Two words you’d think we’d be sick of hearing by now = ‘essentials only’. However, for some of us, sticking to the essentials is music to our ears when it comes to makeup.
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For those who are minimalists at their core, just the phrase ‘pop of colour’ might be enough to have you tune out.
While we don’t expect you to change your makeup style to rival a contestant on RuPauls Drag Race, we do want you to know there are ways to incorporate a low key statement feature into your aesthetic.
And the best part is, you don’t need to be a beauty maestro to achieve such looks.
‘Clean Colour’, the trending term from Dior’s makeup artist Ricky Wilson, refers to the art of vibrant makeup with minimal steps, which Wilson tells PopSugar, “is totally doable, even for a person who struggles with makeup”.
So go forth and experiment with these seven striking, but understated looks…
Inner Corner Highlight
Using a metallic or matte eyeshadow shade of your choice, dab it onto the inner corners of the eye for an immediate focal point and brightening effect.
Glossy Lids
Ok so gloss might not count as a colour but it does add a bit of ‘something-something’ to your typical minimal look.
The best way to achieve this is with a light wash of lip gloss, or if you find this too sticky, a cream highlighter or illuminator would work just as well.
bh recommends: Estée Lauder X Victoria Beckham Aura Gloss
Bold Lipstick
You knew we were going to say it.
A statement lipstick doesn’t need to be such a big deal; keep it soft by applying lightly with a lip brush and dabbing with a tissue in between layers for longevity.
bh recommends: M.A.C Love Me Lipstick, L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick, Maybelline New York Color Sensational Made For All Lipstick
Floating Liner
This iconic look was originally brought to fame by supermodel Twiggy in the ’60s and has now made a huge return via Instagram.
A floating crease is essentially a clean cut line that sits between the lash line and brow. Simple but effective.
Shiny Pink Lip
Pick a shade of pink only slightly brighter than your natural lip hue and finish it off with a clear gloss. It’ll elevate your entire look.
bh recommends: Lancôme Juicy Shaker, essence shine shine shine lipgloss, ModelCo SHINE ULTRA LIP GLOSS
Metallic Cream Shadows
Use a metallic cream shadow on half of your lid, from the inner corner into the centre to create a dewy shine.
bh recommends: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow
Vibrant Liner
If you’re not keen on committing to a fully coloured eyelid, simply trace your wing with a coloured liner instead. Pow.
bh recommends: DB Cosmetics Liquid Eyeliner, e.l.f. cosmetics Essentials Shimmer Eyeliner Pencil
A bold lip is my go to, it really brightens up the face. Put on a bit of concealer and you're done!
I love me a good inner corner highlight
Some good looks there
When it comes to minimalism vs a makeup style to rival a contestant on RuPauls Drag Race, I'll take the latter! I liked the bold lip.
Floating liner can look good, but that pic wasn't the best.
I love colour and most of the time I have a coulourful eye makeup look.
I do like a bit of colour sometimes, but I prefer a less is more look.
I'm afraid that red wing look would look really out of place in this laid-back township!
Love these type of articles. Bold lip and metallic lips, nice.
That pic is definitely not a good advert. I googled pics of floating eyeliner and most of them I didn't actually like. They seem to look better from a distance and they look like a good option for hooded eyes.
I love the inner corner highlight when I do my eyes. Seems to brighten things up a little 🙂
I actually like them all except for the floating liner
Gosh, love all of these! All! One of those models reminds me of Madonna =D <3
Not a fan of that floating liner. Absolute yes for glossy lids and metallic cream shadow!
If I want to inject colour into my look, then I tend to go for a bolder/bright lip. Not scared to rock it! Also not TOO scared to wear a vibrant liner, albeit a metallic one.
The metallic cream shadow looks lovely
The first and second models are beautiful. Not so keen on the MU on the other models
I love a bright liner!
Today I went for bold autumny and glossy lip (Tom Ford Ravageur patent lip ) and the rest of face just smooth powdered translucent and even, with a hint of BobbiB highlighter
I use a bright eye liner rather than eye shadow. Otherwise, a bright lip adds a touch of colour.
I love these tips!
If your skin is good you can do anything
I like inner corner highlight.It definitely brighten up the face.
Love an understated look!!!
Lipstick layering works
Love glossy lids but it’s a no for the floating eye liner
That inner corner highlight is pretty 🙂
Wrong pictures, I think :S
The inner corner highlight with pink looks great! I love wearing bright and bold lippies and eyeliners in jewel colours such as cobalt blue, emerald green, violet etc.
I don't mind a few like the inner corner highlight – I do that with white and it makes my eyes pop