A GLOWING, LONG-LASTING COMPLEXION ROUTINE

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I've definitely settled into a solid concealer, foundation and setting routine over the last few months. I like my skin to look fresh and radiant, but I also need my base makeup to last. These are the steps that have been working for me and might be worth a shot for you!


The first thing I do is prep my skin with the Pixi Rose Flash Balm* | £26 | full review. This product is definitely a beauty multitasker, however I personally like it best as a primer. It has an oil-free formula, so smooths and hydrates my skin without leaving an excess. It absorbs so nicely into my skin and has a lovely texture, giving my complexion an extra boost, ensuring everything looks nice and healthy. My base goes on so smoothly over it too! Also before going in with my main base product - I like to colour correct under my eyes using the Bobbi Brown Corrector (Peach) | £19.50. Lord know how many pots of this I've been through! It comes in a variety of shades, so there's something in there for most skin tones. It's a cream-based product that isn't thick or heavy on the skin and the tone neutralises the colour of dark circles, so they're less visible without the need to pile on lots of skin-toned concealer.

My go-to base product has been the IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream (Medium Tan) | £31 | full review. I've not really used anything else on a day-to-day basis all year. It's packed full of additional skincare benefits and has customisable coverage. I personally use one pump, blended out with a damp BeautyBlender* | £17 | full review | for a fresh, natural look. I really like that this product looks like skin and it doesn't get shiny or come off in my problem areas. It really lives up to its name!

I use two different concealers - one for under the eyes and one to spot-conceal any blemishes. Since January, I really haven't reached for anything other than the Milk Makeup Flex Concealer (Medium) | £23.75 | full review. The tone of this shade on me is perfect - it's warm but has a slight hint of peach, which is again providing that correcting effect on dark circles, plus it's nice and brightening. This is the perfect concealer formula for me because it covers what I need it to but looks and feels very natural on my skin. It isn't at all drying but really lasts and doesn't crease much on me (and everything creases on me!) The spot-concealer I use is the Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer (Ginger) | £24. I love this formula because it can be dabbed on with the fingers and needs minimal blending. You can definitely use it under the eyes too, however I personally think it's great for natural, long-lasting coverage in any problem areas.

To set my makeup, I use a fine loose powder and then a mist. I personally love the Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder* | £42 | full review. It's incredibly finely-milled and will never look cakey on the skin. It doesn't take away any of the complexion's natural radiance and has this gorgeous soft-focus effect so your skin looks perfected. I also give my face a spritz with the MAC Coconut Fix + | £19. It just hydrates the skin and gives it a fresh look and seamless appearance. I don't really have this issue with the Hourglass powder, but if you've used something more heavy-duty or over-applied your powder a bit; it will also take away the cake!

What's your base routine at the moment?

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