Makeup
Natural look
I feel really sexy when I've just woken up and I don't have any make-up on." That statement has to be one of the more aggravating platitudes uttered by a certain species of female celebrity. The same goes for this clanger, sometimes volunteered by a type of male celebrity - the kind who is "on a journey". It usually begins, "I love a woman without make-up." Which makes me want to thumb my heavily powdered nose at them.
Jealous? Whatever do you mean? But, putting my envy issues to the side for a moment, I'd like to speak to one of the greater myths of the modern age. The thing is, when some men say, "I prefer the natural look", they actually don't know what they're saying. There are exceptions, of course. I'm sure Brad Pitt is being sincere.
Plus, "natural look" is often code for "please don't go overboard".
Speaking for myself, there have been times when I've felt so overwhelmingly insecure before an event that I have abused make-up in the mistaken belief that more meant hot! Friends and loved ones have looked on aghast at a make-up style that could only be described as "transgender clown". They would have done well to tell me they preferred the "natural look" then and there.
However, it is still an illusion and one I am happy to shatter (removes cape) by informing you that the "natural look", when done correctly, often ranks up there with your average Kim Kardashian-style face-shellacking operation in terms of difficulty and effort. Can someone who is not under 18 or who doesn't follow a lifestyle heavy on the quinoa and liquid fasts still achieve this look?
Your starting point should be evening your skin tone. A fake tan for the face, such as Lancôme's Flash Bronzer, applied the night before will deliver a natural golden glow without the "dirtiness" of most fake tans, and it dries pretty much instantly, so you don't have to worry about the pillowcase. Then the next day you can go easy on the foundation, or skip it altogether - thereby crafting the facial phantasm that you're not wearing make-up at all!
Build on your pseudo-natural glow by slathering on some Shimmering Skin Perfector, which reflects light, provides shine and makes you look as if you've just returned from a detox. To finish, apply concealer under your eyes, around your nostrils and at the corners of your mouth. You can add a lip and cheek tint if you want to turn up the rosy glow.
Mascara is an option, too, of course, as is the actual "natural look" - that is, absolutely no make-up at all. Also known as "I have better things to do."
