Barely-there makeupis a look countless celebrities have been wearing in recent months. But the au-natural, I’m-just-genetically-blessed look takes more work than you think. If you want to appear like you’re wearing no makeup but still look really, really good – the type of good that will prevent your colleagues from asking if you’re feeling okay when you’re just barefaced – then follow GLAMOUR’s guide to looking sassy with just a slick of slap…
Wash
Wash your face using a gentle soap and flannel. Don’t use an exfoliant as it will bring out the redness in your complexion. A gentle cleanser such as Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser (£15) works well to softly buff the skin clean.
Moisturiser
Apply a peasized amount all over the face; you want to make sure your skin is soft and hydrated so your makeup sits right but isn’t greasy. Sisley’s Moisturiser with Cucumber (£104) is a brilliant lightweight day cream which absorbs straightaway, making it perfect for priming the face.
Need a new moisturiser? Here’s 18 iconic creams to choose from
Foundation
If you have clear skin, use a tinted moisturiser to warm-up the complexion. We love Estee Lauder’s DayWear (£38) as it adapts to your natural skin colour when you apply it – the microbeads are seriously magic. If, however, you prefer more coverage, apply foundation but only to the places you feel are problematic or over pigmented. Lancome’s Teint Miracle (£29. 50) will provide excellent coverage without the cakey finish. Whichever you use, remember to be sparse and blend, blend, blend.
Concealer
Taking a small brush, we like Mac’s fiber flat brush number 195 (£19), apply concealer sparingly to problem areas. For dark circles, swipe the brush under your eyes, then pat with a finger to blend.
Powder
If you suffer from shine, use a large brush and powder that matches your skin tone to dust all over. Try bareMinerals Mineral Veil finishing powder (£21) which will absorb any excess oil. Do not use a bronzer, this look is all about making the most of your natural colouring.
Blush
Pick out a cream blush that is soft in colour and as close to your natural ‘blush’ as possible. Bourjois Little Round Pot Cream blushes (£7. 99) offer a great range of natural colours that are easy to blend. Apply your chosen product to the apples of your cheeks, exactly where you would naturally flush, and blend until you have a very subtle colour. Add a little of the cream blush to your lips to enhance their natural pigment.
Eyes
With the barely-there makeup look, curling the eyelashes can be enough (Shu Uemera’s set are unbeatable (£20)) but if you do like a little more definition, using a thin-wand mascara comb right through the lashes, applying a maximum of two coats to each eye. For blondelashes opt for brown mascara and for darker, you can stick with black. We suggest using Clinique’s Naturally Glossy Mascara (£17. 50).
Eyebrows
It’s essential not to have a strong line, if you have very light brows or patches, blend a colour sparingly to give a little shape. Heavy eyebrows are one of the biggest giveaways of this look if done wrong. Bobbi Brown’s Light Brow Kit (£35), with its dual shadow, will allow you to apply as much or as little as you need.
