Posted on February 28 2017
Hello Make Up Lovers!!
With Spring just around the corner it’s time to start thinking about sorting through your winter make-up and creating space for your new spring look.
Let’s start with skin! After months of central heating, cold blustery winds and perhaps a little too much stodgy winter comfort food, your skin is probably in need of some TLC. Adopting a good twice daily, yet simple cleanse and moisturiser routine is imperative for a clear, smooth and beautiful base. I love Garniers range of Micellar cleansing water for a soft, gentle and fuss free approach to a ‘routine’. The range consists of Micellars for oily/combination, sensitive, hydrating oil and water mix, ideal for mature skins and even blemish prone skins. Use twice daily for best results, ensuring you never make the cardinal sin of jumping into bed with a full face of make-up on (as tempting as that may be)! A weekly exfoliate will keep the skin congestion free and remove any dead skin cells built up over the winter months. My personal favourite is No7 Total Renewal Microdermabrasion.
Follow with a moisturiser, even if your skin tends to be oily or shiny. Treat your skin to a light facial massage as you apply, this will promote circulation and bring a natural and youthful flush to the complexion. As the weather warms up, so do the light levels. During the spring/summer months we live in a warm light, therefore a good radiance primer will help to lift a tired skin and create a flattering glow. My top picks for primers are;
- L’oreal Lumi Magique Pure Light Base – Best for Light/Fair Skin tones
- Charlotte Tilbury Wonder Glow – Best for Mature or Dryer Skins
- Rosie for Autograph Marks & Spencers – Best for Brides
- Kiko Skin Tone Face Base – Best for those with high colour or blemished skin
- L’oreal CC Cream Anti-Fatigue – Best for Medium/Dark Tone Skins
Think about ditching the full coverage foundations and switch to a medium coverage Foundation for Spring, allowing you skin to breathe and your natural beauty to shine through. Your skin will be thankful for it, I promise.
My favourite Medium coverage foundations are:
- Dior Nude – Great for Combination to Dry Skins
- Double Wear Light – An ideal alternative to the classic full coverage double wear
- Clinique Stay Matte Oil Free – Best for Oily or Blemish Prone Skins
Foundations can be applied using a foundation brush, beauty blender (sponge) or good old fashioned finger tips. However, if you haven’t already, now is the time to spring clean your brushes. Using a specific brush cleaner such as Pro Hygiene Collection Make-up Brush Cleaner or simply washing with a mild yet gentle shampoo will ensure your tools are kept spotlessly clean and germ free! It is a real must for skins that are prone to spots, blemishes or breakouts. To be extra squeaky clean, store brushes in an upright brush pot to avoid contamination from the make-up bag.
No need for heavy ‘baking’ on the skin! Sweep the t-zone with a mineral based powder to set the foundation and smooth over any visible pores. Try MAC Mineralize loose or pressed powder for a soft focus anti shine.
As we see slightly longer days and hopefully sunnier ones too, a touch of bronze will give us a hint of the summer months that lie ahead. With a large powder brush and in circular motions, dust over a medium toned Matte bronzer such as NARS Laguna.
…My next blog will focus on Spring Eyes!
