Stripped back beauty
Less is more – a notion that applies not only to our sartorial choices, but also to how we approach skincare and make-up. Which is why we're getting inspired by women with minimal beauty routines. This week: artist and illustrator Akvilė Les.
Akvilė Les, 31
Personal brand profile: “I’m an artist and illustrator based in London. I work with lipsticks and mixed media on canvas and paper. I also collaborate with brands on marketing campaigns by creating illustrations and visuals.”
How would you describe your beauty personality?
I have a very natural, minimalist approach: less is more. Working in fashion, being exposed to a lot of products and being able to test a lot of products means that when I get home, I want to keep my routine minimal.
What products do you use daily?
Once every few weeks, I use a homemade scrub which I make with olive oil, lemon and natural honey. It’s great because it scrubs and moisturises my skin at the same time. I should mention that I’m really lucky – I’ve never had acne and have pretty good skin.
In terms of my daily routine, I wake up and apply CeraVe Daily Moisturising Lotion. If I’m wearing makeup, I’ll put on some NYX foundation or mineral powder by Gosh Copenhagen. Both brands are cruelty-free, and I switch between them depending on how I feel. Then I use a blush – also by Gosh Copenhagen – and apply some Pupa Milano mascara. Both of these brands were recommended to me by a beauty blogger friend, and I’ve been using them for the past four or five years. I’ll finish my look with some lip balm by Neutrogena.
Can you share a beauty faux-pas?
One thing that always baffles me is hearing about people who don’t remove their makeup in the evenings. I have sensitive eyes so if I went to bed with mascara on, it would probably be really bad!
How do you tend to your eyebrows?
I have quite light eyebrows; they’re not really defined. I used to fill them in with pencil but it’s a pain to do it all the time. There’s something that I always recommended and that I have been using for a long time now called Refectocil – It’s basically an eyebrow tint. I’ll leave it on for five minutes, then remove it with a cotton pad and water, and it holds for up to two weeks. Then I just brush my eyebrows.
What’s your go-to makeup look for a job interview?
I’d definitely keep it simple and really natural. Just the basics, so a light foundation to make the face look sleek and nice, mascara to help the eyes look expressive, and a lip balm.
What’s your signature make-up look for a date?
I usually still stick to the natural look. If it’s a really big occasion or a party, I might just use some shadow to create a smoky eye look. But since I have blue eyes and am quite pale, I don’t do well with contrasts, so I’ll use earthy and natural tones. For evening, I’ll probably do some light contouring as well.
Could you run me through your nighttime routine?
It’s very simple. I remove my makeup twice with Garnier Micellar Water and then I put on some hydrating lotion.