As the seasons change and the weather gets warmer and days brighter, I love to channel a more natural look with fresh, rosy skin. My go-to look is a sheer and dewy base with ‘pinched’ cheeks and lips; from skincare tips to makeup tricks, here’s how to get the look.
All about the base
I’ve always talked about the importance of skincare to create the perfect base, and it’s the key to having a beautiful complexion. Having hydrated skin will give you that ‘bounce’ and prep your skin for a smooth base before applying your foundation. I’m currently loving the Chantecaille Bio Lifting Cream + which has a velvety rich texture and melts into the skin without leaving a greasy finish. My top tip is to leave the moisturiser on for at least 10 minutes before applying any base makeup.
Roll up
The technique that I love for an optimum glow for myself and my clients is facial massage. There are so many tools out there such as jade and rose quartz rollers (I love Herbivore Botanicals, £26) to encourage lymphatic drainage which detoxes the skin and to get your circulation flowing, giving you a brighter and healthier glow. I love using this first thing in the morning after cleansing, especially if my face is feeling puffy and even use this over a moisturising sheet mask such as La Mer’s The Treatment Lotion Hydrating Mask, £120, if my skin needs an extra boost of hydration. Keep your roller in the fridge for a cooling and soothing effect.
Everyone has their personal preference when it comes to applying makeup; I usually go for brushes but when it comes to getting a really natural-looking finish, I love to use my fingers for foundation and concealer instead for that ‘second skin’ effect. The warmth of the fingers melts the product into the skin, giving a lighter coverage. It’s also a great technique if you want to show off you freckles while covering imperfections or redness. Use a liquid foundation with a light texture such as BECCA’s Skin Love Weightless Blur Foundation, £32, and you could even mix a pea-sized amount of moisturiser or liquid highlighter if you want a super sheer and dewy finish. Use a light hand for concealer – I love Laura Mercier’s Secret Camouflage, £28.50, which has two shades in the palette so you can colour match the different areas of the face.
Colour play
2018 was all about a defined contour and extreme highlighting, however I think this year will be all about that dewy, rosy skin that looks like you’re fresh out of the gym or have just gone for a brisk walk. In my last column, I wrote all about how blush was making a comeback and it’s one of my favourite parts of this look. Adding a flush of colour to the cheeks ties the whole look together, and makes you look healthier and happier. I love using multi-tasking stains or creams across both the cheeks and lips (try Benefit’s Benetint, £25.50 or Armani Beauty’s Neo Nude-A-Blush, £31, which can also double as a lip stain). If your lips are a little dry but you still want some coverage, try Kiehls’ Love Oil for Lips, £18, which adds a glossy tint while keeping them nourished without that sticky feeling a traditional gloss can give.
