Forget buffing up with bronzer and going overboard with shimmer — the new way to get your glow on in time for spring is to invest in makeup with skincare benefits. And skincare that offers cosmetic enhancement.
A hybrid approach is the happening thing for healthier looking skin, inspired by Asian beauty rituals and high-technology products born to produce a not too obviously made-up, yet camera-friendly appearance.
“It’s encouraging women to look at their face and see where they need makeup and leave it at that,” says Bobbi Brown’s Pro Artist for the UK and Ireland, Amy Conway. To this end, a new generation of products is emerging, focusing on making skin look fresher and disguising imperfections.
Brightening serums are the first step, with oils offering added hydration, then priming products are used to create the optimal canvas. Fresher-looking skin needs less masking, explains Mecca Cosmetica’s head of artistry, Tony Baumann. “By gently neutralising pigment in the skin, where you would normally rely on foundation to cover, you now need to wear less of it.”
Try CCs and light-correcting primers to lift the complexion before looking to foundation, he says. “Sometimes you don’t need anything else.”
Tinted primers to combat redness or sallowness may scare women who remember the days when these were opaque, but, as Baumann says: “Now formulations are coming out that are really sheer, so you can put it on without looking like Kermit the Frog.”
Conway loves applying balms and oils as a first step in makeup, then focusing on skin-tone correct concealing before applying minimal foundation. Illuminating powder is a nice finishing touch, but, as she says: “You need the glow underneath.”
Women doing their own makeup would do well to try the new stick and crayon concealers rather than traditional thick wet-look cream concealer which is brushed or dabbed on and then set with powder. Instead, a slightly matte crayon can be used alone to easily target a problem area and blur imperfections. Crayons are easy to carry for touch-ups during the day.
This page features examples of modern ways to get your glow on, but there are options aplenty out there. Just be sure to seek out products that trick and treat: amplifying your appearance while also working on underlying issues.
Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.1. Estee Lauder Genuine Glow Priming Moisture Balm, SPF15 $69Moisture and a flush of colour combine in the new antioxidant-infused Glow range, inspired by the skincare-focused Korean beauty approach. This water-light and oil-free face balm, and another for the eye area, hydrates, primes and refines skin. Finish with Glow lip and cheek blush cream, eye illuminator and lip oil tint. Exclusive to Farmers.
2. Murad White Brilliance Luminous Shield SPF50 $159Don’t let the name mislead you, whitening these days is a term for fading irregularities and brightening the complexion overall rather than lightening it. This is Murad’s frontline weapon, backed by a serum and essence, to fight against uneven pigmentation. It screens sun and contains plant extracts and light-diffusing microspheres. From Caci clinics and for other stockists, visit murad.co.nz
3. Smashbox Primer Oil $83This lightweight oil imparts a dewy sheen to skin, making it an option for those looking for a primer that leaves more than a smooth base for foundation to adhere to. Helpfully it disguises fine lines as well. Oils can also be pressed lightly on to a made-up face — as artists do on models emerging from backstage — to further enhance luminosity. From Smashbox, Ponsonby Rd, selected Life pharmacies and beauty salons. For stockists, visit smashboxcosmetics.co.nz
4. Hourglass Ambient Light Correcting Primer $76From a brand renowned for effective primers, this one adds illumination to a complexion-correcting base. I like that it feels matte but doesn’t look flat. The oil-free cream absorbs easily to smooth and blur flaws, with lighting filters neutralising or brightening skin tones to different degrees in three options. From Mecca.
5. Jane Iredale Smooth Affair for Eyes in Gold $68A creamy, blendable, stay-put shadow (or crayon) is an easy everyday eye makeup. This one acts as a primer as well, meaning you can layer powder shadows on top, but we like the simplicity of wearing one of the six shades alone. Thanks to coco-glycerides and mineral powders, the finish is smooth and the colour consistent. For stockists, visit janeiredale.co.nz
6. Bobbi Brown Retouching Pencil $76In 10 shades, these pencils are destined to become beauty favourites. They glide on easily, blend quickly to blur imperfections, and can be used to conceal, correct or highlight a made-up face. The Retouching Wand, due in store soon, is a foam-tipped version, suitable for brightening bigger areas more quickly. Both make handy handbag helpers. From Bobbi Brown counters, selected department stores and pharmacies and the Britomart flagship store.
