Make-up: the product that saves your complexion after the excesses of the festive season

After an evening out, the face cries out for water and fatigue. However, a targeted make-up application can boost radiance without suffocating the skin. The beauty press is highlighting a hybrid product that gently awakens the complexion.

After the holidays, a complexion in need of repair

Excess sugar, lack of sleep and bubbles leave visible traces when you wake up. Complexion becomes blurred, redness appears and pores seem more pronounced. What’s more, dehydration sags the features and cuts off the light that makes you glow.

To respond to this delicate moment, the trend is to highlight a perfecting base. It combines humectants and corrective pigments to smooth, even and illuminate without weighing down the skin. In short, it’s make-up care designed for a long-lasting “second-skin” effect.

Beauty journalists highlight a supple texture that’s easy to stretch and blend. The result can be modulated from very natural to full coverage, without heavy make-up. The aim is to unify, then let the skin breathe and move freely.

“The best complexion starts on rested skin, not layers.”

Preparing the skin before applying the base

Start with a gentle cleansing, followed by a fine mist of water. Next, apply a hyaluronic acid serum, as it quickly plumps up the epidermis. Light reflects better as soon as the first layer of product is applied.

Wait 60 seconds between each step, then seal with a light protective cream. In 3 minutes, the skin becomes suppler, so make-up adheres better and marks less. On the other hand, avoid excessively greasy textures, which cause the material to migrate and shine.

• Moisturize first thing in the morning and before going to bed.
• Massage for 30 seconds to activate microcirculation.
• Choose a shade close to your neck.
• Apply a small amount of product, then adjust.
• Lightly fix the T-zone, not the whole face.

Step-by-step application and tints

Place a pea-sized dab in the center of the face. Spread outwards with warm fingers, as the material melts better this way. As a result, shadowy areas are brightened without a mask effect, and the skin retains its texture.

In terms of shade, start with 1 to 2 shades close to your natural skin tone. Also, correct redness with a slightly golden shade, then adjust on the jawline. This choice makes make-up even more discreet and consistent in daylight.

A dense brush blurs quickly, while a dampened sponge refines the edges. On the other hand, superimpose in dabs, rather than one thick layer that grays and crumbles. In short, three thin strokes are better than one heavy, unwieldy application.

Holding and touch-ups

For staying power, powder only the T-zone with an impalpable micro-texture. In this way, make-up stays luminous on the cheeks, and the relief remains lively. What’s more, an alcohol-free setting mist prolongs comfort, especially in dry air.

During the day, warm up the material with your finger, then pat it into the marked areas. Also, a drop of dry oil on the cheekbone restores glide without shine. In just 10 seconds, the complexion looks more even and radiant.

Expert advice and precautions

Dermatologists recommend avoiding fragrances if your skin reacts or feels tight. So check the INCI list, and test locally behind the ear. Today, many formulas feature non-comedogenic bases and soothing active ingredients.

Oily skin? Prefer light silicone textures, with absorbent silica on the T-zone. Also, apply a touch of concealer just over imperfections, before make-up, to keep it light. Dry skin? Mix a drop of emulsion with the base on the back of your hand.

After the holidays, it takes the body 24-48 hours to balance and drain. So drink water, sleep early and walk to boost simple microcirculation. In addition, a two-minute facial massage relaxes and smoothes the features.

• Maquillage