29 Secrets

Natural makeup is a great way bring an airy appeal to your look. “Natural makeup works on everybody. It’s uncomplicated, easy to achieve and it goes with every outfit – day or night,” says Nick Barose, celebrity makeup artist and the go-to guru for natural beauties Mischa Barton and Hilary Duff. “The new natural look is more polished and finished; it’s less casual and more precise and sophisticated.”

FACE:

The cornerstone of a flawless natural look is the right foundation to conceal any imperfections like redness (common in winter months due to chilly winds and frosty temperatures), blemishes or patches of discolouration, while letting the natural radiance of the skin beam through. “Remember to keep it sheer so you won't look overdone.

Just because it’s matte doesn't mean it needs to be heavy. Remember it’s not your mother's generation matte, it’s more youthful and playful,” says Barose.

A cream foundation that’s not oily is a great winter option because it will help to moisturize the skin and won’t settle into fine lines. “Go easy with the powder because too much powder can be aging.

I prefer just patting on oil-absorbing powder on the t-zone,” says Barose. He suggests a mousse cream blush on apples of cheeks to add soft colour to face so you won't look pallid. “A dusting of a sheer, golden tone bronzer around perimeter of face help give some dimension to the face so it won't look flat and too matte,” he says.

Apply concealer on spots that need some extra coverage, like under eyes, sides of the nose and any blemishes. 

EYES:

On the eyes, apply a creamy shadow all over the lid from lash line to brow bone. It provides a good base for shadow to adhere to.

Then apply a bronzy nude powder shadow on the lid and blend up into the crease. "This shade is universally flattering," notes Barose.

To add some definition to the eye, he suggests choosing a brown or plum liquid liner and applying a razor-thin line of it on the top lashline. “It gives the effect of a fuller lash, minus the obvious harsh bold line,” he says.

Coat lashes with a black lengthening mascara. Or for an even softer effect, curl lashes and sweep on a clear mascara.

LIPS:

A nude gloss with a hint of shimmer will give lips that fleshy, kissable look. “I prefer nude gloss with soft golden sparkles, so it's nude but not flat,” he says.

A clear lipliner will help to set the colour, but won’t give you that ring-around-the-mouth look.

To make gloss last longer, you can apply foundation on the lips as well to give it a base.