CHEAT SHEET : 3-STEP BASE
We've covered lips and eyes, so the today I'm signing off the holy trinity of makeup with a cheat-sheet which is all about that base [sorry, not sorry].
3-STEP DEWY SKIN : Nars Sheer Glow Foundation + Nars Illuminator in Super Orgasm* + Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder. For a truly radiant glow, avoid matte foundations and opt instead for something with a built-in glow factor. Apply to the centre of the face before blending outwards [use a damp Beauty Blender-esque applicator in order to maintain the fresh dewy look]. In place of a powder blush opt for something in liquid form - this Nars illuminator provides a blush/highlighter hybrid, perfect for creating a healthy, fresh glow. Finally, dust over a layer of sheer powder - again avoiding anything matte. This look is ALL about fresh finesse.
3-STEP CHISELLED CHEEKBONES : Charlotte Tilbury Bronze & Glow (darker shade) + Real Techniques Buffing Brush + MAC Cream Colour Base in Pearl Use a matte taupe shade to contour the hollows of the cheekbones. Next step? Blend. Blending is vital to achieving a natural and authentic contour, so be sure to buff the product into the skin as well as along the hairline [in order to avoid any harsh lines or obvious darkness]. Next dab a bright cream pigment over the tops of the cheekbones - this will contrast with the shadow and accentuate the chiselled effect.
3-STEP GOLDEN GLOW : The Body Shop Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder + Charlotte Tilbury Bronze & Glow + No7 Skin Illuminator in Peach Using a large fluffy powder brush buff a light and sheer bronzing powder over the entire face for a subtle injection of warmth. Dust a matte contour shade into the hollows of the cheekbones and along the hair and jawlines to add shape and definition, before using a blush brush to lightly apply a pigmented powder highlighter to the centre of the face ['Lit from within' glow? Check]. Finish the look by smoothing a warm, peach coloured liquid highlighter along the tops of the cheekbones and brow bone.
3-STEP FRESH BLOOM : Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation + MAC Powder Blush in Fleur Power + Benefit High Beam Apply a lightweight sheer foundation, which will provide coverage without entirely masking your complexion [a natural base is vital to this look]. Lightly dust a soft, delicate pink blush over the apples of your cheeks, keeping application as light and sheer as possible. Use a cool pink-toned liquid highlighter to subtly define the cheekbones and add a bright luminescence to the final look.
3-STEP DURABLE BASE : Radical Skin Perfecting Screen* + Nars Sheer Glow Foundation + Eve Lom Sheer Radiance Translucent Powder* The best primers boast skin perfecting and glow-inducing properties, as well as providing a long-lasting base for subsequent makeup application. Apply liberally and concentrate upon the areas of your face where movement will cause creasing [e.g. the eyes and mouth]. Apply a medium-heavy coverage foundation before buffing in a velvet textured translucent powder; concentrating upon shine-prone areas [e.g. forehead and nose].
3-STEP FLAWLESS FACE : MAC Studio Finish Concealer + Eve Lom Light Illusion Concealer* + Bourjois Java Rice Powder Use an opaque creamy concealer to cover the worst blemishes and areas of pigmentation/redness. Layer on thickly and don't worry about blending too much upon first application. After applying your foundation administer a second application of concealer - this time blending in well for a seamless result. Use a lightweight, brightening concealer to mask under-eye darkness - be sure to blend out and buff in well so as to avoid a panda-eye effect. Finally dust a loose powder with light-diffusing properties over the face in order to blur any remaining visible imperfections.
What are your favourite 3-step approaches to a quick and easy base?
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*PR sample