Isn’t it a lovely thought be able to achieve natural radiance without heavy layers of make-up? At this time of year many of us can feel like our skin becomes more dry or blemished. This is mostly down to the drop in temperature and constantly changing environments, like going from harsh freezing air into warm, dry, stuffy homes.
Luckily, a few simple products and these easy-to-follow tips can help you to can achieve fresh skin and a polished look that will enhance your natural beauty rather than mask it. Let’s get started…
A Clean Canvas
Your first step towards a flawless complexion is to start with clean, hydrated skin. Of course, this means drinking plenty of water to hydrate from the inside out. At this time of year you may find that you’re drinking less water and favouring hot drinks like coffee, tea and hot chocolate instead to warm you up. So add a few more glasses of water to give your skin a helping hand – thorough hydration is a must to keep your skin looking plump and healthy.
Next, daily cleansing to remove any dirt and impurities is crucial to maintaining a clear complexion. But don’t use harsh products that strip the natural oils from your skin – instead, choose a hydrating cleanser and follow this with a quality moisturiser that suits your skin type. A vitamin C serum with hyaluronic acid will help to lock moisture in, too.
And don’t forget the sunscreen. Yes, even in the winter, your skin can be damaged and dried out by the sun. Just picture those freezing mornings when you’ve left the house in the dark and then the sun comes up and suddenly it’s blazing on your face. Exposure like this without protection won’t be any good for your skin’s health. There’s no need to break out the tropical sun block products you’d used on holiday – just choose a moisturiser with SPF built-in.
All about that base
After hydrating, a high-quality foundation can be your best friend. But give your skin the chance to breathe and shine through by choosing a light to medium coverage formulation or even a BB cream for a natural look. Once you’ve found a foundation to match your skin’s undertones and texture, go easy applying it and remember that the aim of this base layer is to even cover minor imperfections and even out your skin – not create a heavy mask!
Use a versatile tool like a beauty sponge or soft brush to blend your foundation into your skin seamlessly – or pat it in with clean fingertips for a natural-looking finish. That’s an important point too = make sure your brushes, sponges, tools and hands are all completely clean to avoid future blemishes. It’s a good idea to regularly clean and air-dry your applicators to keep them fresh.
Strategic highlights
An illuminating cream or powder highlighter can give your skin a fresh dewy glow, allowing you to fake it til you make it! Lightly sweep it on the high points of your face – the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and just above your cupid’s bow. Don’t go for anything too glittery and you may need to experiment with a few products before you find the right one that looks natural on your face and gives the impression of healthy, well-rested skin.
Minimal Eye Makeup
When aiming for a minimalistic and natural ‘no makeup’ look, go easy on your eyes. Just a light sweep of mascara will make your lashes look longer and more defined, enhancing your eyes without overdoing it. Avoid using liquid or pencil eyeliner for a softer more natural style – you can add a little eyeshadow in neutral shades instead.
However, for a touch of definition that helps to subtly lift the face, a brow pencil could serve a dual purpose. It not only fills up any sparse spots in your eyebrows and defines them, but it can also help to accentuate your bone structure and draw attention to your eyes. Remember, minimalistic beauty isn’t about making yourself look different; rather, it is about accentuating your features and highlighting your natural beauty.
Subtle and soft lips
Finish your look with a swipe of lip colour that complements your skin tone. Professional makeup artists recommend choosing a shade that’s one or two shades deeper than your natural lip colour. I personally prefer a tinted lip balm so that my lips are moisturised too – which is essential in the cold winter months when lips become easily chapped. Likewise, sheer lipstick will add just the right amount of colour without appearing too bold or dramatic.
Weekly Exfoliation
Wrap up your skincare routine by giving yourself a weekly pamper to gently exfoliate your skin. This helps to remove dead skin cells that can make your skin look flaky or dull. Be sure to select a very gentle exfoliator that won’t irritate your skin and don’t overdo it – just once a week is more than enough for most skin types.
I hope these simple steps will help you to enjoy healthy looking and feeling skin throughout the winter. Having fresh skin with minimal makeup is not only achievable but also easier to maintain with the right essentials. By following these tips, you will not only improve the health and appearance of your skin but you can also save money by reducing the number of products you use and save time by needing to apply less makeup. It’s a win-win!
Please let me know your tips for healthy skin and fresh makeup in the comments below. I’d love to hear what natural, vegan and cruelty-free products you’ve discovered and would recommend. 🙂
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This article is a sponsored collaboration. The pink links in the content indicate a sponsored link or information source. The blog post reflects my own experience and the sponsor hasn’t had any control over my content 🙂
