I recently posted a couple of photos of my 'everyday face' to Instagram, and had a few requests to share how I get the look, here on the blog.
It's a delightfully radiant, very simple makeup. All the glow comes from a quick trio of skincare products before any makeup goes on, and then some special and very underrated illuminisers at the end.
My skin is leaning normal to slightly dry at the minute, hence the lack of powdering, and the use of more dewy, creamy products. I'm considering the skincare the 'prep step' to this look but I think you could follow from step 2 onwards and add a touch of powder at the end if you're oilier than I.
So let's jump right in.
01. To freshly cleansed skin, I first spritz with Caudalie's Beauty Elixir (or a rosewater spray, whatever I have to hand), so much so that I have to wipe my eyebrows down with my pinkies. Then serum (today it's Caudalie's Vinosource), finished with Instyutum's illuminating moisturiser. This combination of product always leave me with a fresh base, and is how I like to achieve my 'glow'.
02. I press a little blurring primer (this YSL one is great as I won't have to powder after) into any oily areas with larger pores - nose and inner cheeks for me, but I often don't bother with this step, especially in this colder weather.
03. I am loving Shiseido's Skin Lasting foundation. I've not given it the rigorous wear tests I'd like to yet but on the surface, it might challenge La Mer??? There, I've said it.
I purchased it blind online and fortunately the shade match (N2) was perfect. From the name I was expecting a thicker, more opaque, matte finish but it's light, fine, blendable and gives a natural finish that looks like 'my skin but better'. I sometimes apply with a sponge (which gives a bit more coverage) but often with fingers as I'm too lazy to wash tools. I never apply foundation to my forehead either, just the centre of my face and blend out.
The aim is for my skin to look completely in keeping and natural, were I to finish my makeup there - I like freckles etc to show through, although I want my redness covered up. I've pictured Chanel's Tinted Moisturiser and BM Complexion Rescue too because they're bases I reach for often, and great ones to try if you haven't already.
04. I then tap a little of Charlotte Tilbury's cream blush in with fingers - personally not too much as my cheeks are naturally very rosy, and a teeny bit across the bridge of my nose for some general warmth to the skin. I really like cream blushes at the moment, especially as I'm basically applying all of my makeup with fingers, it's easy and melts in well.
05. I've sort of discovered contouring (and bronzer when I'm pale) doesn't really work for me. I like the light, bright, round-faced look ha! But I do like a little of Dr Hauschka's bronzing tint right at the backs of my cheeks, and just a dab on the nose. It appears a pretty scary colour out of the pump but it's very fluid and sheers out terribly well - suitable for the lightest of skin tones.
06. I like to use illuminating liquids as highlighter, if I bother with it at all. The skincare in step 1 gives me an all-over radiance that's enough for me everyday, but I do sometimes indulge in a bit of highlighter once the rest of my makeup is on - because lord knows I own enough.
I'm quite picky with them though. No sparkle for me please, just dew. I like Burberry's Nude Radiance (the OG), Botanics radiance balm (a fantastic dupe), No7's skin illuminator (excellent and underrated), Kjaer Weis' highlighter (stunning when I tested it and really want to pick up a full size), and I've heard the RMS eye creams work really well.
07. I'd like to spend a little more time really with my brows, and I did share how I shape and style them on a more involved day, but at the moment just I'm mixing two pencils, Tom Ford brow sculptor and Chanel, to get a slightly lighter colour which I don't feel looks too harsh. I really don't mind them looking imperfect too.
08. I don't bother putting anything on my lids day to day, so just curl lashes and apply a little of Chanel's waterproof mascara and Bobbi Brown's Smokey Eye.
09. I thought we might reach 10 steps but lips are the finishing touch! I like something balmy with a little pinkish tint. I love this Lanolips rose tint because it's SPF 30 too.
And that's it, the finished look.
I hope you love it as much as I do!
Shop The Look
xx
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