Some people have unlocked the mystery of perpetual put-togetherness. That maddening ability to look utterly polished whether they're grabbing their morning oat latte or surviving another day of back-to-back meetings. Makeup artist Maria Moon knows their secret, and she's here with Beauty Class to let us all in on it.
"Everyday elegance isn't about perfection," Maria explains, "it's about creating a really good canvas." Her philosophy is all about **high maintenance to be low maintenance** a mantra that's about to revolutionise your beauty routine.
For Maria, everyday elegance starts long before you pick up a makeup brush. "Skincare is really key," she insists, but it's the prep work that makes all the difference. Think of it as an investment in future you. (The one who's running late but needs to look like she has her life somewhat together.)
"I always feel like if you've looked after your skin and you've done something really simple, like tidying up your brows or having your lashes done, when you do put your makeup on, it's always going to be so much quicker."
It's the beauty equivalent of having a capsule wardrobe: put in the groundwork, and everything else just flows.
The Non-Negotiable Four
When it comes to her everyday essentials, Maria keeps it refreshingly simple. Her holy trinity of base products are: "Tinted moisturiser, concealer, and powder.” But the fourth element that transforms the entire look: "I always think blush and bronzer," she says, "A lot of people skip cheek colour, but it's the one thing that lifts the face so much more." Her trick is using bronzer and blusher as a multi-purpose - dust a bit on your eyelids for instant dimension. "Depending on what product you're buying, it can be multipurpose. Think temples, bridge of the nose, even a touch on the lips for that flush-from-within look.”
But perhaps Maria's most genius tip is also her simplest: find yourself a signature lip. "Use a lipstick that's a shade deeper than your natural lip. Not a night-out lipstick, but something that's kind of in between your day and night look." It's the beauty equivalent of a statement necklace: one simple addition that makes everything feel intentional.
"It's so easy because we're busy and on the move. You can chuck it on in the cab or walking down the street, and that will become your signature everyday look."
We've all been there: four minutes to spare and a face that needs help. Maria's advice is to skip the wing liner (wise words) and embrace the power of fingertips. "If you're in a rush, apply tinted moisturiser and concealer with clean hands. The warmth helps it melt into your skin much quicker."
"The most common mistake is probably too much highlighter," she reveals. "If you're already using cream blushes or something with shimmer, and you're naturally glowing throughout the day, you're just going to look a sweaty!" Her tip is to let your natural oils do the work. "They'll act as your highlighter, so there's no need to go too hard on it."
Maria’s approach to everyday elegance isn't about adding more, it's about being smarter with less. It's the difference between looking like you tried too hard and looking like you were born with impeccable taste. And isn't that exactly what we're all after?