Inside Out Beauty

Makeup may be the go-to tool for providing a short-term answer to our beauty concerns, but pair your makeup bag essentials with some skincare additions and you'll be sorted in the long-term as well. Below I've rounded up the two-step answers to perfecting your most sought after beauty looks.

For an even complexion : If you're looking for a one-stop skincare answer to redness-prone, blemish-scarred skin then look no further than cult French pharmacy favourite La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo +. A soothing serum which works as a preventative spot-treatment as well as reducing the appearance of marks and blemishes, and soothing inflammation, Effaclar Duo will leave you with a noticeably calmer complexion after just a few weeks of use. For a base makeup which provides good coverage without aggravating or irritating sensitive skin, Nars Sheer Glow Foundation ticks ALL of the boxes. A little goes a long way, and when buffed in gently this foundation leaves the complexion looking clearer and brighter, masking redness and scarring with an A* prowess.

For a healthy glow : Just one use of Origins' Drinkup Intensive Overnight Mask (a generous layer applied post-cleanse before bed) will leave you with noticeably brighter and healthier looking skin come morning. This divinely scented mask leaves skin with a glow only otherwise achievable via a juice cleanse/£100 facial/week in Fiji - a real boost for dull and lacklustre complexions. Sweep a dose of the Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Powder as a finishing touch to your makeup and expect skin to boast a luminous finish - a subtle/natural take on the 'golden goddess' look (and any fear of appearing orange a thing of the past).

For a perfect pout : Do as the savviest lipstick lovers do and prep your skin prior to application in order to provide a smooth, clean base and optimal application/finish/last. For a satisfyingly sweet exfoliation apply one of LUSH's Lip Scrubs 15 minutes before beginning your makeup application. Remove and allow a few minutes before applying your lip colour of choice. My personal favourite?  Tom Ford Lip Colour in Indian Rose - a brown-toned pink which leans a little on the warmer end of the spectrum and boasts a subtle sheen. This is a 'my lips but better' with emphasis on the 'better' kind of lipstick and leaves my lips looking defined and plump without appearing too bold or glossy. Tom Ford saves the day yet again.

For dewy skin : For bright, radiant, smooth skin (of the professionally Photoshopped variety), invest in a bottle of the Radical Skin Perfecting Screen* - an SPF/primer/(ever so slightly) tinted moisturiser/all round glow-getter of the luxe variety. Enriched with light-reflecting pigments and powerful antioxidants, this light lotion leaves skin looking bright and healthy - with a glowing sheen but matte texture - the ideal makeup base. Mix a few drops of perennial favourite Benefit High Beam into your foundation for a subtle brightening effect - radiant skin without the greasiness. Dab a little along the brow and tops of the cheekbones for additional dewiness.

For a lit from within radiance : Meet the serum which will (almost) make you consider going without foundation. The Radical Multi-Brightening Serum* leaves skin appearing instantly revitalised - I almost wish I was exaggerating, but really, if your skin is suffering from dullness or pigmentation, then you need this heavyweight within your skincare arsenal. What more could a girl want than a one-stop luminous glow with multiple skincare benefits?? Continue with your hardcore glow-getting via the addition of the Eve Lom Light Illusion Concealer*. With a formula which includes white tea extract (nature's original illuminator), vitamins, fruit cells, and caffeine - you can be assured that this light, creamy concealer will brighten even the tiredest of complexions. Sweep along the bridge of your nose, under the eyes, and across the cheekbones (Touche Éclat style) for an instantly brighter complexion.

For reduced blemishes : By far the speediest and most effective spot-on blemish treatment I have ever used (and trust me, I've used many), La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.I. reduces pain and swelling in a matter of hours, banishing even the nastiest of blemishes without drying out the surrounding area. For a long-lasting, high coverage concealer with a minuscule price tag, opt for beauty bloggers' favourite - Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer. With a creamy, pigmented formula, this heavy duty concealer masks blemishes and redness without caking or feeling heavy upon the skin. Apply before and after foundation for optimal coverage.

For refined pores : Apply a generous layer of the REN Invisible Pores Detox Mask (with extra thick application on problem areas) to draw out impurities and minimise the size and appearance of blackheads and enlarged pores. This deep cleansing mask is clay-based but super moisturising so will detoxify your skin without drying it out. A word of advice : do not be frugal. A do-it-all wonder if you have oily skin, Dr Brandt Pores No More Primer blurs pores, lines, and imperfections better than any other primer I've used. Long-lasting and absorbent, it keeps makeup in place and pores invisible all day long, and provides a shield to prevent foundation from further clogging skin.

What are your favourite makeup/skincare duos?

G x

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*PR sample