I'm No Makeup Artist, But These Simple Products Are All I'm Using in 2021

Anyone who knows me will tell you that my makeup skills are lacking. I only managed to do my first-ever successful winged liner last year, and I have absolutely no idea where half the products I own are actually supposed to be applied. However, while I might not be able to execute the perfect eye shadow look or know how to contour my nose, I do consider myself somewhat of an expert in simple, easy-to-use products, particularly creamy ones that I can apply with my fingers without too much thought. 

You see, my lack of makeup skills means that I’m particularly rubbish at using products that require any sort of artistic ability. Last year, as I found myself cooped up at home with some more time on my hands, I made it my mission to at least try some of the more taxing products in my collection. I spent hours experimenting with eye palettes, stocked up on color-correcting creams, and even dabbled in a bit of glitter. After several months of meticulously picking apart video tutorials and saving Instagram looks to copy, I can definitely say that I have learned a lot about my creative flair. Simply put, I don’t have any.

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(Image credit: @VALERIALIPOVETSKY)

I can’t fight it anymore—I’m a cream-makeup girl through and through. While powders can be messy, time-consuming, and downright dulling, cream products are quick and foolproof and leave skin looking, well, like real skin should. In fact, every makeup artist that I have turned to for help over the years has all told me the same thing: If you want a quick, glowing face, cream makeup products are the way forward.

This year, I’m putting my fiddly powders and pigmented liquids into storage and embracing a quicker, more natural makeup look. So if you’re anything like me and want to keep things simple and glowy this year, keep scrolling for the best cream makeup products around.

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Freelance Beauty Editor

Shannon Lawlor is a renowned beauty journalist and has contributed to Who What Wear’s beauty content since 2020. As a leading beauty editor, expert and brand consultant, she has over eight years of experience working for some of the industry’s most esteemed titles, including Who What Wear (of course), Glamour UK, Stylist, Refinery29 and Fabulous. Having also worked behind the scenes with some of the industry’s biggest brands and retailers, Shannon has a unique insight into what people really want from their beauty routines. Understanding that beauty lovers seek honest, open and responsible advice, she has it made her mission to demystify the intimidating world of beauty, taking a no-frills approach to the most relatable topics. While Shannon is the first to admit she doesn’t hold the answer to every beauty question out there, she is dedicated to sharing her expert insights in a bid to help. As a self-proclaimed lazy girl, Shannon has an affinity for easy-to-use, foolproof beauty products and has made it her mission to scope out the best of the best. When she’s not working, Shannon is likely soaking in the bath or giving no-holds-barred beauty reviews on Instagram from her bathroom floor.