Why Your Moisturizer and Lip Balm Really Matter: The Skin Care–as–Makeup Phenomenon

Mackenzie Wagoner


Yesterday, Man Repeller's Leandra Medine penned a formal response to the comments she has received from readers and Instagram followers regarding her makeup routine-or, rather, her complete lack thereof. Medine is just one of a number of powerful women who go about their daily lives without foundation, concealer, or blush. Around the Vogue offices, too, legions of chic women, from Contributing Editor Camilla Nickerson to Fashion Director Tonne Goodman and Creative Digital Director Sally Singer regularly embrace supernaturally great skin-and little else-above the neck.

SEE MORE: Dita Von Teese Reveals the Strategies Behind Her Morning Routine


In Medine's case, the look is less of an act of mainstream defiance than one of self-confessed laziness, but no matter the motive, the fresh face is having a moment. If the recent fall 2014 collections are any indication, skin care may be the new makeup. See Pat McGrath's gleaming, dewy cheekbones at Victoria Beckham and Louis Vuitton, or Tom Pecheux's well-moisturized faces for Balmain-the backstage for which was more spa treatment than makeup encounter, with Pecheux giving his signature face massages to whoever sunk into his chair.

In fact, according to skin care-as-makeup proponent makeup artist Rose-Marie Swift, using your skin care strategically can eliminate the need for a foundation or highlighter altogether. For example, you could warm your skin tone up with jojoba oil in place of bronzer, which, besides being incredibly moisturizing, has an almost imperceptible yellow undertone that cuts through redness. "It really gets the skin tone to glow," says Swift of its counterbalancing effect. Ingredients like turmeric, contained in her RMS Beauty Oil, will help to correct blotchy skin and puffiness. And makeup artist Daniel Martin turns to a bit of clear lip balm, dabbed onto the eyelids for shine, in place of traditional shadow when he wants to leave the faces of clients Chloë Sevigny and Lauren Santo Domingo looking effortlessly undone.

So, for those who would rather risk exposing under-eye bags than, say, concealer on the collar of their perfect white poplin Acne tunic, here are a few of our favorite skin care-as-makeup tricks. Feel free to sleep in them.


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10 Best Beauty Looks for All Ages
Michelle Obama's Best-Dressed Moments
6 Ways to Makeover Your Workout