There’s a false rumour out there that wearing make up is bad for your skin. Not so! it’s only when you forget to clean it off at night that clogged pores, blackheads and pimples can appear. Make up’s great for disguising those little blemishes and to even out skin tone.
So if you like the natural look but still want to ‘improve’ on nature, here’s some natural makeup beauty tips…
Makeup base (foundation)
When applying makeup base the term “less is more” definitely applies! Particularly if you’re wanting to disguise wrinkles, too much base can actually appear very aging.
Always start with a really clean face, then normalise your skin as much as possible. During the day use a moisturizing sun block. If your skin’s very dry use a moisturizer under your sun block.
Makeup base comes in many types, liquid, solid, gel, cream, spray etc. This is a largely a matter of preference although a solid base in the form of a stick or cake usually has a better coverage and will conceal imperfections like broken veins better than a liquid. The liquid bases, however, will give a more translucent natural look.
If your skin is oily, opt for an oil free liquid or dry foundation. Dry skins prefer the creamy bases which give a moist ‘dewy’ texture.
Choose a color that matches your skin tone as closely as possible. Don’t try and create a darker bronzed look with your base! You’ll end up with a dirty streaky look. You can use a bronzing powders especially created for this afterwards.
Always select you colors in natural daylight because store lighting can distort colors. Put the base on you face or neck to match the color (you’re not going to wear it on your wrist!) Oh! and steer clear of pre-packaged make-up bases from the supermarket or drug store, you can’t try them on!
If your planning to enjoy a big night out on the town you can use your foundation more lavishly. Your complexion can be a flawless palate on which to “paint” your masterpiece!
Applying makeup base
Dot the base all over your face. Don’t use too much at first, you can always add more.
Blend really well using a damp sponge or your fingers. Make sure you blend into the hairline, sides of face and around the nose. Blending slightly below the jaw line as well will give a more natural effect.
Loose powder is currently “in” and is useful to set your make-up and absorb excess oil. Using a brush or puff, press the powder onto your face lightly. After a couple of minutes brush the powder off always using light downward strokes. This makes sure the facial hair lies flat, creating a smoother look.
Concealer
Concealers are fantastic for that natural look. Perfect for covering blemishes, pimples and broken veins without having to use a base at all.
Concealers come in different types, but they all do the same job. Try to find one just a tone lighter than your skin tone. Pat the concealer gently onto the area you wish to cover. Don’t rub it in or it will vanish into your pores. Make sure it is blended well and has no streaks.
Concealers can also be used under your makeup base. Blend well even though your putting base on top. Don’t use too much as it has the habit of settling into wrinkles, enhancing rather than concealing them. A good concealer for wrinkles would be a liquid concealer that sets dry on your skin. This is also the best acne concealer.
Blusher
Next apply blusher. Smile and apply to the apple of your cheeks, blending up towards the temples. Don’t overload your brush, you can always put more on if you need to. If you’re using a cream blusher, apply this before powder. Again pat onto the apple of your cheeks and blend in up to the temples. Blend thoroughly!
Congrats, you’re looking good! Now here’s a special makeup beauty tip. Place a cool damp face towel over your face and press very gently. This will give the whole face a natural finish – Beautiful!
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