Spring Blush Flush

Everyone is looking for that natural “I woke up like this” look that screams healthy skin, and we’re going to tell you how to get it. It all comes down to the products – you may not need a lot of them, but be sure to choose them wisely. Start with clean skin and add in radiance where you can – we like to use a hydrating, or glow-giving primer to start our skin off right – and keep your base to a minimum. Keep skin looking like, well, skin, by skipping the foundation, or applying a light concealer on pinpointed areas if you need a little coverage. And if you’ve got freckles, flaunt them, they’re the epitome of cheeky youthfulness.

The aim of this look is to appear fresh-faced, so keep brows groomed and mascara pared back to a sweep or two. Our favourite step? The multi-tasking wizardry of our lipsticks. Read on to find out how to make the most of this versatile product.

START BY FINDING YOUR SHADE

Depending on your skin tone, choose a shade that creates a natural flush – think about how your cheeks look when you blush naturally, and try to replicate that shade.

For fairer skin, subtle coral and rose pink tones work well. We love: Fes, Eritrea, Luxor

Medium skin tones can pull off most shades, in particular cooler tones. We love: Uganda, Kampala, Mozambique

Darker skin look great with rich shades or bright tones. We love: Asmara, Marrakech, Nairobi

APPLY LIPSTICK TO LIPS WITH YOUR FINGERS

This creates a natural, diffused look. Pat the colour onto the lips, pressing it in with the warmth of your fingertips, keeping the look naturally undone. Whilst we love a full, perfect lip – shaped with liner and applied from the bullet or a brush for a full coverage – this alternative is perfect for creating that “no makeup” makeup look.

Try using a balm before going in with your chosen shade; this will hydrate the lips and give a slight sheen keeping the look light and effortless.

USE LEFTOVER COLOUR ON YOUR CHEEKS

Recycle what’s left on your fingertips and gently press the remaining colour onto the apples of your cheeks, blending up and out. This will create a natural spring blush flush whilst pulling together your look, wearing the same shade throughout.

Your chosen shade should compliment your skin and create a youthful glow. Just make sure you blend thoroughly – we don’t want any harsh lines or heavy pigment, it’s more about a subtle, sheer flush of healthy colour.

TRY IT ON YOUR EYES, TOO

For a fuller look, whilst continuing to keep everything pared back, try dabbing a little colour from the bullet with your finger, and dabbing lightly across your eyelids. Start off gently, as you can continue to build the density of the colour until you have reached the coverage you like.

Again, blending is key here. Using clean fingers or a makeup brush, sweep across the top of the colour out towards the outer corner of the eye and up to the orbital bone to keep this look diffused.