Because you want people to think, “Wow, she looks great today,” not “wow, her makeup looks really nice.”

I chose to include a video in today’s blog of the cutest little southern bell whose makeup artistry I completely adore. This is an awesome product review and tutorial in one, and something I’m choosing to showcase to better explain how to get that natural and glowing look that is unfortunately (but reason behind my employment) harder to conquer than it looks. As soon as I figure out how to work my new DSLR (banking on the fact I’ll be come more tech-y while in this program…), you can bet on seeing some of my own productions – please leave your requests for future toutorial ideas in the comment section, below!

Tiffany D is someone whose vlogs have inspired me for years now, and someone who I find getting lost watching on those amazing Friday nights that include not much else other than my comfy bed, and maybe a glass of wine. Yes, we’re talking about my happy place.

Straight to basics, let’s start with a bare face and build it back up again to get that “no makeup makeup” look. Ironic, right? Well, sometimes looking natural can be quite different than being natural.

Anyways…

Step 1.) Cleanse & Exfoliate. (nothing with huge, grainy chunks, they can be too abrasive and instigate blemishes. Stick to very fine granules, or home made versions using sugar)

Step 2.) Moisturize. Choose a moisturizer that isn’t too oily, but moisturizing enough to quench your skin, especially during this awesome (not) season change. Frugally enough, I like the Clean & Clear brand, and am especially enjoying their blemish-combating version they have with Salicylic Acid.

3.) Start with a primer. I love Arbonne’s primer, but Smashbox makes an awesome one, too. Gosh has a very comparable product, only cheaper. Primers even out the skin’s texture, filling in pores, fine lines, and scaring… kind of like spackle for the walls before you paint. Do not skip this step.

4.) I like to mix a foundation with a B.B. (or C.C.) cream to achieve that dewy, yet still medium coverage look. Let your own skin’s beauty shine through and never go too heavy with foundation, we’ll cover what’s needed with concealer, next.

5.) Take a concealer 2 shades lighter than your skin’s natural colour. Dab this on lightly under eyes, focusing on the parts closest to the inside of your eyes. Don’t go too heavy on this as it can cause a sort of wrinkle effect as the day wears on. Use the bare minimum. Also focus around your nose, chin, and any spots that still need covering. Also, any blemishes or existing scaring can easily be covered with a light touch of concealer. Make sure this is blended well.

*Pro tip: Use a red based concealer for under eyes, and one with a yellow base for chin and nose. Since these colours are on the opposite end of the colour wheel from blue and red, you’re skin will look a lot closer to perfect than if you just used one concealer for everything. M.A.C. makes a great conceler paler with red and yellow tones!

6.)Set with a setting powder, and a large blush or bronzer brush. I like M.A.C.’s Mineralize Skin Finish which looks completely natural, and great for nixing shine.

7.) Plop some blush on your cheeks and go to town with that brush. Blend, blend, blend. Seriously, blend until you can’t blend anymore. And then, blend a bit more.

8.) Yayyyy, contour. Again, clear M.A.C. fan, take their blush in the shade “Harmony” and with that same brush, dust it right under those cheekbones, under your chin and jaw line, around the hairline, temples, and on the sides of your nose. I love this “blush” to contour. It has a natural greyish blue undertone, so it really mimics a natural shadow that would be cast in those hollow areas… if your face happened to be so chiselled. Oh, how I love makeup.

9.) Same brush again. Plop some highlight powder onto the highest part of your cheekbones. I Love (surprise!) M.A.C’s Mineralize Skinfinish in “Soft and Gentle.” I go through so many of these. Seriously, one of my biggest secrets exposed right here. My most favourite product ever. ever.

10.) I like to give the face a couple sprays of setting spray to lock the look in, all day. Urban Decay’s “All Nighter” works great and is definitely worth the price tag.

At first glance, this seems like a whack load of makeup, and far too many steps to attempt for a simple, “Natural” look, but trust me, it takes 5 minutes and it’s totally worth it in terms of the overall look.

XO t