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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Funmi Fetto

Go low key for a look of sheer perfection

Invisible power: the key to no makeup makeup is to keep it sheer.
Invisible power: the key to no makeup makeup is to keep it sheer. Photograph: Imaxtree.com

You’d be forgiven for thinking there isn’t much going on here. Because that’s the point. A modern version of the full face, it’s a look that should have admirers saying, “You look great!” as opposed to “Your makeup looks great!” Try a golden Miracle Balm from Jones Road – it doubles up as an understated eye shadow and a hint of colour on the lips. A creamy blush will leave a natural flush and make a beeline for the new foundations that make your skin look like, well, skin. That’s the key to this look – keeping it sheer.

1. Huda Beauty Glowish Vegan Blush £18, feelunique.com
2. Victoria Beckham Beauty Cheeky Posh in Rollerskate £36, victoriabeckhambeauty.com
3. Dior Miss Dior Palette £110, dior.com
4. Jones Road Miracle Balm £34, jonesroadbeauty.com
5. Estée Lauder Double Wear Sheer Long Wear Makeup £35, esteelauder.com

I can’t do without… A gentle, foaming cleanser that really does the business

In the days when I knew much less than I know now, I probably would have given this cleanser a wide berth. The word ‘gentle’ used to set alarm bells off in my head. To me, it was a euphemism for: ‘I don’t actually do much.’ Gentle often meant poor results. I needed products that made bolder statements. But over the years I’ve come to understand that skincare should always be gentle – your skin barrier demands it – but you shouldn’t have to compromise on efficacy. Another thing that would have made me run a mile is the word ‘foam’. Too reminiscent of the paint-stripping stuff I was recommended as an acne-prone teen. Foam, they said, was the ultimate sign of a good cleanse. And if you had breakouts, it was because you just weren’t cleansing enough. Thankfully, these myths have long been debunked. And thank goodness for that because I would have missed out on this cleanser, which, frankly, is a triumph. Yes, it’s gentle and yes it foams, but forget what you once thought. The formulation is fantastic. It cleans brilliantly, leaves no residue and, thanks to the vitamin C, is also brightening. When I noticed my supply was close to running out, I went to order it online and it was sold out. I had a mild panic. It is now back in stock so I will be bulk buying. When you try it, you’ll do the same. Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin Gentle Foamy Face Wash, from £9.96, beautypie.com

On my radar… For you and your home, tempting fresh scents

Deep soak This gorgeous new bath scent – grapefruit, bitter orange and lime – smells incredible. It’ll leave your mind invigorated and your skin hydrated. Jo Loves a Bath Cologne, £35, joloves.com

Back to nature Looking for something that goes against the usual ‘Valentine’ fragrances? Then try this citrussy and woody wonder. Inspired by nature, it is fresh, green and grown up. Cartier Declaration, £67, johnlewis.com

Up in smoke My default setting for candles tends to be smoky or green. But this tuberose candle is irresistible. The clever addition of sandalwood stops it from being too cloying. Bella Freud Loving Candle, £50, cultbeauty.co.uk

Follow Funmi on Twitter @FunmiFetto

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