I enjoy applying makeup. Not only do I feel better when I have it on, but I find the whole process of application even more interesting.
But I have seen many girls with too much makeup on; I now know better than to pile it up.
In fact, at the moment I’m obsessed with the nude makeup look. No, I’m not talking about heavy contouring that seems to be the craze, but more of playing up the skin tone and making the skin look healthier than it already is.
Somewhere between not using any makeup at all and having too much of it, that is what I am trying to achieve: a clean, polished look.
I realized the first step is to just use foundation in areas where it is needed, and use colors that are closest to your natural hue.
To make it simpler, I tried to divide the skin into three color groups, and hopefully yours will fall into one of the three. The products I chose were the ones I thought would be the easiest to use.
Simple rules
Set your foundation. Like I mentioned earlier, dab lightly on spots that need it and then blend. Covering the whole face with thick foundation doesn’t make you look fresh but rather overdone and aging.
Leave some shine. A little shimmer gives your face dimension. Choose one product that will help light bounce, whether it be a blush, illuminizer or eye shadow.
Remember not to be heavy-handed with application. Anyway you can always add on to what you already have.
Two is enough. Going two shades up is the limit when choosing a color for your blush, lippie and even eye shadow. Your skin tone would be the best guide when picking a shade.
Starry eye. With this look, your eyes should be the focus but still keeps everything to the bare minimum. Skip the eyeliner and just add one mascara if needed. During the day, skip the mascara and eye shadow all together.
About the lip tint: Your lips should look stained, not painted on, so choose a lippie that’s creamy in texture rather than glossy or matte.
Fair skin
1. Make Up For Ever HD foundation in 107 pink. The HD range includes complexion products designed for the new needs of high definition image using very fine ingredients for an invisible, natural makeup finish.
2. NARS Blush in Orgasm. If you want to look natural yet still have a hint of color, this is a good choice. It is easy to apply and leaves a veil of color.
3. Shu Uemura lipstick in M932 nude beige has just the right amount of pinkish tone that makes it still look natural.
4. MAC Naked Lunch is an amazing shimmery beige shade that almost looks wet.
Olive skin
1. Becca Foundation in Olive is a medium to buildable coverage that blends perfectly into skin. It has mattifying and shine-control properties and minimizes pore appearance.
2. Looking for the right blush for olive skin can be a bit tricky because of its green undertones. La Prairie Cellular Radiance cream blush in peach glow will give a fresh dewy finish perfect for this skin shade.
3. You need a lipstick that will brighten up the face without getting the attention, and Maybelline’s Totally Toffee will give you just that.
4. For your eyes, try Estee Lauder eye shadow in Copper Penny. It is a pale golden-bronze shadow that will brighten up your eyes without making them look too sparkly.
Dark skin
1. Easy to apply with a seamless finish, Chanel perfection Lumière will give you a naturally flawless finish.
2. Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact in bronze creates a glow.
3. Clinique’s Almost Lipstick in Black Honey is sheer and will give you a unique natural tone that will make you lips come alive.
4. Use your ring finger and gently dab Shiseido’s cream eye shadow in RB306 on your lids to brighten up your eyes.