Does putting on something other than your pyjamas and applying just a little bit of makeup, give you a sense of the norm? Me too.
Modern technology has meant my diary is busier than it was pre-lockdown. Virtual work meetings, Houseparty calls and family Zoom quizzes are happening regularly; I still feel the need to look presentable.
A few weeks ago if someone had said you’d be working from home every day, having team meetings via webcam and socialising with FaceTime while sitting on your sofa – G&T in hand, you’d have probably thought twice! But this is the case for many of us at the moment. My first thought? It would be an easy way to get away with going bare-faced while lounging around in the comfiest (and ugliest) clothes I own all day, but the reality is quite the opposite.
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt from this lockdown, it’s that I want every product I use to work harder than I do (and I work hard!), I’ve decided to streamline, and I think you should too.
Now’s the time to streamline your beauty routine. No matter how much time you spend getting ready, the products you’re using should make you look and feel amazing.
Tried and tested, I’ve found five products that can transform whether I have five minutes or 30 minutes to hand. Here’s what I recommend…
How to streamline your makeup routine…
I confess; I’m that girl who uses a lot of makeup products to create a barely-there and ”au natural” look. Unnecessary? Well as much as I hate to say it, yes. Why? Because in the last few weeks I’ve been getting by with just five products and not missing my old makeup routine at all. In less than half the time, I’m enjoying the put-together and polished look that wearing less makeup gives.
The concept is simple – use fewer items and less amount of product on your skin to create a natural makeup look. It works because you’re using products that work harder so you don’t have to and the key is picking products that are easy to apply but still give a beautiful finish that looks as though you’ve spent longer applying them.
Here are a few tips and product recommendations to get you started:
#1 A Do-it-All Base
For your base you want something light, that will let your skin breathe. It needs to provide enough coverage to unify your skin without masking it, but will also protect your skin from the sun because chances are you’ve been sunning yourself in the garden or going out for your one hour of exercise. I love GIVENCHY Teint Couture City Balm because using just a little; it can be applied quickly with the fingers and ticks all of the above boxes.
#2 A Multi-purpose Eyeshadow
Lockdown or no lockdown, if you haven’t discovered the joys of a cream eyeshadow yet, you’re missing out. The fact that they make you look like you’ve made more of an effort than you have in a matter of seconds makes them worth their weight in gold, plus they eliminate the need to spend ages applying five different shadows and blending. My favourites are the Clarins Ombre Cream Eyeshadows; I love ”White Shadow” because it takes away any discolouration and pigmentation from eyelids. I pop it on with my fingers, and I’m done!
#3 An All-Rounder Mascara
I’ve always been an upper and bottom lash kind of girl when it comes to mascara, until now. Applying mascara to just your upper lashes gives a natural and pretty effect – who knew that less was more when it came to mascara! I pulled my Shiseido Controlled Chaos MascaraInk out of my stash because it gives great separation and adds just the right amount of volume but never looks overdone. Its chunky wand coats your lashes quickly and efficiently to save time, while still making a significant impact.
#4 A 3-in-1 Blush
I discovered Benefit Dallas a few weeks ago and haven’t looked back. Now don’t get me wrong, I do love a good bronzer, blush and highlighter but when you have a conference call at 9.00 am, and it’s’s 8.50 am, you need something that’s going to be quick. That’s where a bronzy blush with a hint of shimmer (like Dallas) comes in. It gives the effect of all three products in one. You can even grab an eyeshadow brush and blend this through your crease to add subtle definition and to tie your look together.
To find out more about Dallas and see it swatched check out our Benefit Box’O’Powders review here.
#5 A Glossy Saviour
I’m a lover of gloss, always have been and always will be. I know it’s not for everyone though, so for all the haters of lip gloss, hear me out, I’m about to convert you. Gloss is the easiest and quickest way to make an effort with your lips without even having to try. A quick mirror-less slick and your lips look pouty and juicy in a way that would take you about five minutes with a liner and lipstick. Not only that, but glosses tend to be moisturising, so they’re great for when you’re stuck indoors with central heating drying out your skin. My favourite? The DIOR Addict Stellar Gloss in the shade 639 D-Way, a universally flattering nude – I’m obsessed!!
Over to you…
Are you wearing less makeup during lockdown? We want to see your look! Share your selfies with us over on our Instagram using the hashtag #LessMakeup.
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