It may seem simple to master a natural make-up look but the barely-there, ‘genetically-blessed’ look is harder than you think… Here’s how to master it just in time for summer.
The digital age has opened a door for make-up bloggers and vloggers allowing people to see exactly how they do their make-up through online tutorials. This has resultantly upped the standards for popular make-up looks and the latest look is to wear your make-up in a way that makes it look like you aren’t wearing any!
The natural make-up look is a popular craze among many You-Tubers such as Emily Jean.
But if You-Tube isn’t your thing or you can’t be bothered to keep stopping and starting the video’s while you attempt to re-create a master piece, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our step by step guide to au naturale.
1. Wash
Wash your face using a gentle soap and flannel. Don’t use an exfoliant as it will bring out the redness in your complexion. A gentle cleanser such as Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser (£15) works well to softly buff the skin clean.
2. Moisturiser
Apply a pea-sized amount all over the face; you want to make sure your skin is soft and hydrated so your makeup sits right but isn’t greasy. Do this even if you have oily skin. Sisley’s Moisturiser with Cucumber (£104) is a brilliant lightweight day cream which absorbs straightaway, making it perfect for priming the face.
The best moisturiser of 2019 according to celebrities, experts and beauty editors
3. Foundation
If you have clear skin, use a tinted moisturiser to warm-up the complexion. We love Estee Lauder’s DayWear (£43) as it adapts to your natural skin colour when you apply it – the microbeads are seriously magic. If, however, you prefer more coverage, apply foundation but only to the places you feel are problematic or over pigmented. Lancome’s Teint Miracle (£29.50) will provide excellent coverage without the cakey finish. Whichever you use, remember to be sparse and blend, blend, blend.
4. Concealer
Taking a small brush, we like Mac’s fiber flat brush number 195 (£19), apply concealer sparingly to problem areas, this technique is called micro concealing. For dark circles, swipe the brush under your eyes, then pat with a finger to blend.
5. Powder
If you suffer from shine, use a large brush and powder that matches your skin tone to dust all over. Try bareMinerals Mineral Veil finishing powder (£21) which will absorb any excess oil. Do not use a bronzer, this look is all about making the most of your natural colouring.
6. Blush
Pick out a cream blush that is soft in colour and as close to your natural ‘blush’ as possible. Bourjois Little Round Pot Cream blushes (£7.99) offer a great range of natural colours that are easy to blend. Apply your chosen product to the apples of your cheeks, exactly where you would naturally flush, and blend until you have a very subtle colour. Add a little of the cream blush to your lips to enhance their natural pigment.
7. Eyes
With the barely-there makeup look, curling the eyelashes can be enough (Shu Uemera’s set are unbeatable (£20) but if you do like a little more definition, using a thin-wand mascara comb right through the lashes, applying a maximum of two coats to each eye. For blonde lashes opt for brown mascara and for darker, you can stick with black. We suggest using Clinique’s Naturally Glossy Mascara (£17.50).
8. Eyebrows
It’s essential not to have a strong line, if you have very light brows or patches, blend a colour sparingly to give a little shape. Heavy eyebrows are one of the biggest giveaways of this look if done wrong. Bobbi Brown’s Light Brow Kit (£35), with its dual shadow, will allow you to apply as much or as little as you need.
Trick for fair skin: Try face tan. This glorious invention will instantly warm your complexion and make dark circles and blemishes way less obvious before you even have to pick up a makeup brush.
