Wednesday, June 19, 2013

5 Tips for Achieving the Natural “No Makeup” Look

Whether you face the challenge of uneven skin tone or a constant battle with blemishes, finding the right blend of makeup to achieve a flawless, natural look can be a challenge. Certain formulas might not conceal quite enough while others appear cake-y or excessively shiny. But, there’s no reason to stop trying – we have five secrets behind creating an airbrushed, natural complexion for a perfect summer look.

1. Pick the right primer

Primer is essential for keeping a face looking fresh all day long. By filling in pores and providing an even surface for your foundation to cling to, a primer helps your look last longer and appear fresher.

There’s a long list of primers to choose from, so picking the right product may be tricky. But, like with most other skincare products, consider your skin type and condition when selecting the formula that’s right for you. Is your skin still dry from winter? Maybe it’s oily from the recent surges of warm weather? In general, an oil-free, silicone-free formula is usually beneficial for most skin types, specifically sensitive and acne-prone skin. If you’ll be outside for more than a few minutes at a time, a primer with SPF, like Philosophy’s The Supernatural is a great choice. As a reminder, never wear SPF-containing primers or makeup at night if you're taking flash photography, lest you want to appear ghostly!

Expert application advice: Always apply primer following your daily moisturizer. Beauty expert Teni Panosian suggests letting the primer settle into the skin for about a minute before adding additional layers of foundation or creams. Many makeup artists like to apply primer with a foundation brush to ensure every nook and crevice on the face is covered for more flawless results.

2. Switch up foundation

With the vast array of foundations available today, it can be dizzying stepping into your nearest makeup store and attempting to decipher between brands and formulas. However, learning more about what’s behind the newest formula trends can give you an advantage. Vogue beauty editors, like Lisa Niven, have touted the benefits of beauty balms (also known as “bb creams”) for providing glowing, perfected skin in one simple step by combining nourishing ingredients like antioxidants and hyaluronic acid with lightweight concealers.

In addition to bb creams, foundations are available in a variety of different textures, like mousses, foams and sticks. You might like sticking to one trusty foundation, but your skin may change in response to seasonal fluctuations in temperature and humidity, and may benefit from different types of formulas at different times of year.

Expert application advice: Use a dampened makeup sponge or a foundation brush with dense bristles for an even, thin layer of makeup. These tools – instead of your fingers – help create a lightweight look while evenly covering imperfections and discoloration – which is essential for the “no makeup” makeup look. To apply your base, Panosian suggests spreading a small amount of your chosen product to the back of your hand, and gently press your brush or sponge into the product. Dot the product all around the face, concentrating on the center of the face and moving outward. The key here is to press down gently, but firmly, and blend, blend, blend!

3. Know your concealers

Concealers are lifesavers when you need to even out trouble spots – especially when it comes to blemishes and undereye circles. Unfortunately, many women skip concealer and rely on foundation to provide the extra coverage needed. Makeup artist Ross Burton advises O! Magazine that using a concealer that matches your skin tone is better than most foundations for masking discolorations because it boasts denser pigments. Switching to concealers for your source of coverage will lighten up your look and make skin appear more natural, not covered in makeup.

Also, it’s important to use concealer in the right texture. Keep in mind that creamier formulas, like Jane Iredale Circle Delete Concealer Number 1, are best for mature skin or under the eye. Drier, stick formulas like Dermablend Quick Fix Concealer SPF 30 Beige are ideal for blemishes, oily areas around the nose and other facial discolorations on younger skin.

Expert application advice: For undereye application, press your ring finger into the creamy concealer. Rub the product on the back of your hand to slightly warm the concealer so it melts flawlessly into the skin. Then, gently dab product under the eyes, concentrating only on the dark areas directly under the eye. For blemishes and discoloration, reach for a dry, stick concealer. Using a concealer brush, lightly dab the concealer in a painting motion only to the discolored skin. Use the original foundation brush to blend the concealer, however this step isn’t necessary if the concealer is an exact match to your skin tone.

4. Define your features

The right shade and texture of bronzer and blush can be applied to the hollows under your cheekbones, the creases of the eye, the temples and just under the chin for natural contouring. By placing the product in these areas, you’ll bring out the natural contours of your face. Panosian points out that this is a great way to sculpt a beautiful frame for your eyes and lips to stand out.

To find your most natural contouring shades, choose a powder or cream based foundation that’s in your skin tone family (pink, olive, neutral) and three shades darker than your skin. Look for products like Too Faced The Secret to No Makeup that provide a palette so you can customize the light and dark shades you use to contour your complexion. Light pinks ranging from peach to orchid tend to look most natural as well.

Expert application advice: Use an angled brush to apply bronzer to the hollows of your cheeks. Not sure how to find the right spot? Make a fish face and follow the indentation in the cheeks. Concentrate the bronzer in the outer portion of the hollows (closer to your ears). Then, dip the same brush tip into the blush. Glide this color just above hollows, on top of the cheekbones. This line of color should be fainter than the bronzer. Use your foundation brush or sponge to gently blend any visible or harsh lines. Panosian also suggests using the same bronzer in the crease of the eyes and along the sides of the nose to complete the look.

5. Embrace powder

As Allure beauty editor Sophia Panych points out, setting powder does exactly what its name entails: it sets your makeup, giving you added hours of touch-up free skin. Setting powder is also essential for preventing makeup creases, such as under the eyes and around the mouth. Panych suggests choosing a powder that’s finely milled and translucent; these formulas have longer staying power, look more natural and allow the makeup sitting underneath to shine through nicely.

Expert application advice: Dip the large, fluffy brush in the powder and swirl it around to pick up product. Then, tap the brush out lightly to eliminate excess powder and dust the brush head over your entire face. Use a smaller, flatter brush to apply the powder under the eyes, around the nose and in between the brows.

While you might not wake up with perfect skin every day, you can fake an effortless, flawless complexion with this step-by-step guide. Sometimes a clean and polished face is all you need to bring out your inner beauty. For a youthful, fresh bonus to the look, apply a few coats of volumizing mascara and a swipe of tinted lip balm!

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See also:

A L’Occitane Product for Every Skincare Concern

Natural Hair Texture Tips and Treatments: Hair Care Guide to Fuss-Free Styling for Curls and Waves

Hair Care Guide to Products and Treatments: Understanding the Top 9 Ingredients

Spring Break Beauty: How to Get Radiant, Glowing Skin at Home


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