How To Get The Natural Makeup Look

WEARING ONLY A SMILE…

Nude, naked, natural …  The desired look is effortlessly enhanced but not made up. But going nude can get tricky. You want to look fresh and natural, but you’re spreading a mixture of earthy, brown-based shades all over your face. Sounds like the makings of a mud pie.

Here’s how to do it and look … not dead. Plus, a few tricks to make your makeup better, whether you decide to go nude, or not.

BARE MINIMUM

The girls on the runways are wearing a smile and a slew of other products to pull off their seemingly perfect complexions.

Here’s the tricky part: smoky eyes, nude palettes, and many other makeup fixes can make you look worse if you put the cart before the horse.  Consider these cosmetic assists before you strip down.

LOOK ALIVE

Conceal, even and brighten your complexion!

Soft blush on the apples of your cheeks is a must when the rest of your face is nude. These are beautiful, foolproof shades that illuminate and add a touch of color.

Physician’s Formula Nude Wear Glowing Nude Powder

Susan Posnick Color Me in Camelia

Nars Blush in Deep Throat

BRIGHT EYED

Makeup artists love to use a nude eyeliner pencil on the inside of the bottom lash line. Eyes look bigger and brighter. Instantly. Try these:

Nars Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Rue Bonaparte

Rimmel Scandal Eyes in Nude

ON TO THE PALETTES…

So, what to do with all of these neutral colors? The possibilities are endless but here are some basics to keep in mind:

Choose a medium-toned shade for your lid, a deeper shade to contour the crease and the lightest shades for your brow bone and inner corner of your eyes to highlight.

Urban Decay palette Naked2  is my favorite!

The Nudes by Maybelline

Too Faced Natural Eyes

Sonia Kashuk Eye Shadow Quads

Eye Couture by Sonia Kashuk in shimmer neutral

With all this bareness going on, you’ll need some definition.

Pump up your lash line with this trick:

L’Oreal Infallible Gel Lacquer Liner in Espresso has a brush that comes with it. The brush fits perfectly at the base of your upper lashes.

Starting in the outer corner, move the brush along your lashline with short strokes. They’ll connect and give the look of a full set of lashes, without the look of a liner.

LIPS

Barely there lips will complete your look. This selection of lip colors is neutral enough for a range of skin tones.

Color Sensational High Shine gloss in Iced Chocolate

Warm Nude by Beauty for Real

Lip Tar in Hush

MOST NATURAL STATE

There’s an English proverb that goes like this …

“Craftiness must have clothes, but truth loves to go naked.”

Well, the truth is that it takes some craftiness to pull off naked makeup. Now you can.

Celebrity Makeup Artist Tips: Look Better Right Now

Supermodel Stephanie Seymour once said: Beauty is not something you can just decide that every once in a while you’re going to take part in. You have to take care of yourself.

I couldn’t agree more but sometimes life calls for taking part in queso, chocolate, and cocktails. Afterward, it is time to use a magic wand of sorts.

Want to know how many models and clients I work with who have just come from a month long stay at a meditation retreat? Not many. That doesn’t mean they don’t want to look like they have … right now.

Here are a few little tricks I’ve used that will make you look as fresh as possible, as quickly as possible.

First and foremost, there’s only so much makeup can do. It’s been said that our skin is a mirror for everything that’s happening in our bodies and minds. There’s nothing like a few deep breaths and

Now that the blood is flowing, give yourself another boost:

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel treatment pads are mini miracle workers (start with the original formula for sensitive skin). Swipe the pad over your face and in minutes surface cells will be gone, allowing your skin to take on more moisture (the key to plump, gorgeous skin), making your concealer and foundation application a breeze.

Three Step Eyes

Step One: Brighten your eyes with the most universally flattering eyeshadow: GOLD

Step Two: Apply a wash of shadow from lash lines to brow bones.

Step Three: Add a tiny bit in the inner corners of your eyes to brighten and detract from dark circles.

If your skin is fair, try a beige-gold like Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow in Sandy Gold.

Medium to dark skin tones should opt for a warmer hue like Sephora Collection’s #81 Sunday Brunch.

Black, shiny, curled lashes are the key to, well, almost everything.

Givenchy’s Phenomen Eyes mascara has a ball-shaped brush that curls and defines every lash.

I can’t live without my Shu Uemura eyelash curler.

P.S. From Me to You...

Smith’s Rosebud Salve is a go-to in every makeup artist’s kit.

A tiny bit in the brows makes them look fresh and holds them in place with no stickiness. A touch on the cheekbones gives a nice highlight without the fussiness of glittery highlighters. Dab some on your lips and let it soak in a bit before adding your lip color.

Clear color and a semi-matte finish are what you need to complement the gold wash on your eyes.

I love Nars Satin Lip Pencils in Lodhi and Luxembourg.

Voila!

Your #nofilter prep is now complete. You’re calm, glowing from within and looking so polished with that killer lip color. If you have a magic wand in your beauty arsenal (or a queso connection), please share in the comment section below.