Myjellybean.com

Dear Jellybean,

I was wondering if you could tell me how to create the “natural look” with makeup? I have brown eyes, and medium skin colour. Thanks.

-Natural wannabe

Dear Natural wannabe,

A clean, natural makeup look is trendy right now, and that's a great thing. Ideally, when others view you, they should notice your face and not your makeup. The natural look is all about enhancing your own beauty, instead of letting makeup overpower your features. The funny thing, though, is that looking like you're not wearing makeup - but still looking flawless - takes a whole makeup technique! "Natural" makeup is still a makeup routine, because it's about the colors you choose and where you put them, not simply how much is applied. That said, here are my best tips for achieving the natural makeup look.

What You'll Need:

Tinted moisturizer
Cosmetic sponges
Translucent powder
Concealer
Eyebrow pencil (optional)
Tweezers (optional)
Eye shadow (see below for colors)
Cream blush

About Face

The natural look is all about faking perfect skin - that's the basis for the whole effect. Begin by cleansing your face and applying your daily moisturizer, to create a smooth, even surface. Instead of all-over foundation (which can look too makeuppy), dot a tinted moisturizer along cheekbones and over the bridge of your nose, while your face is still moist from moisturizing, and blend it in well with fingertips or a cosmetic sponge. (Be sure your makeup product matches your skin tone exactly - it's worth shopping around to find one that suits you to a tee). /p>

When you're done that, step back away from the mirror to preview your overall face. If you spot areas of discoloration or unevenness (such as undereye circles, or redness beside the nostrils), camouflage them with a concealer that exactly matches your skin color. Blend well until the edges disappear.

Once your face makeup is set, you may want to take a cotton ball and swipe it over areas of your face that you want to show through, such as freckles. Natural beauty marks such as freckles add natural textures to your overall look, and help give the illusion that you're not wearing any makeup at all. So don't cover them up - let them show through!/p>

After the foundation looks its natural best, set it with translucent powder. This helps to seal makeup in place and keep those imperfections hidden.

Brow How

Natural brows are important to this look. If you have over plucked in the past, use an eyebrow pencil in a color that matches your natural brows, and use it to pencil them in a bit. If your brows are unruly, just pluck any stray hairs and the area between the brows, but leave them nice and full. When in doubt, it is always best to leave your eyebrows alone and let them keep their natural shape. Brush them up and set them with a small amount of gel.

The Eyes Have It

When choosing eye makeup for the natural look, stick to sheer, pale shades that look like natural washes of color on your lids. If your eyes are brown or hazel, try beige or rosy pink. If eyes are blue or green, try champagne or a pale lavender. Skip the eyeliner - instead, use your pale eye shadow (or a medium shade of the same color) to define your peepers. Simply smudge it on upper and lower lash lines, as close to lashes as possible, for a casual look. Apply one coat of mascara to upper lids only (swipe the wand on a tissue first, to remove excess product and prevent clumpiness). If you're fair-skinned, choose brown mascara, otherwise go with black.

Blushing Beauty

When your face is set in neutral, a dose of color on cheeks looks healthy and natural. Cream blushes look the most natural - a bright pink shade suits everyone. (The perfect raw blush color is the shade of your skin when you exercise). Smile broadly into the mirror to find the apples in your cheeks. Dip a cosmetic sponge into your blush and dab it on apples, then blend outward to make it "disappear" into your skin.

Lush Lashes

Apply one or two coats of mascara and let dry completely. For the most natural shape, mascara should be applied slightly thicker on the outside of the eye. Many thin coats of brown mascara are far better than thick clumpy coats for the natural makeup look. Always finish by combing the lashes after the mascara has completely dried.

Naturally Kissable Lips

Lip stain is truly the most natural way to liven up your lips. A stain, such as Benetint, can last all day and look like you were born with it. Top with a layer of clear gloss or lip balm, and reapply the gloss/balm during the day as needed to keep lips shiny.