Often, when new clients come to our clinic, they tell us their skin goals is to wear less makeup. 
Can you relate?

The no-makeup, makeup trend has been popular for decades – and we’re big fans of it here at James Vivian because it’s all about letting your skin shine through. 

So, if you’re seeking that healthy and almost undetectable glow – here are James’ top tips on achieving that no-makeup, makeup look – thanks to the help of skincare and skin-loving ingredients.

First up, it’s important to know how to layer skincare with makeup to ensure you’re striking the right balance between a bright and hydrated canvas without going overboard with product, where your makeup is likely to pill. 

Before we chat ingredients, time to talk exfoliation! The best canvas for skincare and makeup will have a solid exfoliation routine – and this will usually happen a few times a week, of a nighttime. It’s essential to get the right mix between exfoliation and not over exfoliation so that makeup can sit nice and flush on the skin – without the skin being sensitive and rough from too much off the good stuff.
Exfoliating is a fine art which will differ for all skins and skin types, don’t forget we’re always here to help you find that exfoliation sweet spot. Simply, get in touch here. 

When it comes to ingredients to perfectly prep your skin, serums rich in vitamins such as B and C are great, in addition to hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerine, squalene and aloe vera. After that, locking the goodness in with a moisturiser that penetrates without leaving too much of a residue is a great idea. For an ideal post-serum canvas, use a moisturiser with ingredients such as ceramides, shea butter and amino acids.

Rich moisturisers like creams, plus oils, can often be heavy and can negatively impact the coverage and longevity of your makeup. Save heavier moisturisers for nighttime, when you’re going to bed and not going out (with makeup on). 

How does a skin type (oily, dry, combination) influence the way we should prepare our skin for makeup?
Great question! All skincare and makeup applications should start with a good cleanse (or double cleanse depending on your routine!). So, select your cleanser according to your skin type/what your skin needs (e.g. a foaming cleanser for an oily skin type or a cream cleanser for a sensitised skin type). 

From there, select serums that further support your skin type and address concerns, before applying an appropriately weighted moisturiser to form a base. Dryer skins may want to use a thicker formulation and allow some time for it to penetrate before applying makeup – whereas a combination to oily skin might opt for a 2-in-1 moisturiser/SPF to skip a step or simply allow your serums to form the base.

As we know our skins can change on the daily, so always give the skin what it needs first! If your skin is happy, chances are your makeup will perform at its best. 

James, what’s the best way to keep skin looking fresh and dewy throughout the day without adding more makeup?
To sustain that no-makeup, makeup look throughout the day – try a hydrating mist! A spritz will reinvigorate your dewy finish but beware not to go overboard as you’ll drench your makeup and watch it slide off your face. 

Mineral makeup can also be a great way to continue to reapply makeup throughout the day without creating that heavy, caked-on look! Not to mention, mineral makeup can often lead to longer wear especially when it comes to combination and oilier skin types. How? Because the minerals can be great at absorbing oil secretions without clogging anything up. 

Our mineral makeup brand of choice is Australian-owned and sustainably created Guiya Minerals. Check them out, here. 

Got any other tricks up your sleeve when it comes to products with more than just one benefit?
Any skincare product with a light tint or colour correction is fabulous as it offers skincare and concealing properties, all in one. Lip balms that offer a lipstick-like look (whilst being hydrating and nourishing) are popular, as well as SPFs that are mildly tinted. A BB cream is a great no-makeup, makeup look staple that works like an SPF but acts like a light base (just make sure you’re wearing the correct dosage, please!). We adore the Guiya Minerals Z-cote Zinc BB Cream and sell it at The Porehouse. Pop in to try/so we can shade match you!

Lash growth serums can also replace the need for lash extensions and mascara which means that no-makeup, makeup look is just how you ‘look’! Perrrrfect. 

Final thoughts, James?
On the note of tinted sunscreens, it’s important to remember that (more often than not) they will not support a sufficient level of SPF protection for a face. Makeup and tinted sunscreens typically offer a fairly low SPF rating and to truly get the most protection from them, you’d need to use a LOT more than what would look nice or ‘no-makeup, makeup look-esque’. So, during the day, always wear SPF under your makeup to not only remain properly protected, but to also prevent you needing more and more makeup as the sun damage comes through.

Care to chat more about the skin, makeup or anything in-between? Get in touch, here.