Beauty boss: Too much FaceTime, not enough time for your face! So brush up

Let’s get your skin looking flawless again for summer.

With nowhere to go and no one to see, most of us have spent the last 12 months bare-faced and make-up free.

So, with lockdown easing just around the corner, it might be time to brush up on our application skills – tide lines and cakey foundation are not a good look for our first post-pandemic brunch trip.

Here, Jessica Blackler, founder of gender-free, vegan make-up brand Jecca Blac, gives her step-by-step guide to creating the perfect base.

Prime and prepare

After completing your usual skincare routine, Jessica advises applying a primer, which will ultimately help you achieve your desired finish.

“The most important step for creating a smooth base is primer,” she explained.

“The first thing to consider is your skin type, and then your desired look. For example, our Glow Drops Primer (£16), available in two shades, creates a dewy base and brightens the complexion, while our Blur & Matte Primer (£16), naturally, blurs and mattifies any uneven skin texture caused by pores or fine lines.

“I also recommend applying your chosen primer with your fingertips.”

Spot check

Blemishes and breakouts can be difficult to conceal, but treating the area is key to achieving a fuss-free finish.

Jessica said: “First thing’s first, don’t pop the spot! Sleep with an antibacterial treatment, such as Sudocrem, on the spot overnight to help it to heal without irritation.

“Contrary to popular belief, applying toothpaste overnight will not help the spot to heal and disappear, and it’s terrible for drying out the skin’s surface, which leads to cakey make-up.

“Keep the area clean and well moisturised, and tap on a little concealer at a time, only building up to what you need.

“My favourite trick is to turn the spot into a freckle or beauty mark – conceal the area and then add a little brown eyeshadow to the blemish.”

Throwing shade

Jessica said: “To find the perfect shade of foundation, try out different shades in natural daylight, and swatch your options on the jaw area to see which works best for your face and neck area. Having this consistency in tone is key for finding a foundation that blends in with the rest of your face.”