Cosmetic technology has increased so dramatically over the last few decades that it is now possible to achieve a variety of looks using a minimal amount of products. Some individuals are surprised to learn that the "natural look" can sometimes require almost as many products as a more dramatic evening look.
Magazine advertisements that feature women with seemingly bare faces are still employing make-up artists to create this natural, yet, flawless effect. It is, however, possible to look cute and unadulterated by cosmetics using very few products. The trick lies in learning what cosmetics can be used for multiple purposes and which products work against a glowing natural look.
A Flawless Fresh Face
Your face is the canvas for whatever look you are attempting to achieve. Those who want to look cute without wearing a lot of makeup will first need to assess their skin type. Liquid, cream, and stick foundations are excellent for concealing blemishes and evening out your skin tone, yet they can often be the enemy of a natural fresh face. Many of these products provide excellent coverage, but can inhibit the natural shine of your skin. When it comes to a fresh look, eliminating foundations in favor of a moisturizer is your first step towards a glowing face.
Light Coverage
Unfortunately, if your skin is prone to breakouts or is uneven in tone, skipping your foundation may simply not be an option. In such cases, a liquid moisturizer may be your best bet for achieving minimal coverage that will not damper your inner glow. Even better than the average liquid moisturizer is an illuminating moisturizer such as that by Laura Mercier. These luminizing products provide your skin with a sheen that mimic your own skin's glow, but they can also help to even out skin tone while providing slight coverage for blemishes.
Concealer
Dark circles are the enemy of any fresh and cute look. The intrigue of an ingénue will suffer from tired eyes and shadows, which is why a concealer pen that uses light-reflecting particles can be a useful product for adding vibrancy to your face. Products such as Dior's Flash Luminizer Radiance Booster Pen or YSL's Touche Eclat, are helpful for brightening dark areas. Do note that these products function less as concealers and more as highlighters that can also be used on the bridge of your nose, your cupid's bow, and under the eyebrows.
Flushed Cheeks
Flushed rosy cheeks are indispensable to a "cute" look. However, powder blushes minimize shine and may weigh down the appearance of your skin. Using cream or stick formulas that provide a slight shimmer will help to maintain your glow while adding a splash of color. Tarte's renowned Cheek Stains provide a natural long lasting color using the very best botanical ingredients, and they can be used on your lips as well! To emphasize your cuteness, stick to lighter and brighter colors such as pinks and peaches and leave the deep rose and more muted tones for your more serious days.
Skip the Lipstick
Lipstick is excellent for a dramatic look, but it can make many individuals look older, and it is a high maintenance product. Sheer glosses that draw attention to the lips without being overbearing are key to your natural look. Products such as Fresh' Sugar Lip Shine are perfect for imparting a glossy sheer stain on your lips, minus the sticky uncomfortable texture of many competing products. If your lips already offer enough color, you can easily get by with just a clear gloss or lip balm.
Eye Openers
Eye makeup provides you with a striking look, but when you're going for a more natural face, eye makeup can easily ruin the effect. Anything more than a light sweep of sheer shimmery shadow will take away from a fresh face. In many cases, simply smoothing your liquid moisturizer from your lash line to your brow can help to even out the eye area without necessitating eye shadow. Mascara can also detract from a natural effect. Although mascara is easily the cornerstone of kittenish eyes, if its formula is thick and unwieldy, it will make it seem as though you are wearing more makeup than you actually are.
For natural looking lashes steer clear of mascaras advertising "volumizing", "thickening", and "full" effects. Instead, stick to formulas such as Clinique's Naturally Glossy Mascara and make sure that the shade you choose best matches your own coloring. Brown or lighter black formulas will work better with fairer individuals, as jet black may pose too much of a contrast.
You can also simply skip the mascara all together and use an eyelash curler to emphasize and open up your eyes. Ten seconds with a quality curler can give you Disney princess lashes without all the fuss and potential flaking of mascara.
A Truly Natural Look
It is entirely possible to look cute without wearing a lot of makeup, and some people truly don't need any makeup in order to shine. However, others may feel they need makeup to hide imperfections or accentuate their features. In such cases, the quality of the products you use will be the determining factors as to the sincerity of your look. Adhering to essential products that provide splashes of color and offer highlighting appeal will give you the foundations you need for a bright, cute, and fresh appearance.
