Skincare experts and make-up gurus all agree, prepping is key for flawless skin. “You can never have enough preppy things on your skin in my opinion,” says international make-up artist Gucci Westman. “When you take the time and make the effort, it really shows.”
Follow these tips and tricks for brighter and fresher-looking skin this season.
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Get a Poreless Finish
Every woman needs a magic make-up wand. Skin primers fill fine lines, mattify shiny patches and, best of all, fill and hide the pores that appear more visible with age. Our new favourites are Clarins Instant Poreless Pore-Blurring Mattyifying Primer, R485 for 20ml – the perfect addition to your make-up routine for concealing large pores, and Skin Republic Prime & Refine Makeup Primer Face Mask, R52, which can be popped onto a clean face to smooth and plump skin pre-makeup.
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Add a Hint of Tint
Imagine there was a tinted primer that worked in a similar way but perfected your skin even more so. Enter BB creams (Beauty Balms), which smooth, fill, plump, prime and protect in one go. Two of our fave must-haves include purse-friendly Justine Purely Perfect BB Cream SPF 15, R79 for 18g, or Vichy UV Protect Skin Defense Daily Care SPF 50, R275 for 40ml.
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A Luminous Finish
So you’ve made up your face, but your skin still looks a bit dull? Then highlight. Bring back that wonderful youthful gleam with a pearly cream that simply bounces light off your skin. You can apply these liquid highlighters under, in, or over foundation: Revlon Photoready Rose Glow Hydrating + Illuminating Primer, R235 for 30ml is lovely for a subtle glow while Stila Heaven’s Hue Highlighter in the shade Kitten, R610 for 10g, packs more of a punch.
Top Tip: Don’t put a highlighter everywhere. Apply to the tops of cheekbones (which works best), but also just a hint above the eyes, a tiny bit on the bow of the lips and a touch on the bridge of the nose.
By Beauty Editor, Martinique Stevens and Jo Granville-Blackburn
