Looking for a light foundation? Here’s what should be in your post-pandemic beauty kit

We’ve finally got places to go and people to see. With a renewed sense of what we want from our beauty routines after a over a year off, here’s a list of quick-fix hard-workers that will make your re-entry into the world of make-up a doddle.

The only thing is, the make-up you wore in March 2020 might be ready for the bin. For powders and dry ingredients, so long as it doesn’t smell or look funny, you should be fine. Mascaras, wet products and anything you apply with your fingers though will have a higher chance of carrying bacteria. Most beauty products will have a little tub image on their packaging and inside it says “6M”, “8M” or “12M”. This will refer to how long you should keep it.

So, what to do if your make-up bag is suddenly looking very empty?

The basics

All that time off from foundation and plenty of skincare indulging has us looking for a simple light foundation instead of anything too heavy-handed. You won’t find better than the Sculpted by Aimee Connolly Tint & Glow, €25. It has a glowyness to it that’s not glittery or shiny, just gleaming, hydrated skin, with redness and texture lightly veiled – all the makings of a perfect post-pandemic foundation.

For those in search of slightly more coverage on dark circles and under-eye bags, Fenty Beauty Bright Fix Eye Brightener, €24, in 16 shades, covers and brightens. It’s sweat and humidity proof so it won’t come away as you readjust to the weekday commute, and can be built up for heavier coverage.

Your mouth is about to become visible to other humans again, so dress her up in MAC Love Me Liquid Lip Colour, €22. It’s rich and creamy, hydrates the lips with argan oil and shea butter and comes in a wardrobe of 20 shades. With a precise doe-foot applicator, lining the lips is a doddle.

Forgotten how to do your brows? Not to worry, Charlotte Tilbury has sorted your problems with Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Brows, €25. It has a micro-precise brush that coats every hair, even the tiny ones at the front and end of your brow, and it adds texture and fullness if your brows are sparse.

Final flourishes

Feeling grey-faced after 18 months of swapping from computer screen to phone screen to TV screen? Cheat your way to an easy glow with cult-hero Bobbi Brown Mini Highlighting Powder-Pink Glow, €22.50. It fits in your tiniest handbag and leaves a natural shimmer to the skin thanks to micro-fine pearl pigments.

Friendly reminder – the mascara you last used a year ago is ready for the bin. Replace it with Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara, €11.50, the mascara that led to many a viral TikTok for its powers in giving volumizing length.