Though I’m a huge red lip advocate, I am of course still obsessed with other makeup looks. One that I particularly love especially as the weather starts to warm up here in NYC are “you but better” looks. You know, the type of makeup that looks like you’re not wearing any makeup—like you’re just naturally flawless and gorgeous. THAT. And all the rumors you’ve heard about it taking more technique and product to look natural are pretty much true, but I’ll try to keep it as simple as possible. Plus you can follow this guide no matter where on the shade spectrum you fall. How cool is that? Pretty cool if I should say so myself and I just did!

Prep work: Two things have to happen for this to really work. You have to have groomed brows and your skin has to be in decent shape. If you’re not yet on a regular skincare regimen, check out No Skincare Regimen? Start Here.

Face: Pick a foundation that gives a natural finish–I like Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation, Make Up For Ever Face and Body Liquid Makeup, and Diorskin Nude Hydrating Makeup. For warmer months, I typically just use concealer and Make Up For Ever Duo Mat.

Use concealer where you need it and set with powder.

Cheeks: Blush is a must! Peach is a shade that looks good on every skin tone—but the rule of thumb with finding the right shade is the darker your skin, the brighter the blush. Dust blush on the cheeks to give the skin warmth and make you look more alert.

Eyes: Grab three shadows: one about the same shade as your skin tone, one 2-3 shades lighter than your skin tone (for the brow bone), and one 2-3 shades darker than your skin tone (to define the crease or “smoke out” the outer V). At least one shade should be a matte finish to pull it all together (all shimmery looks can be tough to pull off). Line the eyes with black or brown liner. If you have smaller eyes, refrain from lining the bottom waterline all the way to prevent making your eyes look smaller.

MAC, Urban Decay, Dior, and Make Up For Ever are a few brands that make shadows I love.

Lashes: MAJOR lashes. Get a volumizing mascara (my current fave is Yves Saint Laurent Faux Cils Shocking, but there’s so many out there) and apply 2-3 coats. Long, flirty lashes open up the eyes and give you a fresh yet sexy look. If you need a little help, feel free to add in a few individual lashes.

Lips: Top it off with a shimmery nude for your complexion. Your nude will typically be close to your skin color and undertone. You can get a list of nudes that work for your complexion in Nude Lipsticks for Your Skin Tone. Also see: Nude Lipsticks for Olive and Dark Skin and Nude Lipsticks for Dark Skin.

More Make Up For Ever…

Get more makeup tips and recommendations for your skin tone in Your Best Makeup Colors.

Check out more makeup inspiration looks in the gallery below:

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About Danielle

New York City freelance writer, Image Consultant, Makeup Artist, Fashion and Beauty Producer for Bag Ladies Radio, and President of Urban Glamour, LLC. I'm a Hofstra University and Fashion Institute of Technology grad with a penchant for pretty and enjoy bringing out the FIERCE in everyone through personalized thorough image and makeup consultations. Think of me as your style and beauty entourage all wrapped up into one bubbly brown package :) I have had the honor and privilege of working backstage at NYC Fashion Week shows like Karen Walker, Jayson Brunsdon, Sabyaschi, Altuzarra, and Bridal Market Week for Vera Wang. You can also find me running around photo shoots doing makeup and styling. If you have a style or beauty question, contact me. Your question could be featured on the site!

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