As January comes to an end, we’re getting well into 2021. However, this new year is certainly a different start to many that we’ve known before; many of us are still in lockdown, masks are still mandatory and I can’t remember the last time I used my dining table to eat (working from home has truly become the norm). As we’re not going out, this January I’m looking at my favourite natural makeup staples. I’ve chosen 7 key products that are effortless to apply. They’re subtle enough to enhance my appearance for my regular Zoom calls (and weekly #BeautyBreaks) and leave me feeling a little bit more naturally glam than my usual bare-faced look.
If you’re opting for a natural, dewy and pared-back look that’s fresh, simple and quick, then read on to find your new favourite…
1. The Skin-Quenching Primer
Before when it came to a primer, I would be looking for the one that kept my makeup looking perfect for the longest. Nowadays, it’s all about what it does for my skin and the one that will keep it hydrated for the longest!
That’s why I love the YSL Top Secrets Instant Moisture Glow, it’s a primer-moisturiser hybrid that creates a smooth, refined and deeply hydrated finish. It’s got a soft-blurring and skin-enhancing effect, meaning you can choose to wear it alone or under your foundation for a plump, soft and moisturised complexion all day long.
Plus, it can even be used as an overnight face mask!
2. The Good-For-Skin Base
A cult classic made with just five ingredients, bareMinerals’ iconic Loose Powder Foundation is the ideal choice if you’re looking for a kind-to-skin and “no-makeup” effect. The loose powder provides a skin-like but naturally radiant finish, and it won’t clog pores or cause breakouts either so it’s a great choice to wear underneath a mask. It’s got SPF 15 too, so makes remembering your daily suncare a breeze.
Plus, it’s incredibly easy to buff into the skin. A quick dusting over your face ahead of your virtual meeting and your skin will appear naturally flawless and free from imperfections!
Did you know? It’s the UK’s number 1 vegan foundation!
3. The Lash Lifting Mascara
Roller Lash is the makeup product that I reached for most in 2020, – I’m converted by its lash-lifting benefits. Benefit Roller Lash has been one of my favourite mascaras for a long time, I try new ones (as I’m not that loyal when it comes to mascaras!) but I find this is the one I always come back to. I love the instant lift and curl it offers, and it’s clump-free and long-lasting too. It’s incredibly buildable, so is perfect for adding volume and drama but also if you’re opting for the more demure look.
4. The Brow Essential
When I go for my barely-there makeup looks, I like to go for a fluffy and feathered brow finish as I feel bold and defined brows suit a more glam makeup look (on me anyway!).
I love the Benefit 24-Hr Brow Setter as it holds strands in place all day long, without leaving them feeling stiff or flakey. I’m quite lucky to have thicker brows so I like using the clear gel to hold my brows in place, but if yours are more sparse or you’re looking for a bit more definition, try the tinted Gimme Brow for a bit more oomph.
5. The Glow Giver
When it comes to makeup, I’m all about the glow. YSL’sTouche Eclat Highlighter Stick is a fail-safe choice if you’re looking to add an effortless dewy lick to your look. I love how the creamy stick glides across the skin; it’s soft and super blendable, and I can’t get enough of the iridescent shimmers! This is an easy choice if you want to add a touch of the wow factor but still keep your look naturally radiant.
6. The Nourishing Lipstick
As I’ve said, with my makeup this year, I’m all about multi-use and the effects they have on my skin – and my lips are no different! I love to slather on lip balm all day every day, but sometimes I want to make a bit more of an effort when it comes to Zoom meetings and Instagram lives so opt for a bright yet natural lick of colour.
My favourite is the bareMinerals Mineralist Lipstick– not only is it made with nourishing plant oils, but it’s vegan – which I love! This is a lipstick that hydrates, offers a high colour pay-off and actually tastes and smells delicious too!
Read more about bareMinerals lipsticks here:
10 Things We Learnt After Spending A Night In With bareMinerals
7. The Hydrating Spritz
The best way to achieve dewy makeup is to have healthy and hydrated skin, so the Uriage water spray is the perfect addition to your natural makeup look. It gives your skin the glowy boost it didn’t know it needed. Not only will this face mist help your makeup stay fresh and revive it throughout the day, but it also infuses skin with isotonic hydration using Uriage’s thermal water from the heart of the French Alps.
This is one of Kate’s favourite water sprays so I got it on her recommendation – and I’m not disappointed!
Have a look on my Instagram to see me applying this effortless everyday makeup routine:
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