Natural makeup doesn't mean no makeup. At its best, natural makeup makes you look like yourself in a slightly more polished form, with better skin, bigger eyes and more defined features. And while browns and beiges are still go-to colors for natural makeup, blushing pinks, pretty peaches and shimmery metallics can work as neutrals, too, depending on your skin tone.
Take Care of Your Skin
Natural makeup lets your skin take center stage, so be sure your skin is top condition. Try using a humidifier at night--it hydrates your skin while you sleep so it doesn't look sallow or saggy, says Patricia Wexler, a New York City dermatologist, in "Allure" magazine--and stick with a gentle skin care routine that includes an acne spot treatment that works for you.
Bronzer, not Blush
Rosy-tinted blush can draw attention to redness and blotchy spots and looks unnatural on most skin types, says Arianne Damboise, makeup artist and consultant for Too Faced Cosmetics, in "More" magazine. Damboise recommends using bronzer instead--it gives your skin a natural glow, and Damboise says you're less likely to accidentally over-apply it.
Mind Your Brows
Neatly groomed brows are must when you're keeping things natural, says "Ladies Home Journal." Stick with a natural shape and don't over-pluck, but do use a sharp pair of tweezers to remove hairs that fall outside the natural curve of your eyebrows.
Light Touch
Heavy makeup is the opposite of natural, so use a light hand to apply liquid foundation to the center of your face and then blend it outward using a brush, recommends Tyrone Traylor, a makeup artist who has worked on ads for Garnier skin care, in "Allure." Working outward keeps your makeup from getting too heavy and gives you more coverage in the T-zone, where you're most likely to need it. "Allure" also recommends using blotting papers instead of powder to reduce shine so your skin looks luminous.
Smooth Surface
Use a makeup primer or silicone-based serum to create a smooth surface for foundation, recommends Damboise. It will make wrinkles and imperfections virtually disappear, especially if you top it with a little concealer.
Curling Mascara
Curling mascara opens up your eyes for maximum natural impact, according to "Ladies Home Journal." Use a brown curling mascara for the most natural look, and team it with peach, taupe or brown eyeshadow for a natural, pretty look.
Member Comments