The Secrets to the Minimal Makeup Look

by POPSUGAR Beauty 0

The 2012 runways were awash with natural beauties, but most of the models got a little bit of help with makeup. If you want to achieve this minimalist look, follow these easy steps from makeup artists Kristi Matamoros and Jodie Boland:

Cover, don't cake: Use your fingers to apply a tinted moisturiser as a base. Start at the nose and spread outward, then switch to your thumbs to get more coverage in areas like your cheeks. Work with your hands instead of a brush to help the base melt into your skin. If you need to hide blemishes and dark spots, add a layer of medium foundation or concealer in discoloured areas. Top it all off with pressed powder. But instead of sweeping over your entire face, avoid these areas: the bridge of your nose, the apples of your cheeks, the cupid's bow and the area directly under your lip. This will help you get a natural shine in the centre line of your face. If you're worried about shine, just make sure you have some blotting papers on you.

Contouring: To bring definition to an otherwise boring look, use a bronzer in the hollow of your cheeks (try making a fish face if you can't find the area). Then spread illuminator in a C shape around the eyes from your brow bone to temples. Finally, add a flush of colour on the apple of your cheeks. Add tinted lip balm, a coat of mascara and brow gel to get a natural face ready for day-to-day wear.