Minimalist make-up in under 30 seconds
February 27th, 2007While I believe that less is more when it comes to wearing make-up, wearing nothing at all can leave you looking tired and sickly (especially if you are). There are a few exotically beautiful women in the world that can pull off “the absolutely no make-up” look, but most of us can benefit from a bit of polish.
Here’s how to do it in under 30 seconds:
- Cover the odd spot with concealer
- Pop on a bit of blusher
- End with a dab of lip gloss
If you can spare another 15 seconds, I’d throw in the mascara as well. This fast and simple make-up ritual can make the world of difference to how you look. Buy mini size cosmetics with built in applicators that you can keep in your handbag and refresh the blusher and the gloss mid day. The next time you catch yourself in a passing mirror – you’ll look fab instead of drab.
February 27th, 2007 at 9:39 am
This is just what I do, my under-eye circles qualifying as the odd spot most days.
When I don’t have time for anything, but I still have to see my hero’s co-workers (always outside), I just throw on my SUNGLASSES and lipstick or gloss. Instant makeup! he hee.
February 27th, 2007 at 9:40 am
Couldn’t agree more. Especially as we “mature”, a little bit of color brightens the face. I would be interested in suggestions for great places to get a makeup make-over. I think this is a good idea every so often to keep updated, and as my hair turns more grey some things that used to work don’t work quite as well anymore. I find the make-up counters at Nordstrom are not into the 30-second or 60-second routines - and I am not interested in piles of products I know I won’t use. Any good ideas out there?
February 27th, 2007 at 10:05 am
What about wearing blush if you have a freckled face? Is that okay? I always thought it looks strange on me with my freckles…
February 27th, 2007 at 10:22 am
If you have a location near you, try Sephora. They are great about knowing their products and recommending things based on skin type and preferences.
February 27th, 2007 at 10:28 am
I also say that everyone looks better with eyebrows ( i use MAC’s eyeshadow in cork and brow brush to enhance my very light eyebrows) and lashes!
February 27th, 2007 at 11:02 am
Thanks Maris! As Sara mentioned - Sephora is the place to go to experiment and get advice. I’m also not interested in piles of products and like to keep my make-up routune very simple and natural. I have found Sephora knowledgeable, and efficient and international.
February 27th, 2007 at 11:03 am
Absolutely Steph - freckled faces look lovely with blusher!
February 27th, 2007 at 11:04 am
This is true Sara. Sephora will leave you in peace as you experiment.
February 27th, 2007 at 11:06 am
Eyebrow maintenance comes straight after skin maintenance in order of importance. This is absolutely the next thing to do if you have another 20 seconds to spare! I have posted a blog entry on eyebrow maintenance if you feel that you would like to refresh your memory.
February 27th, 2007 at 7:55 pm
I would add cream bronzer - which I use now instead of blush -and I still like light neutral lipstick - Those ultra dewy lipgoss lips look too ingenue for me - I saw in even on someone like Elizabeth Taylor & I thought it looked silly.
February 28th, 2007 at 8:16 am
If I need to look polished, I do one light dusting of mineral foundation, some mascara and some lipstick. I confess, though… I often go out without makeup. In fact, I USUALLY go out without makeup. I should start wearing more–I’m 30+. But I’m also lazy.
February 28th, 2007 at 10:22 am
My minimal make-up involves tinted moisturizer–tint, moisturizer, and sunscreen in one; what more could a girl want? I also add eye-liner to the mascara. I use a powder liner in dark brown and apply it very lightly on my upper lids. It really makes my blue eyes appear bluer. I can do without blush, but in the winter, at the very least I like a pinkish brown color; I also can do without lips. I don’t like lipgloss. Too sticky. If I’m going out I use Nars Dolce Vita. One coating is enough for everyday.
March 2nd, 2007 at 2:43 am
Pam
I’m interested in your choice of neutral lipstick over shiny lipgloss. I think you’re correct that it’s a very young girlish look. Would you like to share your favorite neutral with us. Angie, maybe you have some suggestions for a nice quality moisturizing lipstick. I’m still doing the “wet” lip look but I think it’s wrong for the mature gal.
March 2nd, 2007 at 11:08 am
I too prefer lipstick over gloss because it’s less sticky and possibly more age appropraite. I am on the fence about that one if the gloss in colourless. I love Clinique’s “black honey”. It actually looks black in the holder (don’t let that put you off), but when you apply it, its the colour of your lips (barely) and it just seems to add that extra depth to your lip colour. The aim is to define your facial features with make-up, not look like a clown.
I have pale white skin and cannot wear nude colour lipsticks without looking sickly and unnatural. But I can give you the colour of MAC and Clinique lipsticks that I recommend to others next week.