Makeup Tips for a Natural and Radiant Look

In the glamorous world of cosmetics, sometimes the boldest statement is the most understated one. Mastering the art of appearing as though one is wearing none at all. This sentiment was resoundingly confirmed when the iconic Pam Anderson recently appeared at Paris Fashion Week, confidently presenting a completely bare-faced, no-makeup look. Her bold choice to go without makeup rekindled the beauty industry's appreciation for unadulterated natural beauty. While Pam's audacity garnered admiration, the reality is, not everyone is ready to go entirely makeup-free. For those looking to subtly enhance their features without a full makeup routine, the “natural and radiant” look is a perfect compromise. Whether it's for star-studded Hollywood events or relaxed coffee dates, this aesthetic carries a universal charm that complements every face all year round. Join me as we explore the methods to perfect this balance, enriched with insights and techniques.

1. Start with a Clean Canvas
Before even touching your makeup bag, it’s crucial to ensure your face is clean and hydrated. A gentle cleanser that respects your skin's natural pH is a must.
Tip: Always pat your face dry, don’t rub. This gentle gesture can help in minimizing wrinkles in the long run.

2. Hydrate and Nourish
Well-hydrated skin offers an optimal canvas for makeup, preventing dry patches and ensuring smoother application.
Tip: Opt for a moisturizer tailored to your skin type and allow it to fully absorb for a few minutes before proceeding with the primer. If you have oily skin, consider a mattifying moisturizer. This not only hydrates but also helps control shine and gives a more matte finish.

3. Prime
Often overlooked, a primer is akin to a magic eraser. It smooths pores, provides an even base for a flawless foundation application, and acts as a barrier to prevent makeup from sliding or wearing off as the day progresses.
Tip: Mix your primer with a touch of liquid highlighter. This combo will give you an understated glow, setting the stage for a beautifully radiant finish.

4. Foundation - Less is More
Choosing the right foundation shade is paramount. The perfect match should seamlessly blend into your skin. For a naturally radiant look, gravitate towards lightweight, hydrating foundations or BB creams. These products provide light to medium coverage that is buildable, allowing you the flexibility to achieve your desired level of coverage.
Tip: If you can't find the perfect shade, don't hesitate to mix two foundation shades together. This can be especially useful as seasons change and your skin tone slightly varies. Always test on your jawline to ensure the mixed shade complements both your face and neck seamlessly. And examine the color match in natural sunlight if possible, as this provides the truest representation.

5. Concealer – The Magic Wand
A good concealer is like having a beauty wand, especially when you want to achieve that bright-eyed look without making the under-eye area appear too heavy or cakey. Dab it on imperfections, under-eye circles, or blemishes. But remember, the secret is in the blending.
Tip: When addressing the under-eye, apply product to the inner third near the inner corner and the outer third. Additionally, strategically dabbing a bit of concealer on the middle of the forehead, the center of the chin, and down the bridge of the nose can effectively brighten the face and create dimension. For blending, you can use a makeup sponge for a smooth finish or use your ring finger, known for its gentle touch, to delicately tap and merge the product into your skin.

6. The Blush and Bronze Balance
For a natural flush, cream blush emerged as a favorite all summer long and continues to be a go-to for fall and winter aesthetics. It seamlessly blends into the skin, creating an illusion of an authentic rosy glow. When it comes to bronzer, the objective is enhancement rather than imitation of a tan.
Tip: Apply the cream blush to the highest points of your cheeks, just below the eye socket. The current trend showcases it brushed atop the cheekbone and subtly blended onto the bridge of the nose. For bronzer, target the high points of your face: the upper forehead, cheekbones, and bridge of the nose. Ensure it is seamlessly blended, especially where it meets the blush.

7. The Subtle Art of Highlighting
For that coveted inner glow, turn to a highlighter. Unlike a concealer, a highlighter—whether in radiant liquid form or shimmering powder—is designed to strategically amplify specific areas of the face, adding a touch of sparkle and enhancing the skin's natural radiance and defying the common notion of shying away from shimmers as we mature.
Tip: Lightly dab highlighter onto your brow bone, inner corners of your eyes, and your cupid’s bow. Also, apply it from the upper outer area of your brow bone, creating a 'C' arc down to the upper part of your cheeks. A subtle touch on the bridge of the nose and chin further awakens and elevates the face.

8. Eyes that Speak Volumes
For a naturally radiant look, focus on subtle shades and textures. The matte finish, reminiscent of the '90s trends, is not only making a strong resurgence but also particularly complements mature skin. This refined finish brings a touch of sophistication to contemporary eye makeup, creating a look that's both timeless and classic.
Tip: For a lasting and radiant eye look, start with an eyeshadow base; it's essential to prevent your eyeshadow from wearing off. Then, consider steering clear of heavy eyeliners. Instead, opt for a soft light brown or taupe matte eyeshadow, applying it over the lids and gently diffusing it into the crease for a seamless blend. Finally, when selecting mascara, choose a formula that both lengthens and volumizes, giving your lashes a full yet understated lift.

9. Brows - The Frame of the Face
The transformative power of well-groomed brows cannot be overstated. Even if you leave the house with only your brows perfectly done, it can lend a look of subtle sophistication and polish. This season, brows are taking center stage with a variety of trends that resonate with different style eras. The thin brows reminiscent of the '90s are making a comeback with a more refined look, but so are bleached brows. Bold, straight brows, echoing Audrey Hepburn's iconic style, are also in vogue. Laminated brows, which produce a fluffy appearance, are another sought-after trend; they are brushed up and then gently combed to define a pristine arch, resulting in an uplifted and youthful look. Additionally, permanent cosmetic techniques like microblading and microshading remain popular in 2023, offering those who opt for it the ease of a perfected brow arch without the daily effort.
Tip: To achieve the laminated effect, once you've brushed them up, set your brows with a clear gel. This season, the upward-combed style is favored for its open and rejuvenated eye appearance. Additionally, for areas of sparseness, consider using an eyebrow pencil or pomade. Gently create hair-like strokes to fill in gaps and provide a fuller, natural look.

10. Lips to Seal the Deal
Your lip choice should complement, not compete. A neutral beige or pink-nude shade can beautifully enhance your lips, aligning with your skin tone without overshadowing the rest of your makeup.
Tip: Always start with a lip liner that either matches your desired lipstick shade or one shade darker than your natural lip color. This not only prevents feathering but can also amplify your pout. To achieve a fuller, poutier mouth, line your lips while slightly feathering into the lip's natural color and extending just outside their natural boundary. For a touch of added volume, dab a bit of shimmer to the center of your bottom lip. If you're looking to convert any regular lipstick into a matte finish, here's a pro tip: after application, blot your lips, dust them with a touch of face powder, and then stipple on another layer of the lipstick. This method ensures a lasting power that can endure for hours.

11. Set and Forget
After perfecting a beautifully understated no-makeup look, it's essential to preserve its allure.
Tip: To ensure longevity and enhance the overall finish, begin with a light dusting of setting powder for a smooth, seamless canvas. Follow up with a gentle mist of setting spray. This not only melds the makeup elements cohesively but also imparts a refreshed, dewy radiance. These final touches solidify your look, ensuring it remains pristine throughout your day.

Embracing the natural and radiant makeup style transcends mere trends. When Pam Anderson confidently appeared at Paris Fashion Week without makeup, she not only showcased her authentic beauty but also reminded us of the power of simplicity and self-assurance. While the choice of products and techniques are integral to achieving this natural look, it's the intention and care with which you apply them that truly stand out. By following these tips and adding your unique touch, you're not merely applying makeup – you're celebrating and elevating your innate beauty. Shine confidently and let the world admire your understated elegance.

About the Author:
Yolanda Trevino, PLC, HHP, HWC
Founder of Evolutionary Body System | Author | Entrepreneur

Yolanda Trevino is a certified Professional Life Coach (PLC), Holistic Health Practitioner (HHP), and Health and Wellness Coach (HWC) who is deeply committed to holistic well-being. With a passion for empowering individuals to transform their lives, she founded Evolutionary Body System, a holistic program designed to help people overcome trauma, achieve resilience, and embrace personal growth.

As an accomplished entrepreneur in the health and wellness industry, Yolanda brings a wealth of experience to her work. She is also the author of two inspiring books: "Lessons Learned at 40 - A Journey of Growth and Self-Discovery" and "Cultivating Mindfulness, Self-Awareness and Growth." Yolanda's memoir, "What's in Emerald City: The Power of the Heart," chronicles her own journey of overcoming trauma and offers an authentic and heartfelt account of her experiences.

Join Yolanda Trevino on this holistic wellness journey and discover the power of positive change.