The bare necessities
Top make-up artists explain how to create a ‘no make-up make-up’ catwalk look at home. By
SUBTLE, chic and flattering on everyone, the ‘barely there’ make-up trend is perfect for summer, when we don’t want to spend ages on elaborate smokyeye looks or be caked in heavy foundation.
The au naturel look was big news on the SS21 catwalks, too – as seen at the Victoria Beckham, Jacquemus, Jason Wu and Prada shows – and it’s more relevant than ever as pandemic restrictions ease and we get reacquainted with our make-up bags.
“I believe it’s a progression from not wearing any make-up during lockdown,” says Joy Adenuga, make-up artist and founder of By Joy Adenuga. “People have shifted focus to more natural-looking routines that will take them less time to do.”
The trend has been around for a few years but it’s always evolving, she says, with the current focus on “brows that look big and bushy, natural-looking flushed cheeks, lengthy lashes, hydrated lips, and, glowy skin.”
Aimee Connolly, make-up artist and founder of Sculpted by Aimee, loves the “effortless, soft and pared back” look and the move away from strict ‘rules’ towards a more individual approach: “It’s not only a lovely way to wear make-up, it’s also brilliant we’ve all become more accepting of ourselves naturally.”
Here, our experts offer their tips for enhancing – not masking – your features...
GLOWING SKIN
“Keeping things soft and fresh makes people look and feel youthful,” says make-up artist Bryony Blake. “The key is to make everything pop and glow but without it being too obvious.”
Opt for lightweight foundations or BB creams with a dewy or satin finish, says Aimee: “Light coverage is a brilliant way to colour correct the skin whilst still letting it breathe. You can always add some concealer into areas you need to for that extra bit of cover up.”
Aimee adds: “Cream blushes are having a moment and I am delighted they are. Taking a cream blush into the apples and sweeping back up to the cheekbones is a natural way to add colour.”