I’m working on a new “What’s New in Foundation” post, and while I was trying on my first sample, I thought, why not share with you a step-by-step makeup look for the spring. Coincidentally, all the major shades are named some version of “nude”, a great fresh palette for this transitional weather period. So that you can really see the effect of each product, I’ve broken down each step. For a simpler application, pick out the steps you find most essential.
START: First, I follow my morning skin regimen, and this is how I look fresh-faced with sunscreen. (SIDE RANT: Please don’t be fooled by media sources that describe some model or actress in a photo as “make-up free”. Odds are, that celebrity is wearing makeup.)
STEP 1: Here I’ve applied foundation, Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Foundation. This isn’t my usual, but in general, foundation will even out your skin tone. This particular formula is very light with a powdery finish (more on this in a future post.) I used a foundation paddle brush, and then I finished with a makeup sponge to smooth it out.
STEP 2: Next, I applied Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer in Nude underneath my eyes. I apply directly with the brush and blend with my fingertips. This concealer lightens those dark circles and makes me look more bright-eyed. And then to finish prepping the eyes, I use my trusty Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Original, also applied with my fingertips. Comparing Steps 1 & 2, you can see the impact of concealer. For me, foundation is optional, but concealer is not.
STEP 3: EYEBROWS ARE IMPORTANT. Seriously, they make your face. Whenever I get my makeup done by an artist at the store, I always feel let down when it comes to my brows. As you can see from the earlier photos, my brows are kind of short. Perhaps it’s my affinity for young Elizabeth Taylor’s look, but I favor a bolder brow. Here, I use a combination of the darkest eyeshadows from my Maybelline Nudes Palette with an angled brush.
For blush, I prefer cream. It applies seamlessly and provides a naturally flushed look. However, a liquid cream formula is getting harder and harder to find. Lucky for me, e.l.f. makes an HD Blush that costs only $3! This shade is Headliner, a soft pink shade. I’ve blended a squirt with my foundation and applied with my fingertips to the fullest parts of my cheeks (only because I keep forgetting to replace my flat-topped brush that broke.)
STEP 4: Next up are the eyes. I’ve used three shades, a light, mid, and dark tone, from that same Maybelline Nudes Palette. I used two brushes, making sure to blend thoroughly. For more detailed instructions, see my earlier how-to post on eyeshadow application.
STEP 5: I broke up Steps 4 & 5 so you can see the difference that eyeliner makes. Here I’ve applied another favorite of mine, Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, in Demolition, a dark brown. I line the outer part of my upper lid, and the inner parts of both my upper and lower lids. You can certainly skip Step 5, but eyeliner makes your eye shape more defined.
STEP 6: Now that all the color is applied (except for lips), I dust Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil Finishing Powder from forehead to chin, cheek to cheek, with a big, fluffy brush to polish and seal the look. Then I brush e.l.f. Lash and Brow Mascara on my eyebrows to keep them in place. Next up is mascara, I’m still using Dior Diorshow, but I’ve switched from Iconic to Black Out. It’s legendary for creating heavy, thick, jet black lashes. Last are lips, and I’ve applied Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick in Intense Nude, straight from the tube.
Voila! A neutral, polished makeup look! If you’re in good practice, this should take less than 15 minutes. A color palette of nude shades is always a classic look and works for the office or on the weekend. Have fun, ladies!
Images: all author’s own
Looks very natural and fresh
Thanks!