All collegiettes dream of having a naturally flawless, glowing complexion – am I right? Unfortunately, few of us are lucky enough to stumble out of bed looking like one of the models on the cover of Women’s Health; but fear not, my fellow beauty enthusiasts, below you’ll find your guide to mastering the no-makeup makeup look (you can thank me later!)
1. Exfoliate and hydrate
You’ve probably heard it a million times, but let me say it again: Exfoliation and hydration are key! Think of your skin as the canvas for your makeup; you want it to be as clean and smooth as possible. To get rid of any dead skin or rough patches, exfoliate skin (avoid apricot scrubs – too harsh!) and follow with a light moisturizer.
Try: Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Cleansing Pads, $8.49, at CVS or Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation Moisturizer, $40 at Sephora.com.
2. The base
When it comes to the base, you want to keep foundation as light as possible. Apply primer all over your face to minimize the appearance of pores and even complexion. Use a concealer to cover potential zits or dark circles and then go for a light coverage foundation for the rest of your face. Try applying it with your (clean!) fingers – it will give slightly less coverage compared to a brush applicator, but look more natural. Finally, add some healthy glow through sweeping a light pink or apricot blush in circular movements onto the apples of your cheeks.
Try: Lancôme Nude Miracle Foundation, $42 at Sephora.com, Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, $36 at Ulta.com and NARS Blush in “Orgasm,” $30 at Narscosmetics.com.
3. Eyes and brows
Leave your eyes naked and use only a lash curler to open up your eyes. If the sheer thought of ditching the mascara makes you break a sweat, turn to a brown mascara and apply only on your upper lashes. It will give less intensity than black mascara, but still lengthen and thicken your lashes. For the brows, start with brushing the hairs upwards, outwards and then use an eyebrow pencil only on the outer half of your brow to create a nice arch. Your brows are usually thicker and darker closer to your nose, which means that you can get away with only filling in the outer part, leaving your brows looking natural but well-groomed!
Try: Clinique Naturally Glossy Mascara in Jet Brown, $16.50 at Sephora.com and MAC Eye Brows, $16 at Nordstrom.com
4. Lips
Begin with applying a hydrating lip balm. There are few things worse than the feeling of chapped lips! Although you want to keep your lips fairly natural, it can be flattering to apply a matte or semi-matte lipstick a shade or two lighter than your own, onto your lips. Finish off by filling in the contours of your lips with a nude lip pencil – it will give an illusion of fuller lips!
Try: Covergirl LipPerfection Jumbo Gloss Balm, $6.99 at Target and Cargo Reverse Lip Liner, $16 at Ulta.com.