“The end result is always glowing, even skin”
Ever wondered what someone who’s tried every beauty product ever actually uses each day? We asked Vi’s mate Kate Lancaster – a beauty editor who writes for the likes of Vogue, GRAZIA and Harper’s BAZAAR – to break down her simple everyday makeup routine (spoiler: she’s a big fan of our gal Daydream Screen).
As a freelance beauty journalist, my weeks are pretty varied. On any given day, I could be starting my day with Zoom interviews from my home office, then heading to a PR lunch for the launch of a new beauty product, before sneaking in a quick meeting over coffee with a brand and racing back to my desk to write – so I need my makeup to be quite versatile and long-lasting, but never too ‘done’.
I used to fluff around with my makeup products, but since COVID I’ve gotten it down to a fine art that takes next to no time, with a focus on fresh, healthy skin and a natural finish. I use a lot of no-fuss, multi-purpose products to allow for shortcuts because A) I’m honestly so lazy, and B) I’m perpetually running late.
Sunscreen is OBVIOUSLY the most important step in my entire routine, so after I’ve allowed time for my vitamin C serum to sink in, I apply three pumps of Ultra Violette’s Supreme Screen SPF 50+ Hydrating SKINSCREEN™. Supreme is my absolute ride or die, because she is so hydrating that I don’t even need to use a dedicated day cream on my oily-combo skin – Supreme is my primer, moisturiser and SPF in one, which is why we’ve been besties for years.
Next comes my favourite base product, Ultra Violette’s Daydream Screen SPF50 Tinted Veil. I’ve been using Daydream ever since I snagged a sample from UV co-founder Ava Matthews back in August 2020, and it is hand on heart the BEST skin tint I’ve ever tried. In fact, the sample I stole wasn’t even close to my shade, but I wore it every damn day anyway because I loved the finish so much.
The fact that I’m using Daydream Screen as my base means that I could use a little less of Supreme Screen than I normally would (three pumps, instead of the five that I would normally do if I wasn’t getting added protection from Daydream). I do about 2-3 squeezes of Daydream Screen into the palm of my hand, as that gives my acne-prone complexion juuuust enough coverage for any breakouts, while still allowing my skin to show through.
The end result is always glowing, even skin, which is perfect for daily wear. I tend to follow with a tiny touch of concealer under my eyes and around my jaw to camouflage any hormonal breakouts, dab some bronzer and blush on my cheeks and eyes, add a slick of mascara to define my lashes and brush through my brows with a tinted brow gel.
Depending on what I’m doing for the day, I might drag a little brown winged liner along my lash line and add some illuminator to the high points of my face, plus some translucent powder through my T-zone to minimise shine later on. I’ll also reapply Daydream with a makeup sponge in the afternoon to top up my sun protection and keep everything looking fresh.
It’s a simple routine, but it always makes me feel polished, like I can at least appear to have my sh*t together. Having breakouts, I was always scared to opt for lighter skin tints but I’ve found that using a buildable formula like Daydream Screen ensures I get the glow and coverage that I need, without looking cakey. Plus, who’s gonna be mad at extra sun protection? I love that I can cut down on steps while still getting the full SPF50 protection I need.
Ready for your first date with Daydream? Shop Vi's sheer tinted glow-giver.
