One of the beauties of makeup is how unique and individualized it can look on one’s face. There are a variety of different products on the market that can be used to create a range of looks, from simple looks to more bold looks. However, many people tend to box makeup into colorful eyes, eye-catching lip colors and flushed cheeks.
That’s not wrong, but it’s also not the only way people choose to do their makeup. A popular style is natural beat (not to be confused with natural glam makeup — that’s another conversation for another time!) Since the point is to look “natural” most people don’t think of this style of makeup.
So what is natural makeup?
Natural makeup is the opposite of bold, yet it’s not necessarily plain. Products are used to highlight your features, usually in a subtle way — or at least in a more subtle way than normal. Keep in mind that makeup isn’t needed, but it can be a fun addition to your routine and a confidence booster! I personally love natural makeup because it makes me feel more polished.
There are different ways to execute natural makeup depending on what the user would like to enhance. Yet, a lot of looks have similar characteristics and usually touch on 4 key features:
1. Eyes/Eyebrows
2. Complexion
3. Lips
4. Facial markings
Within this article series, I will be going over one characteristic in each article.
Eyes/Eyebrows
Eyebrows are known to frame your face. For this reason, many people consider applying makeup to their eyebrows. For the natural look, brows are filled in to cover any sparse spots. Brows usually have less colour closest to the nose because that’s where most people have the least brow hair. Thick, healthy eyebrows are very on trend right now. For this look, brows are brushed and potentially fluffed out. Those who already have thick brows might not touch them at all, or they might brush through with a spoolie or some gel.
I like filling in sparse areas of my eyebrow with a brow pencil for a softer look. I also use a spoolie to blend the product into my brows. I avoid eyebrow pomade because I find that it makes my eyebrows more noticeable than what I prefer for natural makeup looks.
For eyes, makeup tends to be very simple: either just complexion products such as concealer, blush or bronzer, or minimal eyeshadow consisting of neutral mattes and low-intensity shimmer. A lot of looks either skip out on eyeliner or use very little. Small wings or liner on the lash line are subtle ways of doing so. Soft brown eyeliner is a popular choice. In terms of lashes, some people like to use wispies in addition to mascara. Another popular choice is single false lashes at the ends of your eyes for a doll-like look.
My eye makeup for natural looks differs depending on the occasion and what I am feeling at the moment. I usually blend a matte orange eyeshadow on my eyelid and apply light brown eyeshadow at the corner of my eye. I wing it out slightly and blend the shadow into my outer lash line. Sometimes I even opt for a swipe of cream highlight or blush instead of matte eyeshadow or liner. Other times, I just put a concealer on my eyes to cover up my dark circles. Lastly, I curl my lashes and use a volumizing or lengthening mascara.
Conclusion
There are many ways people can choose to do their eye makeup, even when it’s not a glam look!
Like any makeup style, it all comes down to personal preference and the look you are trying to convey. Those who want to make it look like they aren’t wearing any makeup at all may choose to just use concealer and maybe some mascara. Those who want a little more emphasis on their eyes may play with shadows and eyeliner.
My point is that there is so much more to the natural makeup look than what people think. There is room for creativity everywhere, even if it’s not editorial makeup!
Look forward to the next article in this series, in which I will be discussing complexion products.
