For obvious reasons, the ‘no make-up’ trend was massive during lockdown: as the world has moved on, the trend has evolved.
When every social occasion occurred on Zoom (remember those quizzes?) and your Instagram content revolved around watching Netflix parties in your PJs, it made sense that a ‘no make-up’ trend was huge news.
Although life is still very different now, we’re adapting to the situation – and so are the latest beauty trends.
Even a Christmas under coronavirus related restrictions is still a Christmas – and the elevated no make-up trend is testament to that: it’s high glam, but it’s low key.
You don’t need to leave the house to slip on your sequins and go glamour; wearing those killer heels around the house is oh-so-much-easier than even just stepping out on the pavement in them; and you really don’t need an excuse to pop a cork and enjoy a glass of bubbles with friends over a video call.
But somehow, piling on the make-up, and faffing with false lashes, feels off kilter right now: which is why ‘natural-meets-glamour’ is taking off. You’re not trying to fool anyone that you’re baring all – the key to this look is simple, flattering make-up that gives off a gorgeous, ‘barely there’ aesthetic with visible pops of glamour.
To pull this off, you’ll need a flawless base – it’s all about your exfoliator: see our picks below.
Then look for a foundation really close to your natural skin tone that offers buildable coverage; apply in very light layers until you get a glow, and a flawless effect.
Lose the faux lashes and pick mascara that creates look-at-me lashes and brows – add one or two more coats than you usually would to really make the eyes pop, without using extensions.
And you’ll need lip gloss. Lots of lip gloss. (Just make sure your pout is in pukka shape before you slather it on).
Prep your skin for the elevated no make-up look
Ready to give it a try? To get a flawless base, choose from these seven exfoliating must-haves:
Dermalogica Hydro Masque Exfoliant – new in, this hydrating and exfoliating five-minute masque smoothes and renews for luminous, healthy-looking skin. Working in a single step, it’s more efficient than a two-step exfoliation and hydration regimen. This synergy allows active ingredients to fully absorb and perform to their maximum potential.
Medik8 Pore Refining Scrub Natural Exfoliator – a creamy, dual-action facial scrub, this Medik8 treatment uses a powerful complex of chemical and physical exfoliants so that pores are left virtually undetectable, and the skin feels soft, smooth and supple.
Elemis Peptide 4 Thousand Flower Mask – this mineral-rich facial mask is powered by thousands of fallen flowers to instantly revitalise skin and reduce the appearance of pores. The powerful combination of lactic acid and willow complex gently exfoliate to promote a smoother, more even skin tone and texture.
Decleor Thyme Gentle Peeling Exfoliator– a soft cream formula, this product exfoliates and smoothes the epidermis, gently absorbing and eliminating impurities. It does not contain exfoliating particles, so it’s a gentle and natural way to renew your skin.
Dermalogica Age Smart Skin Resurfacing Cleanser – with a dual-action exfoliating cleansing effect, this product contains lactic acid to smooth, re-texturise and deliver ultra-clean skin. Use of Age Smart Skin Resurfacing Cleanser prepares skin for maximum penetration of AGE Smart active ingredients – and skin feels super-smooth after just one use.
Medik8 Brightening Powder Cleanse – for a brighter and more radiant complexion, Medik8’s Brightening Powder Cleanse contains natural bamboo micro-exfoliators, plus polyhydroxy acid (PHA) for deeper exfoliation. Skin is left illuminated and more youthful-looking.
Decelor Green Mandarin Glow Exfoliating 2-in-1 Scrub Mask – powered by natural sugars to exfoliate, and professionally blended for an instantly glowing and smooth complexion, this clever mask infuses essential and botanical oils into the skin.
