“how can I create a naturally pretty look with makeup?”
dear apricot,
I never wear make-up (at all!). Okay, I used to, but I’m not a big fan of it. However, I believe it would make my face look a little less “blah.”
I have a pale complexion with freckles. My hair is brown and my eyes are bright blue. I get complicated on my eye color often, so I’d like to help them stand out a bit more. Any suggestions on how to turn my face from “blah” to a naturally pretty look with make-up?
— Megan, from Something Voluble.
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Megan,
Because you are a natural beauty, even if you wanted to wear a lot of makeup, it would be unnecessary. Here’s what I think would work best for you.
(for product information, click here.)
Tinted moisturizer is light enough that it won’t feel like you’re wearing a standard foundation. But, it is tinted enough to cover up red spots, faint blemishes, & uneven skin tones, while still managing to keep your skin looking healthy & natural. It also has a moisturizer & SPF base, which nourishes & protects your skin. Tinted moisturizer would be perfect for you, because its sheer formula will really let your freckles shine through; whereas a normal foundation is heavily pigmented & will conceal your freckles. (Try Revlon’s Beyond Natural skin illuminating makeup in Light.)
Mineral powder blush is perfect if you want a natural looking flush. It’s ridiculously lightweight, so it will feel amazing on your skin, & mineral blush is often much better for your skin than a standard blush. Because your complexion is fair, a light pink color (as shown above) would be the perfect hue for you. (Try Maybelline’s Naturally Luminous Mineral Blush in Gentle Pink.)
An amazing tube of mascara is probably the only thing you’ll truly need, especially on those days where you don’t feel like doing anything to your face. A mascara that lengthens your lashes will not only accentuate your eyes, making them appear larger, but it will also brighten up your face, making you look alert. Quite frankly, a great mascara is a must-have for a naturally pretty look. (Try Cover Girl’s Lash Blast Luxe in Black Royale, which has little hints of glitter, giving your eyes & lashes a subtle sparkle.)
Bronze & brown-tone eyeshadow is key for making your blue eyes pop. Any shade of brown & bronze will do, but if you’re shuddering at the thought of using a chocolate brown, trying something a little more subdued, like a light, golden bronze. A light, golden bronze will look very natural on your skin & give your eyes a subtle glow. (Try L’Oreal HIP Illuminating Highlighter Eyeshadow.) But… I do encourage you to at least try a darker shade of brown, because it will most certainly make your eyes stand out. Another great way to make your blue eyes more prominent is by using blue eyeshadow. It seems silly & semi-contradictory, but it’s true! Any shade of blue will work: navy, baby blue, ocean blue. Give it a try! (Try Revlon’s Matte Eyeshadow in Venetian Blue.)
Keep in mind that if you can’t find these specific products or feel partial to certain brands I’ve named here, don’t fret. The key here is knowing what colors & formulas work best for you. If you wouldn’t dream of using drugstore brands, at least you know that a shimmery brown eyeshadow would compliment your eye color. These are only my personal suggestions, so feel free to customize them to your favorite brand.
Most importantly, continue to experiment with colors & products to find your fool-proof makeup routine. Good luck, & have fun!
— apricot.