Make-Up Trend: Foundation Free Skin Is In

The recent Clarins’ skindex report found that one in six women has completely stopped wearing foundation as part of their everyday routine. Due to WFH, restrictions and lockdowns, staying at home gave women more flexibility and skincare time, with 47% saying their confidence in their skin has improved over the past year. 

Here, we chat with Charlotte McHale, Clarins Training Manager about her tips on going foundation-free on most days or forgo it altogether. In addition, we cover lifestyle tweaks and how to find the best foundation alternatives. 

Why do you wear foundation?

Firstly, ask yourself, why do you wear foundation? McHale says, “many people use foundation for the wrong reasons like covering their acne, dark spots and blemishes. We have a concealer to do that.” Adding, “Foundation is about getting an even skin tone, not concealing imperfections.” 

Dermatologists also think that covering up acne with thick foundations delays the healing process and could cause further irritation. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends reading all the labels on your make-up. Ensure you see one of the following terms on your products: Oil-free, won’t clog pores, or non-comedogenic.

All Clarins foundation products are non-comedogenic, so it doesn’t clog pores, exacerbating acne and flare-ups. 

Opting out of foundation wearing also means having to evaluate your skin. Experts suggest actively addressing underlying skin concerns and building a more sustainable skincare regime and lifestyle tweaks.

Upping up your skincare game

Stripping down make-up and boosting skincare was 2021’s most significant beauty trend. Pinterest has dubbed it ‘skinimalism,’ stating, ‘It’s the end of the caked-on look’.  

This encourages women to embrace a ‘slow’ beauty and let their natural skin texture shine through. It looks like 2022 is following suit, and in the next couple of years, we will embrace this as the new normal. 

Searches for natural everyday have increased by 180% with a particular interest in France, the UK and Germany. 

While living foundation-free will not guarantee great skin for life, occasional hormonal acne may show up, especially if ‘it’s the time of the month’ or you eat loads of sugar. Inevitable cravings, can’t blame you. It will make your skin look healthier and fresh. 

Clarins skincare experts recommend you stick to four daily must-haves consisting of cleanser, moisturiser, serum and SPF. In addition, McHale strongly recommends: “exfoliate once or twice a week to cultivate even healthier skin.” 

Did you know? Exfoliation increases up to 70% of product absorption, meaning your serums or moisturisers will not go to waste.  

Beauty Daily Pro Tip: Being ill-equipped with product knowledge and usage -like overusing, applying incorrectly, or using the wrong products – can be counterproductive, leading to a range of skin issues. A minimalist approach to your skincare will be beneficial. Take our quick quiz to get your beauty diagnosis. Get your personalised product plans straight to your inbox.   

What products can I use as a foundation alternative?

Research shows that this year nearly one in three women (31%) is opting for a lighter base; either light coverage foundation, tinted moisturiser or BB cream. One in six (16%) isn’t wearing any foundation at all. 

Primer

If you’re having a good face day and don’t want to wear foundation, you can still use a primer to liven up your skin, just like McHale who raves about the SOS UV Primer. She also loves UV PLUS [5P] Anti-Pollution Rose, saying it’s her daily SPF, “it has a slightly rosy tint.”

Concealer

If your skin is naturally quite even, you might not need a foundation. You might just need to go in with concealer. A small brush can pinpoint the pimple and then press it in with your finger to blend. 

Serum texture foundation

There’s also a little bit of an old-fashioned concept that foundation is not good for the skin. 
Formulations are now made with skin-loving ingredients without clogging the pores. 
Try a serum-like texture that offers a barely-there feel and is light on coverage – like Skin Illusion. 

Here are your burning Google questions:

If you stop wearing make-up, will your skin improve? Maybe! Dermatologists advise letting your skin rest. Wearing make-up every single day gives your skin few opportunities to breathe. If you can, try going without any make-up at least one day a week. 

How can I be naturally pretty?

Don’t let your temporary skincare dilemma tell you that you have an ugly life. Nope, not ever. It takes a lot of effort if you want beautiful skin for the long haul.  

You must do whatever makes you feel best, with foundation or foundation-free skin. The Clarins beauty coaches are always keen to give expert advice via virtual consultation or in-person. Recommendations are not just limited to skincare or products, but also application techniques and making sure they fit your preferences and lifestyle.