Have you ever seen those women who look like they’re not wearing even a hint of makeup, but look absolutely gorgeous? Sure you have. They’re the ones on the treadmill in front of you at the gym, in line behind you on a Sunday at the coffee shop or spreading out a towel next to you at the beach. They’re everywhere. How do they do it?

Rest assured, most of these girls do wear makeup – and probably more than you might think. The difference in their appearance is both in the kinds of makeup they choose and how they are applying it.

Skin Preparation

In order to get a natural-looking finished product, your starting point should be healthy, moisture-rich skin. Now maybe you don’t wake up that way, but we can fix that.

First, drink water – lots of it. Most moisturizers are designed to keep moisture in your skin – not put it there in the first place. That’s where your water consumption comes in. Your skin’s best source of moisture is internal, so drink up!

Even if you drink plenty of water, you may still need some topical products to keep your skin looking great underneath your makeup. For some extra hydration, try a primer before you moisturize. If your skin is prone to being oily, start with a mattifier to control shine.

A gentle moisturizer is also important. Look for one that contains a sunscreen so you can keep your natural look for years to come. A moisturizer is also a great way to help even out your skin tone and may be used in place of a foundation. If your skin is naturally oily, look for an oil-free product.

Foundation

If the tinted moisturizer isn’t quite enough coverage for you, apply a sheer foundation next. The key here is to opt for the lightest amount of coverage you are comfortable with – we’re going for a natural look, remember.

Tip: Use a moist makeup sponge to apply your concealer for the sheerest coverage possible. It will go on smoothly and leave you with a slightly dewy finish. Also stay away from heavy powders and matte foundations – they can look heavy (i.e. not natural).

Concealer

When it comes to your concealer, less is more. Don’t simply apply it out of habit. Of course use it on blemishes and to fight redness as well as under your eyes to fight those dark circles, but use it sparingly.

Blush

Try a light cream blush to the apples of your cheeks to give your face a healthy, youthful glow. Look for shades in the peach and pink family to add life to your cheeks. For fair skin, be sure to avoid browns and earth tones in this natural look. A sheer translucent cheek stain can also add a hint of natural color.

The Eyes

Instead of multiple levels of eye color, try a simple wash of color. Begin with a satin eye shadow with a light (think subtle) shimmer all over your eye. If you need more depth, add a complimentary color over the lid to the crease. Finish it off with a dark brown or black mascara (in moderation).

The Lips

Stay with a lip gloss or a sheer lip color to dress your lips. For the most natural look, skip the lip liner completely and go for tones that will reflect light naturally.

Finishing Touches

Some judicious use of added shimmer can be a great finishing touch. A few whisps of a light-reflecting shimmering powder over the places light would reflect anyway can help to set off your natural look.

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