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How to master the barely-there makeup look

How to master the barely-there makeup look
There's never been a better time to embrace a barely-there beauty look.

Understated-looking makeup has undoubtedly been an influential beauty trend in recent months.

The ‘clean makeup’, or questionably-named ‘clean girl aesthetic’ trends have been ubiquitous on social media, driven by the beauty approach of celebrities like Emily Ratajkowski, Hailey Beiber, Bella Hadid and Kendal Jenner.

Common threads include glossy hair, gleaming, yet almost-bare-looking skin, touches of bronzer and lips lined with liner and topped with balmy gloss.

While you don’t have to go all-in on the trend, there are ways to embrace paring back your routine a little and summer is the perfect time to do it.

Forget about heavy layers of foundation that are guaranteed to leave your skin feeling weighed down and seek to accentuate glowing skin and a ‘barely there’ approach to make-up.

“This new ‘no makeup-makeup look’ can be challenging to achieve because for years we’ve been told to cover-up – and we’re still on autopilot,” admits make-up artist Lochie Stonehouse.

In the constant pursuit of complexion perfection, Stonehouse believes many of us are following too many unnecessary steps.

“We need to take the time to step back, re-think, and try to break our learned habits in regards to application,” he says.

First Base

A more pared-back approach has become a common occurrence both on and off the runway, and Stonehouse believes that slowly but surely the definition of flawless in the beauty realm is finally being redefined.

“Honest, raw beauty is being embraced,” he says. With this in mind, it makes sense that the best way to adopt the barely there approach to makeup is with your own bare skin.

“Think of your bare skin as your natural existing make-up,” Stonehouse says. While it can be easy to pick up a foundation to hide imperfections, Stonehouse says it makes more sense to tweak your skincare so you don’t need to rely on make-up to cover up.

“Instead of forking out on different foundations to ‘smooth’ skin, perhaps invest in an exfoliating toner or lotion to unclog pores and slough away dry skin,” Stonehouse suggests.

Discover our favourite products for glowing skin and the barely there make-up look: BYREDO 5 Colour Eyeshadow Palette in Corporate Colours; REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic; Kevyn Aucoin The Curling Mascara; Clinique Almost Lipstick in Pink Honey; Charlotte Tilbury Eyes To Mesmerise Cream Eyeshadow in Walk of No Shame; Gucci Fluide De Beauté Fini Naturel Foundation

Less is More

When it comes to applying foundation Stonehouse recommends sheer to medium coverage and strategically spot conceal if needed.

“This way you don’t need to wear full-coverage foundation all over the face,” Stonehouse explains.

Application wise, to achieve radiant, barely there coverage Stonehouse recommends using your fingers.

“This way you really feel where you’re applying the foundation, and as a result, you’ll end up using less,” he says.

“Use your fingers to gently ‘glaze’ over the areas that need a little more love.”

Avoid using circular buffing motions as Stonehouse says this can disturb any previously applied layers of skincare and create a patchy look.

“For day-long longevity, I recommend a pressed touch-up powder for most people,” he says.

Get Glowing Skin

A hint of bronzer is the quickest way to give skin a sun-kissed look.

“Lightly apply your bronzer where you would usually apply your blush and contour, and always apply to the temples and bridge of the nose,” Stonehouse says. For a believable bronzed goddess look, think about where you would usually tan and gently dust bronzer over these areas.

“Never forget to check that the neck isn’t looking too pale in comparison,” Stonehouse explains.

Switching out powder-based eyeshadows in favour of a cream highlighter which can be gently pressed onto eyelids is perfect for a radiant yet understated beauty look.

“It will reflect light into the eye area and open eyes up more than what any powder eyeshadow will ever do,” explains Stonehouse.

“To minimise creasing, avoid applying the product to the crease – just place a tiny pop close to the lash line on the highest point of the lid.”

Mascara, says Stonehouse, should be non-negotiable. “I always prioritise this over anything else on the eye. Always use a jet-black that will curl, define and open up the eyes.”

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