How do you achieve that natural, glowing, soft glam look? You know, the kind of look where people are left wondering if you’re wearing makeup or if you’re just lucky to be that naturally beautiful?
Even though natural makeup is toned down, it’s not as easy as it seems. Yes, creating a barely-there makeup look actually takes work!
To get there, you must first understand a few, essential tips and strategies. However, once you master the techniques, you can give yourself that envied JLo glow in no time at all.
So let’s get started! Here are some techniques and products you need to knock this look out of the park and create that brilliant, classic finish you’ve been wanting.
Step 1: Prep your face.
Prepping your face is like washing your clothes before throwing them in the dryer. You must do one before the other. And if you skip the first step, it’s simply not as effective (like gross…who dries dirty clothes, am I right)?
The same goes for skin prep. Applying makeup to dry, dirty skin will look…well, bad. That’s why it’s essential to start with a clean face.
Before you apply makeup, you must create a clean, ultra smooth base. This means washing and moisturizing to add a plump, soft, gorgeous glow to your natural complexion.
Start by using a cleansing water to wipe your face. One of our all-time favs is Micellar Water, a gentle and effective way to remove surface oil, lift dirt, or clean any residual makeup. Then, do a full cleanse with your skin type appropriate cleanser. If you need help with a perfectly unique to you home care routine, you can visit our team at The Glow House for a consult.
Then, apply an oil-free moisturizer to hydrate and plump your skin. If you need a little extra help restoring red, dry skin, try doubling-up your hydration with some of our favorite Sonia Roselli products.
Once your skin is prepped, you can move onto the next step — hello primer!
Step 2: Apply primer.
Ever heard of a paint primer? You know, the white coat you apply to your walls before you brush on that deep Sherwin-Williams blue?
Makeup primer is like paint primer (figuratively speaking, of course). It comes before the foundation, helping lock it in place and reducing imperfections like large pores, texture, discoloration, or yes — even fine lines!
Basically, primer helps your foundation and eyeshadow stay in place from morning to night.
Still not sure if a primer is right for you? If you struggle with oily or dry skin, primer will improve texture and tone and prevent your makeup from looking unfinished by the end of the day.
Primer is truly a beauty bestie you can’t afford to ignore.
Step 3: Add barely-there coverage.
One step makeup experts rarely skip is foundation. That’s because it creates that overall smooth, flawless complexion — from dewy glow to matte finish or anything in between.
For a natural look, full-coverage foundation is a bit much. But if your complexion needs a little bit of coverage, you don’t want to skip this step either. Now that you have plump, hydrated skin, it’s time to add some lightweight coverage for that perfect, bare-skin finish. Try a gorgeously glossy foundation to brighten and smooth skin and create that natural, lit-from-within radiance.
You can also create a dewy blend by mixing a pump of foundation combined with a drop of liquid highlighter. Then take our favorite facial sponge (we recommend using it damp for best results) to melt the product seamlessly into the skin.
And only if you need it, lightly tap concealer over redness or dark spots.
Lastly, don’t forget to set your foundation with translucent setting powder. This creates a perfect all-day finish and removes any sign of shine.
Step 4: Finishing touches to a perfect complexion.
Ok, babe. We’re almost done…just a few finalizing touches to create that brilliantly polished version of yourself.
For a natural look, you don’t need to create in-depth contouring. But you can accentuate your best features with a little bronzer, blush, and highlighter.
Dust a bronze color across your nose, under your cheekbones, and near your hairline, creating a defined effect. Then, create that rosy-pink flush by brushing color from your cheekbones up towards your temple. Lastly, help your best features stand out by applying highlighter to your brow bone, the top of your cheekbones, and the tip of your nose.
Voilà! Your brilliant, dewy complexion is perfected.
Complete the Look
To complete your barely-there makeup look, add a subtle glossy lip tint, a mix of matte and shimmery neutral eyeshadows, brow gel, and a coat of mascara.
Makeup is an art. And just like any genre of art, it doesn’t come easy for everybody. If you want to learn the art of an effortless natural glow, but are struggling to get the techniques right, we’ve got a makeup class that you’ll love.
Our Soft Glam Makeup Class teaches you how to create that classic, dewy glow for every occasion — from simple everyday errands to classy work events. Located in Columbus, Ohio, our dedicated team of expert makeup artists will help you master the technique so you can look (and feel) your best at every occasion.
Whether you’re just beginning to learn makeup or you’ve been applying everyday makeup for years, our makeup classes will take you to the next level and give you the confidence to slay your most desired looks.
Questions? Contact us here. We’d love to hear from you!
