How to: Perfect your no make-up look

17^th February 2013

Gillian Horsley

Gillian Horsley

17 February 2013

All women crave that natural, no-make up look. The sort of look that makes people think we roll out of bed looking this gorgeous! The problem is that a no make-up look actually takes make-up! Don’t worry though – we’ve compiled a list of the best tips – to give you that au naturel glow, without looking like you are wearing make-up. Five easy steps for the perfect no-make up look:

Tinted moisturiser

There are loads of brands ranging from drugstore buys to high-end make-up counters offering the magic of the tinted moisturiser. It’s a sheer version of foundation so you don’t need to match it to your skin exactly. You can even go slightly deeper to warm up your complexion, says New York City makeup artist Polly Osmond.  It provides moisture, natural sheer coverage, evens out skin tone, and make sure to purchase one with SPF for that added protection.

Concealer, concealer, concealer!

A very important step for covering flaws. Everything from under eye circles, breakouts, acne scars, and it can even highlight and brighten your face. “The trick is not to use too much concealer,” says Osmond. “That just accentuates problem areas”.  Many brands offer concealers specifically for covering up acne (with acne blasting ingredients) or heavier bases for more coverage. Find the one best for your skin type.

Face powder

For those with oily skin, following up with an oil-absorbing powder is the most important step. Polly Osmond suggests skipping tinted moisturiser if your skin is very oily, and just use concealer and powder. Mineral make-up provides light coverage, SPF protection, oil absorbing powers and it’s great for your skin!

Warming cheek colour

Before our time, women were pinching their cheeks to bring a natural flush to their cheeks. Now sans pain we have the options of creams, highlighters, powders, stains – you name it! 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. She suggests sticking to warmer tones, as cooler shades tend to make people look more made up. The idea is to look natural, natural, natural!

Be a bronzed goddess!

Dump the fake tan, spray tans and tanning lotions. The object is to embrace your natural skin tone and enhance it.  It’s about providing an “I just came back from the beach” glow. Highlighting the areas of the face where the sun would hit with a natural shade of bronzer (no glitter or too much shimmer) will give you that super natural look. Stick with using very light strokes; first apply the bronzer to the top of the forehead, working down the nose and along the cheeks. Build up the color gradually, so you get exactly the shade you want.

Now all you need to do is add a little mascara, some lip gloss and you are good to go.

 Gillian Horsley