I’ve always been a bit of a skincare and makeup enthusiast, constantly experimenting with new tricks to enhance my routine. Recently, a makeup artist taught me an important lesson about using powder—less is definitely more! Instead of piling it all over your face in hopes of keeping makeup in place, applying it strategically helps maintain a fresh look without going overboard. When you try to eliminate all shine, it can leave your skin looking flat and dull. A little shine is a good thing, and incorporating highlighters and luminizers adds the perfect dimension to your skin, making it look fresh and glowing.
Before diving into makeup, it’s essential to focus on a few skin basics. Good skin is the key to any glowing look, and that starts with taking care of yourself. Drink plenty of water, aim for a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and try to stay calm—those are the basics! Washing your face twice a day is also crucial. I prefer using warm water and a gentle cleanser over harsh foaming products. My current favorite is Dr. Hauschka’s cleansing milk. Twice a week, I treat my skin to an exfoliating mask, such as the Andalou Naturals glycolic pumpkin mask and the Fresh Black Tea Perfecting Mask.
I also swear by exfoliating more often than recommended—about every other day. Using a gritty washcloth when washing my face has made a huge difference in removing product buildup and dead skin cells. If you don’t exfoliate, makeup won’t apply smoothly, no matter how great the products are. Moisturize generously; your skin will thank you for it! And don’t forget about your makeup brushes—washing them regularly is essential to avoid breakouts.
Perfecting Your Base
Start by applying your preferred foundation. I don’t always wear foundation, but I think a little layer helps protect your skin from environmental factors. My go-to foundation is Bobbi Brown’s Moisture Rich Foundation— it matches my skin tone perfectly. I use a stippling brush to apply it for a smooth, even finish.
For concealing dark circles, I use a creamy formula and gently tap it in with my ring finger, getting as close to the lash line as possible and covering the inner corners. If I have blemishes, I use a heavier concealer to cover those up. To set everything in place, I apply translucent powder under my eyes and wherever I’ve applied concealer, using a small, semi-fluffy brush. If the day is going to be long or muggy, I’ll set my foundation lightly with powder, concentrating on areas like my eyelids, chin, nostrils, and forehead. I use a small blush brush for precise powder application since the goal is to keep that healthy glow intact.
Amping Up the Glow
For a natural finish, I prefer to use cream products instead of powders. Cream blushes, highlighters, and eyeshadows blend seamlessly into the skin, creating a softer, more natural look. For blush, I use Bobbi Brown’s cream blush in two shades of pink. I apply the darker shade beneath my cheekbones for contour and the lighter one above the cheekbones for a subtle lift, blending them out toward my temples.
Luminizers are a must-have for adding that ethereal, glowing effect to your skin. I’m obsessed with Fresh’s Satin Luster Face Palette, which has peach, pink, and white highlighters. Depending on my skin tone, I choose the one that complements me best. I apply the white highlighter as eyeshadow in my inner corners, and then smudge it onto my temples for a soft glow.
But why stop there? I also use a Maybelline white sparkly eye pencil under my eyes, concentrating on the inner corners, and sometimes layer it with a liquid glitter liner for a dramatic pop. The same eye pencil works wonders on my cupid’s bow, adding a touch of sparkle to my lips.
For a fuller lip effect, I love using a white-gold lip gloss. NARS Lip Gloss in Albatross is a must-have for this. I dab it in the center of my lips for added dimension and fullness. I usually apply a sheer red lipstick first, as it wears off nicely and provides a great base for the gloss.
Once I’ve applied blush and highlighted my skin, I keep things simple. A swipe of mascara and a thin line of eyeliner on top, and that’s it! The key to this look is keeping it natural and effortless.
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