Makeup can be tricky – apply too little and you might feel uncomfortable with your blemishes on display, but apply too much and you risk looking like Ursula from The Little Mermaid.
But don’t worry! You’re not alone in trying to find ways to apply makeup that looks natural. Three professional makeup artists shared their tips for applying makeup that doesn’t look made up.
1. It’s all about the base
Béke Beau, a professional makeup artist, says paying attention to your foundation is essential. “The more neutral and matte the shades you use, the more dramatic your makeup can be without looking obvious,” Beau says. “Shimmer and shine are not as subtle. Bronzer (matte or close to it) can be used as a contour without looking obvious.”
To avoid the matte from looking too flat, use a fan brush and apply it very lightly near your hairline and across your cheekbones. COVERGIRL’s Clean Pressed Powder will give you a natural look for only $6.99! Just remember to use a sponge instead of a brush to get more coverage.
2. Use eye shadow instead of eyeliner
Emily Aznavourian, owner and lead artist at Cheekadee Makeup Artists, says, “If you want your eyes to appear more awake but not look like you have liner on, then apply brown eye shadow with a small, pointed eye shadow brush around the lash line. Just be sure to clean up with a little concealer afterwards.” Choose from Urban Decay’s range of eye shadows ($18), which come in 77 shades.
3. Highlighter is your new best friend
Elizabeth Terenchin, a professional makeup artist based in Philadelphia, says, “One of the greatest [subtle] things you can add to your makeup kit is a highlighter.” It turns out that highlighter can be used for many facial features without overexaggerating any of them. For best results, “add it to the inside corner of your eyes, the top of the cheekbone, the brow bone and, depending on skin condition or facial structure, the middle of the chin or the middle of the forehead,” Terenchin says. “It adds life to the face and makes you look awake and hydrated!”
Stila All-Over Shimmer Duo ($22) is a versatile product that gives your skin a glow without making you look fake. Another great product is Benefit Cosmetics Watt’s Up! Highlighter ($30); dab a little on your cheek and brow bones and voilà! Your skin will brighten up without looking too shimmery.
4. Choose matte lipsticks over gloss ones
If you’re going for a natural look, our experts suggest you opt for matte instead of gloss lipsticks. Besame’s Lipsticks ($22) come in a variety of colors for all skin tones and last for hours on end!
5. Wear a lip and cheek tint
If your makeup mantra is “less is more,” use a lip and cheek tint! This multipurpose product will not only give your cheeks a rosy glow, but also add a subtle color to your lips. Tory Burch’s lip and cheek tint ($38) and Benetint by Benefit Cosmetics ($30) will give you just the quick fix that you’re looking for.
Now that you know how to rock the natural look, what are you waiting for? Try these awesome techniques and products! They’ll bring out your natural glow in no time, so you can shine inside and out – without looking overdone.