Bare-faced beauty that takes seconds
I’ve always said “no-makeup makeup” is a total swizz. We’re led to believe that it takes 15 seconds to achieve it when the reality is more like 15 steps. However, on this occasion, this model (Balmain SS21) is actually not wearing very much at all. All you need is a powder foundation – the new ones don’t sit in creases, a brow product that makes even overgrown brows look groomed, and a balm for the lips. For anyone who can’t be bothered with a full-on maquillage, it’s perfect.
1. Shiseido Synchro Skin Soft Blurring Primer £32, shiseido.co.uk2.Anastasia Brow Freeze Clear Brow Wax £24, cultbeauty.co.uk3. Crabtree & Evelyn Renew + Nourish Lip Balm £14.50, crabtree-evelyn.co.uk4. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Powder Foundation £27, boots.com5. Illamasqua Foundation Brush £28, illamasqua.com
I can’t live without… A highlighter for plump and glowing skin
When K beauty, aka SoKo brands (from South Korea) infiltrated the global beauty industry, skincare aficionados went into a frenzy. Beauty editors were not immune. I welcomed the unusually light but efficacious textures that we hadn’t seen before. I felt the playfulness brought a refreshing slant to beauty and I was intrigued by all these lotions, potions and essences. Still, you did have to cut through the gimmicks to find the gems – like Glow Recipe. The water-light, intensely hydrating textures are not only a godsend for dry skins, but also for oily skins that require hydration, but don’t want to lose the glow or acquire grease. I find its skincare products give you a plump juicy finish with more bounce than a trampoline. ‘Dew drops’ is a highlighter with skincare properties, without any of the mica, glitter and pearls usually expected in a highlighter. What it is teeming with is ingredients to brighten, soothe and hydrate, such as niacinamide, moringa seed oil and hyaluronic acid. The immediate effect is glassy-looking, glowy skin. You can use it solo, but I find mixing it in with foundation is where it really comes into its own. The finish is sublime. The watermelon scent might be polarising, but I like it: fresh, natural and reminds me of lovely, stress-free holidays – something I’m sure we could all do with right now. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops, £30 cultbeauty.co.uk
On my radar… Gorgeous tresses while the salon is off limits
Bucks frizz Searching for a lightweight oil that smooths flyaways and doesn’t look or feel greasy? This blend also incorporates the fatty acids you need for healthy hair. And it smells divine. Living Proof Vanishing Oil, £31,livingproof.co.uk
Style it out This award-winning hot paddle brush smooths frizz, injects volume and caps the temperature at 185C to limit hair damage. It will even
turn itself off. GHD Glide Professional Hot Brush, £139,net-a-porter.com
Deeper shadesHome dyes by Josh Wood, the beauty insider’s fave, have become a lockdown essential. A shot of this conditioning agent helps colour penetrate better and last longer.
Josh Wood Miracle Shot, £29,joshwood colour.com
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