BEAUTY
8 MAKE-UP ESSENTIALS IF YOU HAVE FAIR SKIN
By Rebecca Wade, 3 August 2017
Finding the right make-up to suit pale skin can be a helluva task. Even the lightest foundations can still be too dark, blushers and bronzers can look pantomime – and don't even get me started on picking the perfect lipstick...
The fairest of them all...
I’ve spent the last few weeks investigating the best beauty buys. So consider this your new tried-and-tested make-up hotlist. Fear no more, fair-skinned sisters, I got you.
All about that base
First up, let’s talk foundation. Finding the perfect shade for pale skin is a tricky business – that is until I discovered NYX Professional Makeup had 24 shades to pick from. Vanilla ended up being just right – not too yellow or orange. The super lightweight formula allows for barely there coverage for AM and a quick top up for a heavier finish for your PM thing.
NYX Professional Makeup Total Control Drop Foundation in Vanilla, £14
Rosie posie
I’ve always steered clear of blusher for fear of an IRL Bridget Jones moment, but it turns out I was just missing 'the one'. Enter Benefit's Posietint, giving soft, sheer flush to bring me to life. Creamier than cult-fave Benetint, this subtle cheek stain blends like a dream and doesn't leave any harsh, hard-to-smooth streaks. One or two strokes still pack a punch against lighter skin, though, so don't get too carried away.
Snow White
Cold reds can't help but look mega dramatic against the lightest of skin tones, however (luckily for you), the sheer texture of this Anna Sui must-have means you can choose your own intensity. Just add layers.
Bright eyes
FYI, golden shades bring out hazel eyes and this bronze eyeshadow duo is all the proof you need. The key here is in the ball-like applicator. Use the darkest shade closer to your lashline, with the lighter tone fanning out. The result? Bigger, doe-like, smokey eyes in one stroke. I’m hooked.
Benefit They're Real Duo Shadow Blender in Brazen Bronze, £19.50
Plum pout
And for the night? Yes, you can wear dark lipstick. But, keep in mind, if you have cool undertones, like me, then it might be best to opt for a plum pick with a hint of pink. Full marks to this highly pigmented Rimmel lippie with a non-drying finish.
Correct, conceal, reveal
Blemishes and dark circles are a serious standout against lighter skin tones. Happily, it’s nothing a few colour-correcting concealers can’t fix and this six-way kit covers all bases. The green shade (yes, trust me) goes on any red patches and the lightest shade can go over the top. And bonus points for the gorge pink-champagne illuminator. Ditch the brush and use your finger instead. Blend, add foundation, et voilà, an airbrushed finish.
Maybelline Master Camo Colour Correcting Concealer Kit, £9.59
Holla Hoola
Say hello to Hoola Lite – an insanely good update on the cult-classic, specially developed for fair skin. Not only does it deliver a massively wearable matte finish, but its subtle shade means it's way easier to build and doesn't look OTT.
Pictures: ASOS
Violet fever
Looking for some night-out wow? All it takes is a swipe of violet on the lashes to make the green in hazel eyes pop. If subtle is more your deal, add one coat over your normal mascara. Or, for max impact, add a couple of coats onto bare lashes.
