While Euphoria fever has got us all applying rhinestones and arty eyeliner to our faces like never before, let’s not forget the ego boost that comes with a beautifully done no-makeup-makeup look. Everybody knows what it is — the glowing, your-own-face-but-better look — but it’s harder to nail than one would think. Here, we outline the best way to achieve glossy skin, perfectly arched eyebrows, pillowy lips and just the right pinch of natural blush without looking as though you have spent much time in front of the mirror.
Lay the groundwork
It’s important to remember that all good makeup starts with a clean palette, as your beauty looks will only ever be as good as the skin underneath. Treat yourself with regular facials, once every month or so, to keep skin in optimum condition. Spring Spa has an array of glorious treatments — our favourite is the 60-minute Spring Spa x Augustinus Bader Methode facial, which utilises the luxurious (and very effective) Bader products as well as LED light therapy and gua sha.
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All about that base
Similarly, you need to make sure your skin is exfoliated and moisturised before any makeup touches it, as if you have any dead skin cells sitting on your face then it will look gloomy and dry regardless of what foundation you use. If you’re just about to leave the house, you don’t necessarily want to be scrubbing your face with a manual face scrub, so we prefer to go for something like the Biological Peel from Sothys. Gentle yet highly effective, this peel is designed to remove the outer layer of dead skin cells and excess sebum/oil deposits, refining, brightening and smoothing the complexion.
Be sure to use a brightening, glow-inducing moisturiser each morning (Emma Lewisham’s Illuminating Brighten Your Day Crème is one such product) and, if your face is extra dehydrated, try applying a glow-boosting serum that contains potent ingredients. The new Charlotte’s Magic Serum Crystal Elixir by Charlotte Tilbury is enriched with vitamin C and polyglutamic acid, and provides a silky smooth canvas for makeup application.
Makeup
Cream products are key for a natural makeup look — anything too powdery won’t melt into the skin as nicely. Once the skin is prepped and ready, apply a brightening primer, like the wonderful, complexion revitalising Radiance Primer from Nars. Should you wish to even out your skin tone, a CC cream like the Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream SPF 50 from IT Cosmetics is seamless (and the added SPF is key).
For any extra coverage, dab spots of concealer under the eyes and around the nose to cover any redness, making sure to use a light hand while not forgetting any other blemishes that may need extra coverage. Chanel Le Correcteur de Longwear Concealer has a moisturising formula that blurs imperfections, diminishes the appearance of dark circles and brightens up the eyes while being supple and comfortable for long wear.
To fluff up the brows, opt for a tinted brow gel that gives a full yet soft look, like Hourglass’ Arch Brow Volumising Fiber Gel. Infuse the cheeks with soft, natural colour by using a versatile product like one of Aleph’s Cheek/Lip Tint pots. The shade Grounded is a great everyday nude for lighter skin tones, while something like Crush or Pixie would be beautiful on deeper skin tones. You can apply these with (clean) fingers to both your face and your lips for a cohesive, romantic flush.
To enhance your eyes just the right amount, brown mascara is far more subtle than black. Curl your lashes, and swipe on a coat or two of a defining mascara that gives wispy length rather than clumping. The Milk Chocolate shade of the Ellis Faas mascara has a creamy, buildable formula that glides on easily and can be doubly applied for when you’re going day-to-night.
