The minimal look – a favourite of celebrities for years – is still all the rage. Here, our columnist shows you how to achieve it in eight easy steps

As much as I have a soft spot for full-face glam, there is nothing I love more than a “no makeup makeup” look. For years our favourite celebrities and bloggers have nailed it using minimal products to achieve a simple, wide-awake aesthetic. Here’s how you can do it yourself.

Step one

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Step one: moisturise. Photograph: Hani Sidow

The key to a flawless base is skincare. I use an oil-based moisturiser before I put any products on my face as it gives me a dewy finish and helps bring my dry skin to life. My favourite moisturiser is the Nspa nourishing facial oil (Asda, £7) as it has a light texture, which does not feel too greasy on the skin.



Step two

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Step two: prime. Photograph: Hani Sidow

I then prime my face using the Too Faced Hangover primer (Debenhams, £27) for a radiant finish. The texture is very creamy and light so it moisturises my skin further and preps it for the rest of my makeup. The refreshing coconut scent is also a plus.

Step three

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Step three: conceal. Photograph: Hani Sidow

To achieve this “no makeup” look, I skip the foundation and go straight in with a concealer closest to my skin tone to help cover any discolouration and dark spots, focusing on the areas under my eyes and around my mouth. I like to use the Sleek MakeUP Cream Contour Kit in dark (Superdrug, £10.99) as it has several shades that I can use to even out my skin tone and still achieve a natural finish.

Step four

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Step four: define. Photograph: Hani Sidow

It is still essential to add a touch of definition and colour using a bronzer and a blusher. I love to use the Nip + Fab travel palette in medium/dark (nipandfab.com, £9.95) as it has a warm tone, which adds that little bit of depth to your cheeks.

Step five

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Step five: highlight. Photograph: Hani Sidow

The most important part of a “no makeup” look is highlighting. I add a shimmery gold shade on the highest point of my cheekbones, underneath my brow bones and the down the centre of my nose. When blended out, this is effective in giving skin that natural glow and it brings forward the parts of your face the sunlight naturally hits. I use the gold highlight shade from the same Nip + Fab travel palette, as it is a perfect gold tone for my complexion and has just the right amount of shimmer.

Step six



Facebook Twitter Pinterest Step six: apply mascara. Photograph: Hani Sidow

I add the finishing touches by applying mascara on both my upper and lower lashes. I like to use the Benefit Roller lash mascara (benefitcosmetics.com, £20.50), as it adds a little curl and definition, whilst also brushing my lashes out so that they don’t look clumpy. (I skip my brows for “no makeup” makeup, as my natural eyebrows are quite full, putting more effort into my lashes and getting them to look as long and defined as possible.)





Step seven

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Step seven: add lip cream with a hint of colour. Photograph: Hani Sidow

To complete this look I then apply Buxom “Full-On” lip cream in Hot Toddy (Debenhams, £15) to add a hint of colour to my lips with a glossy finish to complement the glow.

Step eight

Facebook Twitter Pinterest The finished look. Photograph: Hani Sidow

Feel free to add more or less; don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Use your makeup to express yourself and have fun with it.

• Follow Hani Sidow on Instagram @hanihanss

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