October 6, 2010
You don’t need pounds of makeup to look beautiful. Usually, the most natural looks are the most enviable.
The natural trend proves this, with stars such as Leighton Meester, Blake Lively and Selena Gomez looking naturally gorgeous on the red carpet.
It’s all about knowing the tricks to enhancing your beauty. This look is not only beautiful, it’s also quick and easy once you’ve got it down.
Below are some pointers to help you learn how to perfect the look. Good luck!
Skin
Good skin is vital to creating a beautiful, natural look. Your skin will take center stage when wearing minimal makeup, so treat it right.
First, start off with a good skin care routine. Like momma always told you, it’s important to wash your face every night. You should never go to bed with make up on. So to really get it off, use a makeup remover such as Lancome’s Bi-Facil. Use an exfoliant to buff off any dry skin. And, finally, always remember to moisturize. Choose a facial moisturizer that suits your skin type. Personally, I use moisturizer with built-in SPF protection to avoid sun damage that can age the skin.
From left to right: Bienfait Multi-Vital Moisturizer, $45; Bi-Facil, $26; Exfoliance Confort, $24.50; all from Lancome (see our Lancome coupons).
Once your skin is clean and healthy, use a sheer foundation to even out your skin tone. Use concealer under the eyes and to cover up any redness or blemishes. The trick here is to use light layers. You don’t want your makeup to look cakey. The point is to make your skin look naturally flawless, not covered up.
From left to right: Natural Finish Oil Free Makeup, $38, Stila Cosmetics (see our Stila Cosmetics coupons); Effacernes, $28.50, Lancome; Tropiques Minerale, $38.50, Lancome (see our Lancome coupons).
Makeup
Keeping makeup minimal is important in achieving the natural look. But that doesn’t mean you can’t wear any. Using the right makeup tricks can leave you looking makeup free while enhancing your natural beauty. We’ve already covered skin care, now here are some added tips and tricks to enhance your features.
From left to right: Major Lash Mascara, $8.50, Stila Cosmetics; Gesso, $14.50, MAC Cosmetics (see our MAC Cosmetics coupons); Convertable Color, $25, Stila Cosmetics (see our Stila Cosmetics coupons).
Mascara
This is the one item in my makeup bag that I absolutely can’t do without. If you’re only going to wear one item of makeup, it should be mascara. This is because it enhances your most important feature – your eyes! Next time when you’re putting mascara on, just apply to one eye. Then take a step back and look at how different each eye looks. You’ll really be able to see what a difference it makes to your overall look.
And if you really want to play up your eyes, try using individual lashes. They will give your eyes a little added oomph while still looking naturally gorgeous.
Highlights
Take a light powder eye shadow (a little shimmer will work here) and highlight the inner corners of your eyes, the middle of your lid (just the middle) and just below the brow bone. Also, add just a little on top of your cupids bow. This little bit of shimmer really brightens the whole face. Try it! You’ll immediately see a difference.
Cheeks and Lips
Now just add a little blush to bring some color to your face. Apply a neutral matte color to your lips, and you’re done!
How do you perfect the natural look? Do you have any tips you’d like to share?
Whatever look you’re going for this Valentine’s Day, always start with makeup that you know will stay on. I don’t discriminate against drugstore brands; some are really good, especially with a good primer. But I also think it’s essential to have quality makeup in your arsenal. Stila cosmetics is one of those brands that you know provide good quality, but it’s also not on the high end either. 
It’s always time for new makeup products. You ran out of a color, the change of seasons, new products came out, you were bored and, the best excuse of all, there’s a sale! Shop online at Stila Cosmetics now to enjoy 
