We all know her: the woman with perfectly undone hair and I-woke-up-like-this skin who always looks effortless.
Achieving that nonchalance is easier than you think; just take your cue from the professionals, who are switching out precise brushwork for artistic sweeps of the finger – as seen at Christopher Kane, Giorgio Armani and Marni. Here’s how to master the technique:
Fuss-free face
The secret to a glowy, sculpted finish? Massaging in your skincare. Try Micellar Lotion, £16, Avène (4), a gentle, effective cleanser, and follow with the ultimate hydrator, Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum, £52, Peter Thomas Roth (2), to prep the skin for make-up.
Massage in outward, lifting motions to promote absorption, reduce puffiness and help with lymphatic drainage. Über facialist Abigail James recommends an “oil massage, working over the face and neck for a good eight minutes”. Try using Superfood Facial Oil, £45, Elemis.
Touch base
“Use your fingers to work the lightest amount of foundation into the skin Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation, £35, Nars Cosmetics (1) gives the right amount of glow. Then add concealer only where you need it,” says MUA Zoe Taylor – GLAMOUR loves My Perfect Colour Concealer Stick, £0. 90, Primark (8).
Cheeky glow
Raise your cream-blush game by blending Bonne Mine Stick Face Colour in Pink Glow, £27, Laura Mercier (3), on cheeks and lips. “Rub a little on the back of your hand until it melts, then dab it on for a natural stain,” says Tania Grier, make-up artist ambassador for Sisley Paris. “The heat makes blending easy. ”
No-effort eyes
Take a painterly approach to eyes: “Sweep pigment over lids or smudge liner along the lashline with your fingers,” says Zoe, who swears by Waterproof Eyeliner in Ebony, £5, Topshop (7). For soft, shimmering colour, swipe Longwear Cream Eyeshadow in Silver Screen, £25, Chanel (5) outwards and finish with Passioneyes Duo Mascara Curl And Volume, £28, Dolce Gabbana (6). “The aim is almost perfect, but not quite. ”
