Once upon a time, if you weren’t dolled up, did it even count as makeup? While we do still appreciate the red carpet, full-coverage glam, more people are opting for a more natural look, especially when it comes to their base. You know, one where your skin looks like skin? This approach focuses on evening out skin tone, concealing blemishes, and smoothening the skin, without looking unnatural and heavy. Think of it as the ‘no makeup’ makeup look, where the base is so on point that people think it’s your natural glow. So what exactly does it take to achieve this look? The key lies purely in prepping your skin correctly. Celebrity makeup artist, Riddhima Sharma, decodes base makeup tips and hacks, which’ll make getting those ‘your skin looks amazing’ compliments rolling.
The skin prep
“Everything depends on the skin prep—the way your makeup blends, looks, and lasts,” says Sharma. For this she recommends massaging generous amounts of moisturiser to the skin, before starting with anything. Moisturiser helps smoothen your skin’s surface and creates a hydrating base for the foundation or concealer application. Applying makeup to dry skin, clings on to dry patches and makes the makeup look cakey. Moistursing also nourishes the skin, making it appear less dull. This all contributes immensely to the way your base looks.
Prep also applies to your eyes and undereye area too! To allow for smooth application, especially under your eyes, Sharma recommends massaging an eye cream before starting with your makeup. This will give the area an instant boost, brighten and hydrate it, and also allows for smooth application of your concealer and foundation. Plus, this also reduces chances of your concealer caking or creasing.
The makeup prep
Step 1: Primer
“The primer I use is very light and almost an illuminating cream, which is something I apply after a moisturiser.” In order to achieve that healthy glow, Sharma says that you need to massage the primer into the skin for glowy results.
Step 2: Foundation
When it comes to foundation, she recommends going in with a liquid foundation to achieve that natural makeup look. Liquid foundations tend to be lightweight and buildable, which in this case is preferable to enhance your skin’s natural glow and give you that ‘your skin, but better’ look. “It’s best to go for foundations that have a natural or dewy finish,” she says. “Blending over a well prepped canvas (aka your skin), makes it so much simpler!”
Step 3: Concealer
It’s best to opt for creamy concealers for under the eyes, around your mouth, or to correct dark spots (only if necessary).
Step 4: The finishing touches
Finally, she recommends lightly powdering the undereye area or the t-zone with a translucent powder. You can finish off the look with a setting spray. “Carry a mini bottle of setting spray and spray it through the day, in case your skin feels dry and you want to refresh it,” she says. “But, honestly, for natural looking skin prep is key.”
Quick hacks to get that natural glow
#1: Mix foundation into your moisturiser or illuminating primer or cream.
#2: Lightly powder the under eye and maybe t-zone if needed but leave highlight points dewy for glowing skin.
#3: Dab any illuminating moisturiser on your high points to get that glow. Or use a liquid highlighter lightly over your high points.
#4: Use a liquid or cream blush over powder blushes to add that pop of colour. These types of blushes really sit into the skin and give that natural flush.
#5: Blending is key. Take your time and blend the products into your skin. Using fingers helps too—the warmth of your fingers can blend the makeup into your skin really well.
#6: Remember, less is more. Always start by applying less and then add more. Everything can only blend seamlessly if the skin prep is done well. And use powder products last!
