Kate Demolder: My 8-step guide to the perfect 'no-makeup' makeup look

How to achieve the 'no-makeup' makeup look

The no-make-up make-up look has garnered controversy of late, with some claiming that it can only be achieved by those with fat wallets and surgeons on speed dial. But, as every good makeup artist will tell you, the way to make your natural features shine is by using less, not more — even when your skin is not where you’d like it to be.

To me, minimalist makeup means using less product, but in clever ways, to have more impact. Think skin-care-infused concealers, taming brow gels, and colours that work with your skin rather than against it.

1. Hydration

Vichy’s Mineral 89 Probiotic Fractions €39.45, Look Fantastic

For the natural look, and indeed any beauty look, the most important step is skin prep. There are a billion moisturisers and serums that do great work, but for something tried and tested, may I recommend Vichy’s Mineral 89 Probiotic Fractions (€39.45, Look Fantastic). Lash this onto a clean face — don’t be afraid to really get in there and massage it in — before your moisturiser and SPF. Prep done.

2. Work with your real skin

Sculpted By Aimee’s Second Skin Dewy Foundation €27.95, Cloud10 Beauty

For a no make-up, make-up effect, consider applying your foundation only in the areas you feel it’s needed. Generally, that’s the centre of the face, or around the nose, where we all have a little redness. Then, buff it out until it becomes skinlike. Sculpted By Aimee’s Second Skin Dewy Foundation (€27.95, Cloud10 Beauty) is brilliant for this — I apply it with my fingers to warm it up and really blend it in.

3. Curl your eyelashes

Kevyn Aucoin eyelash curler (€26, Space NK)

This is the one thing I do when I want to look awake. While I don’t think you need to spend loads on an eyelash curler, the Kevyn Aucoin (€26, Space NK) is special.

4. Highlight

Poco Beauty face glaze (€21, pocobeauty.ie).

If you’re looking for a highlighter that is barely there, try the buttery formula of the POCO Beauty Face Glaze (€21, pocobeauty.ie). Apply it anywhere — you can’t mess this one up.

5. Brows can be easy, too

Eylure Dybrow Dye Kit in Dark Brown (€11.49, Boots)

As we’ve learned in recent years, eyebrows can make or break the face. The best thing I ever did to my eyebrows was to leave them alone, but for those who rely on products such as pencils and gels for fullness, perhaps consider an at-home tint instead like Eylure’s Dybrow Dye Kit (€11.49, Boots). Tinting at home is the easiest, most affordable way (that kit can be used up to 12 times) to maintain fuller looking brows without losing the run of yourself by way of symmetry. Remember, sisters not twins.

6. Bronzing conservatively

Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Bronzer (€49.70, Cult Beauty)

To successfully look alive in the depths of winter, bronzer is key. Eschew the mahogany tinge of the naughties and simply lean towards a warmer shade of your own skin tone, then apply that in the hollow of your cheekbones and temples, as well as the eyelids as an easy eyeshadow. Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Bronzer (€49.70, Cult Beauty) has been in my makeup bag for two years now, and it’s not finished yet.

7. Lash lengthening

LASH STAR BEAUTY's Full Control Lash Sculpting Mascara (€33.95, Cloud10 Beauty)

Next up is enhancing your natural lashes. People have different lash preferences, but for a good, natural look, you’re looking for separation and volume. LASH STAR BEAUTY’s Full Control Lash Sculpting Mascara (€33.95, Cloud10 Beauty) duo features two formulas and two brushes to define, separate and lengthen every lash from root to tip. This is the mascara that makes people question whether you’ve got lash extensions or not.

8. Soft focus cheeks

Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge For Lips & Cheeks in Powder Pink (€36, Boots)

The Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips & Cheeks (€36, Boots) is a cult favourite for a reason. Press it onto the apples of the cheeks and blend out. Then use the leftovers on your lips. This can also be applied with fingertips in the back of a taxi for a buildable sheer tint.