beauty arsenal is a bad idea. It’s common knowledge that frequent make up use dries out your skin and clogs your pores, but the issue is that there’s often a time lag with these effects. We’re all guilty of the “if you can’t see it- it’s not there” approach, but by the time your skin starts to become obviously dried-out, it’s too late, and your make-up will start to clump around dry patches in spite of intense-moisturising, if you don’t build it into your daily routine. Moisturising doesn’t have to be an expensive process either. More often than not, you can find a cream that can be applied to both face and body so that you don’t have to invest in two different products, and the more expensive creams are frequently perfumed products which aren’t that great for your skin anyway. Instead, stick to basics. Creams such as E45 moisturising lotion and Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion, for example, are relatively cheap and can be applied to both face and body. Apply your moisturiser before you go to sleep and as soon as you can after waking, and leave it to sink in for at least ten minutes before applying any sort of makeup.
Letting your face breathe in the sun is great for clearing your pores, and half the struggle when it comes to getting a natural glow- so it’s a good idea to try and let your face breathe with no make up whatsoever as much as you possibly can. Letting your face breathe though, does not mean disregard sun cream. If you were to go out in the sun bare-faced without sun screen on, not only would burning be completely counter-productive to getting a natural glow, it would be downright unhealthy. In fact, considering most foundations contain at least a little bit of SPF, you would be better going out with a full face than with no sun cream on at all, so if you’re planning on some prime tanning time: suncream first!
Ok, so this may seem like stating the obvious, but make sure your concealer matches your natural skintone. This is the No.1 rule with concealer, but so many people still tend to buy a concealer that matches their foundation instead. This is all well and good, but if you were ever to wear just concealer and no foundation, it would be too dark for your natural colouring, and would not blend at all. You don’t want to have to apply full foundation coverage for a single spot. Once you’ve got the right shade that blends perfectly with your natural skin, try to apply as little concealer as possible. No one wants to go out with obvious zits, but don’t smother these in concealer. A little dab for each spot is fine- these are never going to go away if you don’t let any air get to them. Also, avoid “staple” concealer application. Bags under your eyes for example. Guaranteed these won’t look as bad as you think- and how is the shade going to disappear if you hide it away from the sun?
Sometimes full foundation coverage is fun, especially for a night out or a special occasion, but for day to day, it really isn’t necessary! What foundation really does is give the skin on your face an even and blemish-free coverage, but you don’t have to cake your face in product to achieve this! For day to day try something more light weight, like The Body Shop’s “All-In-One BB Cream” or better still, a tinted primer, like the “Porefessional Face Primer” you can pick up from Benefit.
It’s important to remember that the skin on your face isn’t the only place you apply make up to! By focusing on areas like eyes, brows and lips- you’ll look like you’ve made an effort without really effecting your skin at all. Swap out clumpy eyeshadow for a bold kohl look, spend time lining and glossing your lips, and pay attention to your brow shape- you’ll feel good without adding anything to your skin.
Remember that kind to skin moisturiser from step one? Not only can you use this to ward off dry skin by applying it all over, but you can mix it with things like highlighter too, which will keep both your skin smooth, and the make up that you’re applying to it light weight. This is easier if you have liquid highlight of course, as you can use the back of your hand as a palette, squeeze a blob of each product on, and mix the two; but you can make it work just as well with powder-highlight, by brushing a substantial amount onto your hand, before mixing it with your moisturiser.
After moisturising, a solid facewash routine is probably the most time-consuming element of your daily routine. After all, makeup wipes exist, don’t they? And, let’s be honest, even using a makeup wipe can be too much after a night out. But, being just as annoying as having to moisturise, face-washing is just as, if not more, important. Using a make up wipe may get the thick of your make up off, but quickly wiping your face just isn’t enough to get rid of the grime your face has been in contact with during the day. Especially if you’re a city dweller, not just make up, but pollution, can clog your pores, and if not properly cleaned off, create some serious zits. So, it’s more than worth it to invest in a good face wash. All the staple brands like Neutrogena and Simple know what they’re doing, but the best thing is to get a face wash that exfoliates too- giving your face a scrub will really get to those pores, leaving you extra clean! Some of the best face washes that do this are Soap and Glory’s “Face Soap & Clarity™ 3-in-1 Daily Vitamin C Facial Wash” and Simple‘s “Simple Daily Detox Clear Pore Polish Face Scrub“.
It’s always frustrating how expensive spa days can be, especially when they are frequently the one thing you and your skin need. But don’t panic, there are ways to pamper yourself without raking out millions! Invest in some multiple use spa-type products. Things like face masks, hair masks, and charcoal strips may often seem overpriced and too much effort for just one use, but if you buy multi-use products you can treat yourself to a spa day in your pjs at home whenever you need one! Some of the best products for this are the “T-Zone Australian Pink Clay Mask”T-Zone Australian Pink Clay Mask”, the Body Shop’s “Aloe Soothing Rescue Cream Mask” , Boot’s own brand “Tea tree and Witch Hazel Charcoal Face Mask”, and the “L’Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil Coconut Hair Mask”.
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