How-to: do natural-looking makeup

If you thought the natural look meant going without makeup, think again. Nude makeup is all about enhancing the skin's natural radiance for a flawless, polished look. Follow our step by step guide to the best nude cosmetics and channel that naked ambition! By Tamara Hinson

The aim with this look is to create a flawless finish that looks natural, healthy and glowing. So it's best to start by applying a pore-minimising primer to skin before adding foundation to achieve the look - one of the best we've found is Becca's Mineral SPF 30 Primer £33, www.hqhair.com.

 

Needless to say, foundation needs to match skintone as closely as possible. Avoid looking washed-out by choosing a radiance-boosting formula such as the Diorskin Nude Liquid Foundation, £28, www.houseoffraser.co.uk. Containing almost 40% water, this silky foundation evens out the complexion for a sheer, transparent finish.

 

On the cheeks

 

An absence of colour means subtle highlighting is relied upon to give the face definition. But before you let loose with the bronzer, bear in mind this season's look is all about enhancing your natural beauty - think lightly sun-kissed rather than fake- tanned.

 

Apply highlighter sparingly and slightly higher along the cheekbones than you would normally - Joan Collins-style razor-sharp cheekbones are definitely out. Skintone can change from day to day so invest in a palette containing several colours and choose your bronzer accordingly.

 

Rituals' paraben-free Sundance Bronze Lip and Cheek Powder compact, £22.90, uk.ritualsstore.com, contains five gorgeous shimmering shades for use on the cheeks and eye area.  Use concealer sparingly - opt for a skin perfecting formula such as the Body Shop's Flawless Skin Protecting Concealer, £8, www.thebodyshop.co.uk. This cream-to-powder concealer comes in four shades and contains zinc oxide to combat impurities while a healthy dose of moisturising agent leaves skin silky smooth.

 

Tips for lips

 

Barely-there lip colour can be less than forgiving on dry, chapped skin so start by getting lips in tip-top condition with an ultra moisturising balm such as Trilogy's Intensive Lip Treatment, £9.74 for 7ml, www.boots.com. A neat finish is a crucial part of the natural look so to reduce the appearance of fine lines and prevent lip colour feathering, slather on a cream lip treatment such as Guinot's Longue Vie Levres Vital Lip Care, £35, www.guinotuk.com.

 

This season's neutral lip colours can easily leave complexions looking pale and lifeless, so a hint of shimmer or a high shine finish is a great way to make the lips stand out. Fans of gloss should check out L'Oreal Paris 6h Glam Shine lip gloss in Forever Nude £7.82, www.boots.com . For a more subtle everyday look, opt for a matte lipstick such as one from Maybelline's Moisture Extreme Naked Beige Collection, £4.88, www.boots.com . This ultra-hydrating lipstick comes in six skin-enhancing shades and contains SPF 15, Shea butter and jojoba oil to keep skin super soft. If you're blessed with a naturally rosy pout, try applying a dab of foundation over the lip area to create a neutral base for your gloss or lipstick.

 

For the eyes

 

If you're one of those people who rarely venture out without a slick of black mascara or eyeliner, this season's craze for natural makeup provides the perfect excuse to experiment with some soft, neutral eye shadows. Max Factor's new Masterpiece Colour Precision Eye Shadow, £6.84, www.boots.com, is the perfect choice for beginners - a clever wand applicator allows precise application while the silky formula lasts all day.  The golden Pearl Beige is ideal for daytime wear, while Coffee is the perfect choice for those in search of something a little stronger.

 

Too Faced's fabulous Natural Eye Kit is another essential piece of kit for anyone who dares to bare. Containing nine gorgeous eye shadow shades, an eye shadow brush and a step-by-step guide to creating three different nude looks for the eye, this boudoir-style box of tricks makes achieving the natural look easy.

 

If you really can't bear to go without mascara, opt for a natural shade which complements your skin tone, such as Clinique's Lash Power Mascara Long-Wearing Formula in Dark Chocolate, £14.50, www.clinique.co.uk. Alternatively, prime lashes with a conditioning treatment - E.L.F's Wet Gloss Lash And Brow Clear Mascara, £1.50 is a great way to give lashes some va-va-voom find it at www.eyeslipsface.co.uk.

 

 

For eyebrows, a neat, tidy shape is essential. Keep those pesky strays in check with a clear eyebrow gel such as Shavata's Brow Tamer, £14.60, www.beautique.com - a click-and-twist gel pen which leaves the unruliest of brows sleek and groomed. To finish the look, fill in the gaps with a cream brow colour such as Ruby and Millie's Brow Colour Duo £10.50, www.boots.com . This comes in four deliciously natural colour combinations, with each compact containing two matching shades of brow colour.

 

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