- I start with a primer. This is my first step but actually I don't consider it to be too important to achieve a look. It's sort of just a base in which to work the real magic onto. Because I don't think it's too necessary, I tend to opt for the cheapest options available. I am currently using COLLECTION 'PRIMED AND READY' MATTIFYING PORE MINIMISER (retailing for around £4.99). This works excellently in giving me that poreless matte finish to my foundation as it is silicone based and contains Witch Hazel which is meant to help fight acne. Now, I'm not so sure it is helping much with my breakouts but it is evening out the surface of them for better foundation application. I usually apply this with just my fingers to warm it up (helping to spread it) and to really work it in.
- L'OREAL 'TRUE MATCH SUPER-BLENDABLE FOUNDATION' (usually £9.99) works amazingly. It blends out seamlessly, has a lovely subtle shimmer for glow and comes in so many shades. With all the outcry for makeup companies to start being more inclusive of different skin types I think this foundation really paved the way as it was one of the first drugstore brands I heard of that truly looked varied. I wear 4N Beige and what's cool about it is that the shades even come in different undertones. I think I'm neutral (hence the N). This is also SPF 17 which is pretty good for a daily foundation in these sunnier months. I use my bareMinerals 'Perfecting face foundation brush' to put drops of liquid foundation into the centre 'reservoir' to stipple on and blend smaller areas. I use the NYX professional makeup 'Pro Dual Fibre foundation brush' to fully blend everything out.
- I like to give my face some more tone by using some bronzer/contour. Using the large angled bareMinerals 'Bare Escentuals Soft Curve Face & Cheek brush' I blend on my LAURA GELLER BAKED BRONZE N BRIGHTEN bronzer in Medium. It has a mix of dark contour shades, lighter shimmery bronzer, blush and highlighter; so an all-in-one kind of product. This makes it super practical in the morning to define and give some colour to my face. Just remember to bring this up further on the cheek rather than just the hollows of your cheekbones as it contains blusher and illuminator. This can be a little over £20 depending on where you buy it from but I get this on sale at my workplace as they sell this brand. These baked pressed powders are pretty darn good actually if your willing to spend a bit more.
- The LAURA GELLER 'BAKED HIGHLIGHTER DUO' in French Vanilla/Portofino is a great shimmery yet subtle glowy highlighter to add definition to the high points of your face without going too OTT. I use the mini version but the normal size usually retails for around £24. Again this is super subtle but is build-able to achieve a more luminescent look. I use a small angled brush so to angle it effectively and apply highlighter to different parts of the face.
- The last step is important but I find that anything usually will do. A finishing pressed powder is necessary to lock your look into place and I'm currently using the LAURA GELLER ' FILTER FINISH SETTING POWDER' in Universal. This isn't too heavy duty and so doesn't cake up your foundation- which is great for me as I'm super heavy-handed. It has a opalescent pearly finish and has a mix of colours in it to help colour correct the face. I tend to prefer a more mattifying and powdery setting power but this works well to give my face a fresher appearance. Its usually sold for around £25. If you're looking for a light but pearly setting powder, this is perfect but overall I think any pressed powder works just fine. I apply this with any large fluffy brush or my It Cosmetics 'Heavenly Luxe Airbrush Powder & Bronzer' brush. This has such a soft large brush head that its useful for applying the finishing touches to my routine and to blend out any harsh lines.
These products have really helped me achieve a natural coverage that allows me to feel confident and look more 'polished' at work but by no means do I think its necessary. For me, I prefer to wear light makeup to work as it is just part of a professional attire to me as I always wear makeup to any formal occasion. I think basic concealing and evening out of skin tone is a practical and fast way to look put together in the morning even when you are feeling the exact opposite. I do wonder if I were to ever have a senior position anywhere if I would feel the need to 'up my makeup game' to look more the part but for now this look really just reflects where I am in my career- Fresh and new, kinda bored but trying at least LOL.
xx
