How many makeup products do you use in a day? A recent industry presentation declared that the mean figure is four per woman – and I was shamed by my own lack of restraint. While I’ll happily wear no makeup at all, I can’t remember the last time I made up using only four products. Still, the idea complements the pared-back fashion of the moment, so I wondered what the hardest working four would be.
A foundation stick is already a handbag staple for me, since its solid, layerable texture means it can be blended all over the face as dressed-up foundation, or dabbed locally as concealer wherever more coverage is desired. Bobbi Brown’s Skin Foundation Stick (£39) offers the best shade range and I’ll love it for ever, but in the past year I’ve also enjoyed Merit Beauty’s The Minimalist (£40), mainly because when I wear it, someone unfailingly compliments me on my skin, rather than on my makeup. It’s non-greasy, sheer and natural as a foundation, robust as a concealer and feels like nothing on the skin.
