In recent years beauty and make-up grew significantly more complicated. Between the beauty YouTuber phenomenon and the transformative powers of contouring, makeup is far from low-maintenance these days. And, let’s face it, we’ve more than enjoyed experimenting.
Still, there’s also demand for simpler, easy-to-do make-up for the days when you just don’t want to do that much (if ever). Low-maintenance beauty is my thing—especially this year when my social activity has dramatically reduced. On a day-to-day, I try to do my best off-duty model impression with neat brows, a quick slick of concealer, and blush. The idea isn’t to be perfect but presentable and refreshed.
While they may look like a medieval contraption, eyelash curlers can transform the look of your lashes and make you look more alert in a matter of seconds. And yet, why do we often forget to use it?
Last year, we spoke to international makeup artist Pati Dubroff who told us “curling your lashes is like drawing the curtains or blinds in a dark room.”
The underrated tool is a necessary step before mascara and, is far cheaper than getting a lash-lift.
For low-maintenance makeup to work, then it’s worth also adopting a low maintenance skincare routine too.
While Korean skincare trends and the much-hailed ’12 step routines’ have transformed how we see skincare—and how much time we invest in taking care of our skin, it has meant skincare can be overwhelming (let’s face it, The Ordinary is a very complicated brand).
With this in mind, there isn’t anything wrong with reverting back to the good-old three- or four-step routines. Many brands have put together simple trios for morning and night-time maintenance. Cleanse tone moisturise and SPF during the day, then drop the SPF at night. Repeat.
Here’s a familar scenario: you’re extremely tired but you’ve a face full of make-up. You really don’t want to do your skin routine but alas, you’ve promised to be better. I’ve been there. Cleansing balms are not only extremely good on the skin, they help remove your make-up in record time.
When I first started playing around with make-up, foundation sticks were my best friends. They’re a handy tool for when you’re in a rush and also great for when traveling. Brands such as Fenty Beauty and Bobbi Brown, have created simple-to-use make-up sticks—foundation, contour, and highlight included—that make it easy for you to try trickier makeup techniques.
Makeup artist Hannah Martin believes foundation sticks are “hugely underrated.” She says “stick foundations are fantastically handy-portable and buildable being the features that I appreciate the most.”
Cheek stains and tint have been popular for a long time but it’s worth revisiting some of the new versions out on the market. Cream or liquid blush can help create a natural “skin-like” texture. And, with their light, creamy texture, they blend nicely and can be applied quickly with fingers or a damp blending sponge—even on top of bare, foundation-free skin.
A great tip is to apply cheek tint in a “c-curve” from your temples to your cheekbones. Again, the aim is to add some colour to your skin, for a youthful, fresh-faced appearance.
Eyebrow products need not be over complicated. If you’re blessed with full brows then a slick of eyebrow gel can tame hairs in place and create a flattering shape. For those with lighter, faint brows opt for brow gels with pigment and focus on sparse areas.
If you prefer to ditch foundation on a daily basis, you can still use concealers to hide pimples, dark circles, and scars. Via Instagram, makeup artist Frankie Noone says you should first assess where you actually need concealer. For dark circles and smile lines, she advises taking a blending brush and applying concealer to the inner corners of the eye and blend out. She also recommended a light application to prevent creasing and caking.
If you have more prominent imperfections, No one suggests investing in a more heavy-duty concealer such as MAC Pro Longwear.
Mascara doesn’t really need much of an introduction as they are a staple in most people’s makeup routine. But it will just add add a finish bit of polish.
Next up, the biggest spring/summer 2021 fashion trends to know.
