Like a lot of women my age, I learnt how to do my makeup during the rise of the Youtube Beauty Guru. In 2015 and 2016, good makeup consisted of a heavy contour, blindingly-bright highlighter and Anastasia Beverley Hills Dip Brow. Remember?

But a lot has changed since then and, at the start of 2021, I made it my mission to amp up my look and give it a much-needed refresh. I wanted a soft glam signature look that was quick to do, long-lasting and required less product.

This led me to the one base makeup technique. You might be used to layering your cream products and setting – or ‘baking’ – them with powder. With this technique, all the cream products are applied in one base and then set into place last. Here’s how it’s done.

Step #1: Skin Prep

Prepping your skin before you apply makeup is important, sis! It makes application a dream and helps it to last way longer. I prep my skin with moisturiser and serums to suit my skin type.

Colour correction also counts as preparing the skin for makeup, so do your concealing now, too.

Step #2: Highlight + Contour

In the past, I would only start highlighting and contouring after applying a layer of foundation over my whole face. Not anymore!

Now, I apply concealer on all the high points of my face to highlight them. Then I contour the areas of my face where I need definition and shadows. This is normally where it looks a little crazy, but hang tight.

Step #3: Foundation

Now it is time to apply your foundation. Remember that layers of product are no match for colour corrector when it comes to concealing dark circles, acne scars or hyperpigmentation.

For this step, I apply foundation to every other area of the face that isn’t highlighted or contoured. I also use my foundation brush to blend any harsh lines created by the highlight and contour for a seamless finish.

Step #4: Set in Place

Because the concealer and foundation are liquid formulas you’ll need to set them with a powder to avoid movement or transfers. But not by baking it, which can leave your skin looking dry and cakey.

I recommend you set your face by simply pressing the powder into the skin lightly. No need for any excess product. It does the job while keeping the skin glowing and maintaining a skin-like finish.

Step #5: The Final Touch

Time for the fun stuff! Apply your bronzer, blush and highlighter and define the eyes and lips. Have fun with this step because this is where the look comes together. And put your own personal mark on it.

This technique has shaved down my makeup routine to under 30 minutes, making getting ready much easier. It also feels better on my skin as fewer layers are weighing me down. Simple, streamlined and stunning!