Nude make-up has always been a stunning alternative to an everyday makeup routine of brightly coloured cheeks and lips. A nude finish can draw emphasis to your best features but in a subtle way and believe it or not this look uses more than just foundation. And it just so happens to be a huge trend for fall, witnessed at Alberta Ferretti and Stella McCartney.
Skin Prep
The key to this ongoing trend is perfect bright skin. Most of us don’t have this so we’ll have to cheat. Start by exfoliating the skin to remove any dead skin and brighten your complexion. Try Origins Brighter by Nature High Potency Peel. The exfoliating pads provide an intense scrub so use them the night before to give your skin time to rejuvenate.
Moisturization is vital and mustn’t be missed. Use a product that evens out the skin tone whilst also hydrating. Hydration is very important for a sheer glow as dry skin can ruin this look. Vichy’s Normaderm Anti-Imperfection Hydrating Care is a multipurpose product. It hydrates, evens the skin tone and also acts against acne, providing the ideal base for your nude look.
Prime the skin with a brightening primer like BrightPrep FX by Cover FX. This will provide an immediate glow and it also contains SPF 50. Which we LOVE!
The Base
Start your makeup with a foundation that provides a dewy glow. This look has more of an impact with highlighting and contouring, as there’s less emphasis being put on colour and more on your natural canvas. If you want to intensify your dewy look mix your brightening primer with your foundation before applying to the skin. Be sure to use a foundation or stipple brush when applying to provide a streak-free finish.
After completing your canvas begin to sculpt and shimmer. Using a neutral blush, add colour to the dip of the cheekbone, temples and jaw line to sculpt your face. Remember to keep this colour neutral, go for a matte soft brown.
Next add shimmer to the very top of your cheek, onto your cheekbone. Use your fingers to find the right area before applying as this comes close to the eye contour. Then apply a small amount under the eyebrow, down the length of your nose and on your chin. M.A.C.’s pigment in Vanilla is perfect for a gentle highlight and sparkle.
Lips and Eyes
As much as you want to apply some bright pink gloss and 6 layers of mascara, don’t. This is what will really change your look from your everyday routine. Sweep your mascara over your eyelashes no more than two times. Use a defining mascara and don’t worry about dramatising them with volume and length. Keep your lip colour soft and neutral. Think caramels. If you’re desperate for some pink apply concealer or foundation over the lips first then add the colour of your choice. This will neutralize the tone and make it blend with the look.
To finish, set the skin with a thermal spring water or spray make-up fixer. This will refresh your skin and wake you up but also add to the dewy finish. Et voila!
