She’s a supermodel who is used to being primped and preened for catwalks and magazine covers, but Shanina Shaik deviates towards a more low-key look behind the scenes. In recent weeks, the part-Saudi runway star has showcased a seemingly makeup-free beauty look on her Instagram account, plumping for bare skin and natural lashes over smoky eyes and statement lips. And it’s not just for beach days – the Victoria’s Secret model isn’t afraid to dial down the glamour for birthday parties, lazy lunches, and traveling days.
As a result, Australian-born Shaik, who wed Gregory Andrews (aka DJ Ruckus) last month, is encouraging us to ditch a full face, particularly as the summer months take hold. Now, while not all of us are blessed with supermodel-worthy skin, a few key products can help you achieve an apparently makeup-free face (while still offering a little coverage and enhancement, where wanted).
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A quenching moisturizer is a necessity for soft, supple skin, and Shaik, who was born to a Saudi-Pakistani father and a Lithuanian-Australian mother, favors options from La Mer and Kora Organics, the beauty line founded by fellow model Miranda Kerr, she told Popsugar in 2015. The model also relies on manuka honey, which she uses as a natural moisturizer and topical blemish buster. “It’s basically a deep moisturizer, but it has a healing agent to it, so over time it heals acne and dark spots,” she told Into The Gloss. “It just gives me a more even skin tone. It’s also great that it’s natural. I’ve been making a lot of natural masks lately, with yogurt, avocado, and vitamin E. It’s crazy how much that works.”
For those who want a little overall coverage, mix a few drops of foundation with your moisturizer for a natural, imperceptible effect. Dior Face & Body Foundation (SAR/AED 184), Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk (SAR/AED 245), and NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer (SAR/AED 225) all fit the bill when it comes to a light, skin-like finish. If you naturally have freckles, make sure they still shine through with a sheer application, or add a faux dusting with a brow pencil.
For those forgoing base, or who want to cover up any dark circles or blemishes, a well-blended application of concealer will do the trick. Shaik uses Fenty Beauty‘s Match Stix (SAR/AED 126), she told Byrdie. “I use it for any blemishes and under-eye concealer. It looks so natural on my skin.” NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer (SAR/AED 165) also gives a natural, nourishing wash of coverage.
Natural lashes (tinted, if you prefer), a non-glossy lip balm, and brushed-up brows (Benefit’s Gimme Brow+ Volumizing Eyebrow Gel, SAR/AED 125 will keep them in place) round out the understated look, with healthy, luminous skin left as the standout star. For those who want to amp things up for evening, a slick of mascara (Shaik routinely cites Maybelline Great Lash as her favorite) and a cream blush (such as Burberry’s Lip & Cheek Bloom, SAR/AED 158) add just enough drama without distracting from the pared-back base.
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