The trick to make-up is to make it seem like you’re not wearing any, and the “natural-look” is becoming more desirable recently. Urban Decay launched its popular “Naked” line, consisting of sheer foundations, neutral lipsticks and earth-toned eye shadow pallets. I’ve never been big on bright eye shadows or the “colored lip” so I thought I’d share some products I use to attain that barely-there look.
1) BB Cream
o BB cream is one of my staple products for the spring and summer months. BB stands for blemish balm, and does exactly that and not much more (which is a good thing!). I like to think of BB cream as a new and improved cousin of tinted moisturizer; it keeps your makeup in place and provides light coverage of imperfections without being cakey or thick. Essentially, it is a primer and foundation in one. It can be worn alone or under a loose powder to manage oil. One of my favorite things about BB cream is that although department-store brands sell awesome versions, brands such as Garnier, Maybelline, Olay and L’Oreal (to name a few) also sell affordable, but reliable versions too. I prefer Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream- $12 at Walgreens.
2) Loose bronzer
o After applying my BB cream, I like to use a powder to avoid excess oil as I previously mentioned. For a quick two-in-one, I love using a loose bronzing powder, to kill two birds with one stone- setting the cream and bronzing. Instead of using a brush with short, tight bristles that are often known to be bronzer/kabuki brushes, I prefer a big loose brush to evenly and softly distribute the color all over to make it appear more natural. I prefer Covergirl’s TRUblend Minerals Bronzer (comparable to Bare Minerals Warmth)- $9 at Walgreens. I also like this brush, Sephora Collection’s Classic Rounded Powder Brush #49- $35 at Sephora.
3) Soft-colored blush
o My absolute favorite product to complete this look is Benefit’s Dallas Blush/Bronzer ($28 at Sephora). Aside from it being shatter-proof (my downfall), this color of powder is a rosy blush tint that will make you look naturally flushed or tan. A little tip: after applying to the apples of your cheeks, brush some Dallas on the tip of your nose—it makes you look slightly sun-kissed!
4) Finish your look with a soft sweep of mascara!