Expert tips for fresh, flawless makeup that looks, well, like you’re not wearing makeup.
Start by Perfecting Your Skin
So that makeup blends in easily‚ first wash with cleanser and a cloth to gently exfoliate your face, says Tom Pecheux‚ creative makeup director for Estée Lauder.
Moisturize and Even Out Skin Tone
The fastest, most natural way to do this is with a tinted lotion, which also contains sun protection. Because it’s sheer, you don’t have to match it to your skin exactly, as you have to do with foundation. You can even go slightly deeper to warm up your complexion, says New York City makeup artist Polly Osmond. Apply it like a basic moisturizer.
Conceal Any Flaws
For visible breakouts or deep undereye circles, use a pigment-rich concealer. Its small applicator deposits just the right amount of makeup, which is key. “The trick is not to use too much concealer,” says Osmond. “That just accentuates problem areas.” For blemishes, dab, blend, and build up coverage in thin layers. For dark circles, swipe the wand under your eyes, then pat with a finger to blend.
Use Powder If Needed
If your skin gets shiny, follow with an oil-absorbing powder. (Note: If your skin is very oily, skip the tinted moisturizer and use only concealer and powder.) Swirl on powder using a brush and a circular motion; this will leave an undetectable veil of cover-up (not a powdery look).
Pick a Warm Cheek Color
Cream blushes in warm peaches or pinks “give skin a natural, subtle flush,” says Pat McGrath, the global creative design director for P & G Beauty. (Cool pinks, on the other hand, look more made-up.) Apply the darker pink with your fingers, blending out in circles. Top your cheekbones with the lighter pink to highlight them.
Now Define Your Eyes and Lips
To make sure you’re using the lightest touch, do your makeup in daylight, if possible. Prop up your mirror near a window.
Shade Eyelids
A soft, brownish tint enhances your eyes’ natural contours without showing up as shadow. “Choose a shade slightly darker than your skin,” says McGrath. “Brush it into the creases and along the lower lashes, making sure there are no hard edges.” For extra eye brightening, she applies eye enhancers or shimmers to the centers of the lids, the brow bones, and the inner corners of the eyes.
Dot on Eye Pencil (Optional)
If your eyes need a little extra definition (or you want a slightly less bare look for evening), lightly dot a soft gray or brown pencil between the top lashes.
Subtly Amp Up Lips
To get a pretty tint (that also lasts), pick a shade that matches your lips exactly and press the color into your lips with your fingertip rather than applying it directly from the tube. Concentrate it in the center and blend out.
Enhance Lashes
Defined lashes are essential, even for a no-makeup look. “You can forfeit shadow and liner but never mascara,” says Osmond. Apply two coats to the top lashes (if they’re blond, use brown mascara; if darker, brownish black). For a boost, use a flat eyeliner brush to grab a bit of mascara from the wand and apply to just the roots of the bottom lashes. “Coating the lashes entirely creates a spidery effect,” cautions Pecheux.
source: How to Do a Natural No Makeup Look (Real Simple)
