No Makeup Makeup

No makeup makeup. I’m sure some of you reading this know exactly what I mean. But for those who don’t, ‘no makeup makeup’ is pretty self explanatory. It’s wearing makeup that looks natural; as though you have applied a minimal amount, even if you haven’t. Sounds pretty simple, right? Wrong! There’s an art to it, and I can’t say I’ve perfected it but it’s the look I aim for in my daily working life. So, I’m going to let you into how I perfect my ‘no makeup makeup’ image.

Clinique Redness Solutions Foundation

Redness Solutions Foundation | £25 | Clinique 

I use a thin layer of this yellow-tinted foundation on my face, which has a hint of green in the formula to counteract the redness I have from time to time. I apply this foundation with my fingers; I feel using your fingers instead of a brush means you’re probably less likely to paint your makeup on, going towards a more natural look. I find that this foundation does the job, layering it underneath my eyes for a brightening effect. This product leaves an essence of dew on my skin which I think makes me look fresh and natural.

Benefit Brow Powder

Brow Zings Eyebrow Shaping Kit | £24.50 | Boots

I use a powder instead of a pencil or gel to go towards my natural ‘no makeup’ look. Using the slowly rounded application brush that comes with this brow set, I blow on the brush before applying the lighter shade of brown on my brows so to ensure there isn’t too much product loaded onto the brush.

Clinique Highlight Chubby Stick

Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight | £19 | Clinique

This product is amazing for the days I just want to go natural. I find that powders tend to add texture and sometimes ‘cakiness’ to the face. So instead of choosing a powder highlighter, I felt a more moisturising highlighter would be the answer. I swipe this chubby stick over my brow bone to brighten my eyes and emphasize the dewy, awake look.

NYX Eyeshadow Base

Eyeshadow Base | £5.50 | Feel Unique

For the days I don’t want to make too much effort, I simply pat some of this product over my eyelids. The base has a creamy texture and a skin colour to it, so I actually use this as my eyeshadow since it brightens my eyes perfectly.

Rimmel London Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara

London Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara | £7.99 | Boots

Rimmel is a saint in my eyes. This lengthening mascara has been my pride and joy for almost five years now. Blinking down onto the wand and wiggling it left and right into my lashes, this mascara gives me the incredibly long eyelashes that I’m often complimented on. A few minutes later, once my lashes are relatively dry but not dry enough to add clumpiness, I apply Rimmel’s ‘Scandal Eyes Rockin’ Curves thickening mascara which adds a hint of volume.

Dior Nude Tan Healthy Glow Enhancing Powder

Dior Enhancing Powder | £38 | John Lewis

With a combination of browns and hints of pinks and creams, this Dior bronzer is the definition of a ‘sun-kissed glow’. This product is highly pigmented and lives inside a decadent silver compact mirror, with the softest brush I have come across – as well as a little velvet navy pocket to keep your brush in. I brush this powder across my cheek bones and lightly across my chin and temples. Also, I take away too much shine on my face with NYX’s Translucent Powder.

Urban Decay’s Naked 2 Palette

Naked 2 Palette | £38.50 | Urban Decay

This palette has been praised by beauty bloggers on countless occasions, and to give praise where praise is due, it truly is a great piece of kit. The third shade of this palette, ‘Booty Call’, is a shimmery pink-tinted cream colour that’s just perfect for a natural day. If my NYX Eyeshadow Base isn’t enough on a particularly tired day, then I will apply this shade to the inner corners of my eyes just to add a little glimmer.