NudeStix's Effortless Pencil Format Proves No-Makeup-Makeup Is Making A Comeback

For such a long time we seem to have seen nothing but insta-brows and super contoured cheekbones within the pages of our magazines and across our social media feeds; makeup has been anything but subtle, the focus being on the bigger and more chiselled the better, but one of the biggest trends set to retake the stage during the latter part of 2017 and into 2018 is the no-makeup-makeup look. Think effortlessly dewy skin, beautifully natural cheekbones, minimal eyeshadow and mascara, a dusting of highlighter and just a touch of nude gloss. Even better, going totally makeup-free is set to be the coolest look of the Autumn season - thanks to the catwalk looks of Isabel Marant, Dior, Giambattista Valli, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy and Stella McCartney. Although I love makeup and adore dressing my features up, this year I've definitely been embracing more understated shades and embracing the 'no makeup' look (intentionally or otherwise.) As I get older I definitely feel like less is more, and the focus needs to be on opening up my eyes and adding radiance to my skin, rather than covering up my complexion with 27 different layers of slap.

If you've reached makeup lethargy and just want to embrace a simpler approach to your daily regime, then this is the perfect time to do so. The high street is awash with so many radiance boosting bases, highlighters and eyeshadow shades, while the more premium end of the market is focusing on effortless radiance and adding just a subtle flush of colour. Step in NudeStix... If you've not heard of the brand then you could be forgiven: although I blogged about it way back in 2014 when it first launched into Space NK, it's been rather under-the-radar and for one reason or other not as big as I anticipated three years ago. NudeStix is the brainchild of sisters Ally and Taylor, who have gone out of their way to create something that appeals to all women and all generations; makeup brands at the time simply didn't appeal to their no-nonsense attitude, so they created a streamlined collection designed to provide a quick and easy nude look that works for all faces and can be 'applied in all places.'

All the products come in pencil or stick format, making them not only easier to store and pop in your handbag for on-the-go, but a godsend if you travel a lot too. They're also multi-functional, designed to offer a colour or shade that can be used in a multitude of ways - because experimentation is what it's all about after all. Including soft and creamy concealers that are incredibly pigmented and effective at covering dark circles (although be wary if you're seeing fine lines as the texture does seem to sit within them,) eyeshadow creams, lip and cheek tints, plus a new range of bronzing, blush and highlighter tones to enhance your complexion and leave it looking buff, it's about a capsule collection of must-haves that you reach for every single day.

I'm seriously impressed with the texture and pigmentation of everything I've tried, although the highlighter and bronzer 'Nudies' do have a tendency to take off a lot of my base as I swipe them over skin - so they're maybe best to be buffed in with the brush end or used on foundation-free skin! (Tell me I'm not the only one that struggles with these kind of sticks and wonder how they're actually supposed to be used?!) At £24.00 and £32.00 respectively, these are by no means cheap cosmetics designed to be an impulse purchase; these have been designed to be used to the very last drop (or the very last bit of the bullet if you will.) The idea remains a great one and their UK resurgence is perfectly timed for the new season, as we step into Autumn and want to transition our looks accordingly, so here's to a makeup regime that takes less than ten minutes but still looks fab. Effortless makeup, I heart you.

Are you a fan of no-makeup-makeup? Will you be celebrating its comeback this season or clinging onto your contouring palette for dear life?

SHOP THE RANGE

NudeStix are available in Space NK stores and online via Look Fantastic, priced £24.00 each. 

The 'Nudies' (bronzer/highlighter/blush) are priced £32.00 and available via Cult Beauty.

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