Call it the UK heatwave or the fact I've been in a bit of a slump lately, but for the past two months I have probably worn the least amount of makeup since my teenage years.
Not only has this taught me to be more comfortable in my own skin, but my skin has felt better for it and on the days I do want to wear makeup I've found myself reaching for much fewer products with lighter textures and an overall fresher feel.
Below I think there are an interesting mix of beauty products that while having a juxtaposition about them actually work well together - think a low-maintenance high end look!
BASE
Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow Primer
Described as a miracle fix for tired, dull, dehydrated skin this radiance enhancing primer is my go-to one-step base for fuss-free makeup days. Yes, I totally skip foundation in place of this glow base that seems to even out the complexion in an instance while bringing the skin back to life, especially on early mornings. Applied with just fingertips this multi-use product, used under foundation or alone, is the perfect first step for a dewy look.
BLUSH
Glossier Cloud Paint in Beam
For time reasons I like to carry on with my base makeup and then proceed onto eyes and brows. So next is a touch of concealer under the eyes and on any blemishes - the concealer I go for varies every time I apply my makeup so I thought I'd skip this step as I couldn't give you one concealer I use for this lazy summer makeup routine. So for my cheeks, I opt for something foolproof and natural in the form of Glossier Cloud Paint in Beam as simply a touch is needed and as it's a liquid blush minimal blending is required and a brush isn't necessarily needed to apply it. This gives the definition of 'a flush of colour' to the cheeks and it just enough when letting your natural skin show through for a paired back but still there look.
BRONZER & HIGHLIGHT
Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow
As for contouring and highlighting, I really couldn't skip this step in summer so I reach for my Charlotte Tilbury Bronze & Glow contour palette which is just a dream to use! Again, I think the mix of foolproof products such as Glossier Cloud Paint and a few other simple products in my routine work well with items such as this skin perfecting products as these key items seem to pull everything together making it more than just a no-makeup makeup look but a more refined daily makeup look for the summer months. While pricey this is a must-have contour palette!
With the bronzer side of the palette, I apply with a dome tip face blending brush in a figure of 3 on both sides of my face then buffing it out a little more onto my forehead and under my chin. Then with the highlighter, I use a clean fluffy eyeshadow blending brush to lightly dust and blend the highlight over my cheekbones and cupid's bow. Once I have done this step my skin looks lightly contoured and 'done', while still looking like I haven't applied much makeup at all.
EYES
IT Cosmetics Superhero Mascara
Next, a quick coat of mascara because mascara is a must, right? I've said it before and I'll say it again, I think mascara is such a personal thing because everyone's lashes and application are different. However one of my favourites is from It Cosmetics that I actually purchased full size a day after trying out a sample size - that shows how impressed I was! I find the brush to be medium in size yet the result to be really great when it comes to volume and lengthening lashes. It's not cheap but I love it!
But rewind for a second, before mascara I quickly apply the bronzer from my CT Bronze & Glow contour palette to the crease of my eyelids with a fluffy blending brush. This gives my eyes a bit more definition and prevents them from looking naked, especially when I bring the light bronze shade to my lower lash line with a more petite smudger brush. While I'd love to go totally naked on the lids I just feel the look is too stark for me and a quick dusting of Charlotte Tilbury's bronzing powder is just the right amount of colour for me.
BROWS
Glossier Boy Brow
Onto brows, which for me is a quick step as this look isn't about neat perfected eyebrows. Think more, filled in and tamed yet still a little messy. Boy Brow certainly works best if you already have dark eyebrows to begin with our tinted brows as the non-clumping brow mascara will fill in the places you are missing hairs and look oh so natural. However, it still does work with lighter brows but a few more applications may be needed. This is a simple enough product that works well and has replaced Benefit Gimme Brow for me!
LIPS
Fresh Sugar Sheer Pink Lip Treatment
Lastly, to finish off my lazy summertime makeup routine I apply a single swipe of Fresh's Sugar Lip Treatment in Sheer Pink. This is the perfect tinted lip balm that provides hydration to the lips along with a good amount of colour. It's also a shade that will suit all makeup looks and skin tones! For me, a lipstick with this look would simply look too much, especially with such a sheer base, so this is the perfect lip product.
