In theory, natural make-up should be oh-so easy – it’s minimal, which means minimal effort, right? I wish.
If like me, you find your foundation often goes cakey, or your attempts at contouring verge on clown-like, I get it. This is a safe space.
Thankfully, there’s one guy who knows how to do dreamy ‘no make-up make-up’ better than anyone else. Yep, MAC Cosmetics’ Senior Artist, Dominic Skinner, is an expert in applying foundation so that it looks like ‘your skin but better’, and crafting the perfect ‘I woke up like this’ eyelash look. Lucky for us, he’s shared all his tricks…
1. Customise your base
“One way to get a more natural base, is to mix a little moisturiser into your foundation.” It’ll dial down the coverage and give skin a dewier, natural finish.
For a glowier finish, Dominic recommends “adding a smidge of MAC’s Strobe Cream to any foundation”. “Not only will it reduce the heaviness of any base, but it’ll instantly increase your glow and leave skin looking fresh and natural.” Think post-facial glow (minus the down-time).
Maccosmetics.ae, Dh150
2. Dial back on the concealer
It can be tempting to go OTT with concealer, but this can lead to ashy undereyes and caking.
“A tip to ensure a more natural finish when using concealer, is to look at yourself in the eye when applying. We have a tendency to zero in on all our imperfections, but no one else does. So when I use concealer I look into the eyes and conceal only things that I notice within the peripheral vision.” Says Dominic. “Remember, people only look at each other in the eye, they don’t see all those other ‘imperfections’ that we see ourselves.”
To Illuminate your complexion try Dolce&Gabbana,Perfect Luminous Concealer,Dhs205 it brightens your eyes and provides long-lasting coverage.Â
3. Ignore make-up labels
Makeup can (and should) be multi-purpose. “We often don’t see all the options we have right in front of us, because we’re paying too much attention to how make-up is labelled for us” says Dominic. “Some of the more beautiful and natural looks I’ve created have come ÂÂÂfrom using a product in a way that it’s not necessarily been designed for.”
“A great shadow for a soft natural eye is just a wash of bronzing powder. Sweep it over the whole lid and then add a little more into the socket. It’s a soft look that adds natural definition.”
4. Low-key lash hack
Uber-natural boy brows were the talk of 2018, but for 2019 it’s all about the low-key lash…
“Mascara can be super heavy (which isn’t always a bad thing), but if you’re trying to achieve a softer look big lashes can be too much” says Dominic. “A trick I often use, is to apply mascara as usual, but then use two cotton buds with a little makeup remover and pinch the lashes between them to remove some of the excess mascara.”
5. Opt for definition, not drama
“A great tip to define your eyes without a dramatic liner look, is to apply a black or brown eye pencil to the top and bottom waterlines of your eye. After applying it, close your eyes really tight – this will push the pigment into the roots of your lashes, deepening the appearance of your natural lashline. Then, take a cotton bud and remove the majority of the pencil from the waterline, leaving just the pigment at the roots of your lashes. Your lashes will look naturally defined, with zero harsh lines.” Explains Dominic.
“Something like MAC’s Pro Longwear Liner is perfect for this look, as it’s waterproof and long-wearing.” “
6. Mute your blush
We’re all for rosy-flushed cheeks, but if you’re doing for the no-makeup-makeup look, subtly is key.
“Apply your blush as normal, but then go over it with your recently used foundation brush.” Says Dominic. “This helps mute down a bold blush to a softer finish – perfect if you’ve gone a little OTT with the rosy glow.” (Because, we’ve all been there.)
7. Bronzer placement = everything
“Most people use bronzing powder like a fake tan and apply it all over the face.” Says Dominic. “But if you want to create a more natural finish, just apply the bronzer around the outside edge of your face and whip it lightly under the cheekbones. This technique warms the face naturally.”
Too Faced’s Chocolate Soliel, Dhs133 is a beauty ed’s fave, as the creamy buttery powder glides onto skin and gives a wash of warmth. Expect to fall in love with it.
8. The clever way to contour
Intimidated by all those crazy-looking contour videos? You’re not the only one… “Before contouring became a science for which a degree in maths is essential, things were a lot more simple.” Says Dominic. “Take MAC’s Bronzing Powder in Matte Bronze and sweep it under the cheek, running from the top of the ear towards, but not touching, the corner of the lip. It works so well and I use this technique on the majority of red carpet looks. Celebs love it.”
9. ‘Fluff’ your lipstick
“Matte lipstick is still a huge trend, but the bold pigmentation can be a little overwhelming if you want to achieve a natural make-up look.” Says Dominic.
“For a softer finish, grab your favourite matte lipstick, then dampen a small fluffy makeup brush with a little MAC Prep+Prime Fix+, next, use the brush to buff the colour into your lips creating a diffused, long-lasting, matte lip stain.” Pretty and practical.