When it comes to aiming for that effortless, "no-makeup" makeup look, it can be hard to know where to start. Do you go for a light hand or amp up the coverage? How do you choose the right products without looking too done-up? To get some answers, we turned to top makeup artist Diane Kendall, who has worked her magic on celebrities and fashionistas alike.
"To achieve a natural makeup look, the key is to enhance your features without looking too made-up," Kendall explains. "It's all about finding the right balance between coverage and subtlety. You want to look like the best version of yourself, not like you're wearing a lot of makeup."
So, how do you get started? Kendall's first tip is to start with a solid skincare routine. "Taking care of your skin is essential for a great makeup look," she says. "Make sure to cleanse, moisturize, and prime your face before applying any makeup. This will help your makeup go on smoothly and last longer throughout the day."
Next up, Kendall recommends choosing a foundation that matches your skin tone as closely as possible. "This is crucial for a natural look," she stresses. "You don't want your makeup to look like it's sitting on top of your skin - you want it to blend in seamlessly. Look for a formula that provides light to medium coverage, and always test it out on your jawline to ensure a perfect match."
Of course, no natural makeup look would be complete without a swipe (or two) of mascara. But how do you choose the right one? Kendall's advice is to go for a formula that lengthens and defines without looking too voluminous. "You want to add a bit of drama to your lashes without looking like you're wearing a ton of mascara," she says.
Another crucial step in the natural makeup process is highlighting and contouring. But don't be fooled - this doesn't have to involve a lot of heavy makeup or complicated techniques. "For a natural look, focus on subtle definition rather than dramatic sculpting," Kendall advises. "Use a light hand when applying your highlighting and contouring products, and blend, blend, blend! You want to create a seamless, natural-looking finish."
Finally, Kendall's last tip is to keep things simple when it comes to color. "Stick to a natural palette of pinks, peaches, and neutral shades," she says. "Avoid anything too bright or bold, as this can quickly make your makeup look too done-up. Instead, opt for soft, romantic shades that enhance your natural coloring."
With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to achieving a stunning, natural makeup look that makes you feel confident and beautiful. And remember - the key to pulling off this look is all about subtlety and restraint. Don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you!