Au naturel

FOR many a make-up junkie, the thought of going bare-faced is akin to walking to the shops naked to buy a pint of milk. A staggering 98 per cent of women say they can’t live without make-up, according to a recent survey of 3,500 people by the Vitality Show.

“We are so used to the artificial beauty that we see on television and in magazines that it is nice to be reminded that fresh, glowing natural skin can be beautiful too,” says Laura Rudoe, of Evolve Beauty.

But if you’ve ever wondered just how good you can look without your warpaint, follow these handy hints to bring out your natural beauty.

BARE-FACED CHEEK

There’s no denying that make-up can accentuate our features and make us feel alive in the mornings, but cosmetics, especially in excess, can also have a detrimental effect on the skin. Rudoe believes going make-up free every so often can be beneficial for our complexions.

“Women apply an average of 515 chemicals to their bodies every day.

Why not give your skin a chance to detox by seeing what you can live without?” she says. “Giving skin a breather from clogging foundation can also help reduce blocked pores, which can lead to skin breakouts. The other bonus to going make-up free is time saved that you can spend on your beauty sleep.”

Thorough cleansing is your first step to a flawless complexion. It removes surface dirt and bacteria and prevents the imperfections that women feel they need to cover up.

LESS IS MORE

Going make-up free doesn’t mean you have to ditch all your everyday products. Your skin is your blank canvas and moisturiser is the key to looking radiant minus the slap.

“Everyone knows the difference regular moisturising can make, but few people recognise the importance of matching your moisturiser to your skin type,” advises Sarah Brown, of Pai skincare, skincare expert at the Vitality Show.

“To keep your skin smooth and conditioned, it’s also important to moisturise from within. Increase your intake of essential fatty acids – omegas 3, 6 and 9. Oily fish, seeds and nuts are all good sources.

“If your diet is lacking these foods, it’s worth investing in some natural supplements.”

There are other shortcuts you can take to look preened without the product haul. Use a multi-use natural product like Trilogy’s Everything Balm (trilogyproducts.com).

NATURAL BEAUTY

If the thought of going make-up free is already giving you withdrawal symptoms, cheat. A barely-there look is bang on trend – backstage at the Fashion Week creative teams regularly opted for a mascara-free look along with super-glossy complexions and mannequin nails that mimicked skin colour.

Sarah-Jane Froom, national make-up artist for Bare Escentuals, has this step-by-step guide to creating a no make-up look to keep everyone guessing.

• Firstly, it’s essential to prepare skin.

Ensure skin is hydrated by applying a moisturiser and then follow with a foundation primer. If you get the base right, the rest of your make-up will fall into place.

• Conceal any dark circles, redness around the nose, chin, brows and lids, and any other areas that need coverage.

• Buff a natural mineral foundation over the rest of the complexion. Your skin will look like your own but on a really good day, giving you the coverage you might need, but without looking heavy.

• Create perfectly-sculpted cheekbones, which can be achieved using a mineral complexion enhancer such as bareMinerals Warmth.

• The ultimate final touch is a mineral finishing product (such as bareMinerals Mineral Veil) to hide the appearance of open pores and fine lines and keep the complexion looking fabulous all day long.

A TREAT FOR MUM

The Feversham Arms Hotel and Verbena Spa in Helmsley North Yorkshire has a lovely treat for your mum this Mother’s Day with the Spa by Candlelight package.

The spa will be lit up with candles and guests can choose from one of three treatments, as well as having full acess to the Verbena Spa heat experience where they can rejuvenate in the saunarium, dip their toes into the foot spas, soak in the bubbling hot tub, cleanse skin in the aromatherapy steam room and wash away stress in the monsoon shower. They can also take a dip in the outdoor heated pool, which is heated to at least 87º all year round. A glass of champagne in the comfy relaxation lounges and a light supper will make a perfect end to Mother’s Day.

The Spa by Candlelight offer is available between 5pm and 9pm on April 3 and costs £65. It is also available on Thursday evenings. Bookings can be made on 01439-770-766.