The hack
Ever wonder how celebrities look as though they’re not wearing makeup? Applying skincare and base products like “patchwork” could be the key.
The test
Patchwork skin, a term coined by makeup artist Lisa Eldridge, is how professional makeup artists create a flawless base that looks like bare skin. The strategy? Use products only where you need them, rather than treating your face like one giant canvas.
I try her method, looking at my face as individual sections. My skin needs a serum and light moisturiser all over, but I notice that my cheeks are drier, so apply a little oil on them alone. I use an SPF spray all over – that’s not patchworkable – then apply a pea-size drop of foundation with a small brush around my mouth, where there’s a little uneven tone, avoiding anywhere else. Then I use a larger, clean foundation brush to blend that foundation with my skin – like sewing a patchwork quilt.
With a fine brush I use a tiny blob of concealer in the inner corners of my eyes to cover any blemishes, and blend again using the foundation brush. Finally, I use a small under-eye powder brush to set just my concealed areas.
The verdict
Fully sold. All-over foundation can look mask-like, and this only took five minutes longer to blend it all in. More minimal foundation made my makeup look far fresher and much better.
