As a makeup artist I spend a lot of time managing expectations. The inspiration pictures which are brought to me are quite often unachievable without a lot of ‘added extras’. Hair extensions, false lashes, semi-permanent makeup, filler, airbrushing. These are aesthetics which are used as the norm now. I too use a few of these techniques in my work, either to enhance the look I want to create, or to make my work better for my portfolio.
However, our ‘every day’ look is who we really are, it’s the only person we spend forever with. Being happy with yourself is the first step to a happy life. These natural makeup tips should help with learning to embrace your ‘every day’ real look rather than your instagram look.
Foundation. If you’re a ‘full coverage’ kind of girl, try to ease yourself away from such a heavy look. You can start by using your full coverage foundation more as a concealer, only use small amounts on the areas you feel you really need it: the T-zone, blemishes, areas of redness etc. This way you still get the benefit of a flawless finish but without sacrificing all of your true skin. From there, you can begin to look for something more sheer and skin friendly.
Eyes. If you love to wear eyeshadows, try and find some neutral colours which complement your skin tone. Apply these with fluffy blending brush for a wash of soft-focus colour. Try a soft eyeliner pencil, instead of a black liquid liner. Apply a thin line of the pencil as close as you can to the lash line and then smudge it carefully with your finger. This will enhance the look of the lashes without showing that you are wearing a liner.
Lashes. Too often I hear people say that they ‘couldn’t live’ without their false lashes. The truth is, you can. If you have got so used to thick strip lashes every day, start by finding some lashes with a more natural look then move on to small, individual lashes. The more you see yourself with a natural look, the stranger it will feel to wear the heavy lashes you once wore. Finally find yourself a great thickening mascara, this will help you to feel confident but only by enhancing the real you.
Bronzer. Bronzer is great for warming up the skin tone and contouring the face. Try to stick to a powder bronzer which is only 2-3 tones darker than your natural skin tone. Avoid a really dark bronzer that will come out slightly orange and apply it with an angled fluffy brush to make it soft and diffused. Try applying it along the top of the forehead and then in the shape of the number 3, down the hollow of the cheekbone and then along the jawline.
Lips. Lipliner can look harsh if chosen or applied incorrectly. Don’t over draw your lips, this might be ok for a glamorous party look but not for every day. Choose a lipstick that complements your skin tone, or if you prefer, try a tinted lip balm or gloss, these look lovely for everyday wear.
I love a bit of creative makeup and there is a time and a place for the makeup we see on stages or TV screens. However, if we can ease ourselves of doing this look everyday, we will gradually become happier with who we really are, we will save ourselves a lot of time and we will never have to say again that we ‘can’t live without it’. I love wearing makeup everyday but it’s nice to feel good because it enhances who I am and not because I’ve covered myself up.
