Spring clean your collection and try something new with these affordable buys
WORDS: RHIANNON DERBYSHIRE. PHOTOS (POSED BY MODEL): GETTY
1 Declutter and clear
It’s easy to hold onto products because of the money or sentimental value, but having a cull will help you narrow down what you actually use day to day, and make your morning routine easier. It’s also worth checking which products have expired – anything used around your eyes is only safe for six months, whereas foundation and blush can be used for up to a year. Check the packaging.
2 Boost your base
Primers create a better canvas for foundation and help it last longer. E.l.f Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide, £10, Superdrug, contains kind-to-skin niacinamide, which helps calm redness, balances oiliness and brightens. Don’t be put off by the slightly sticky feel – the clue’s in the name. It ‘grips’ foundation, avoiding fading or smudging.
3 Stay true to your tone
Lots of foundations have undertone options, but how do you know which you are? Look at your veins – if they’re blue, you’re cool; more green and you’re warm; if neither, try neutral. Find your perfect match with L’Oréal Paris True Match Foundation, £9.99, Boots, which has tone options for each shade.
4 Lighten up
Swapping to a lighter base in sunnier months makes sense – it’s more flattering in bright sun and it’ll feel lighter and comfier on your skin. CC and BB creams are great options, but we’ve loved using NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Blur Tint Foundation, £9.99, Boots. It feels fresh on the skin, and has blurring pigments to help fade imperfections.
5 Apply like a pro
How you apply foundation can transform the finish. If you want a more natural look, apply with your fingertips – this will warm up the formula and help it sink in for a more sheer application. If you want a dewy, fresh look, apply with a damp sponge like EcoTools Bioblender, £6.99, lookfantastic.com. For a higher coverage, try a brush – we like using a buffing brush, such as Makeup Revolution Create Buff & Blend Foundation Brush, £7, revolutionbeauty.com, for a flawless finish.
6 Perfect camouflage
Expert concealer application means you can be more minimal with foundation, but you
