The New Neutrals. Flat And Boring Need Not Apply!

One of the biggest trends to surface for the last few seasons, has been the return of the no-makeup makeup look. 

The new version of neutral is nude, but with a little kick!  We should add a little spice to the gumbo, so to speak.

Usually when you think of a nude makeup look, matte taupes and beiges come to mind.  It's a clean polished look, that has seemed to be the go-to for daytime.  My favourite way to give a neutral face some spark is by using metallics.  Add a little copper to the eye, some gold to the cheek and that will bring a little interest to the face without adding loads of colour!

 

 

The first step in a neutral makeup look should always be a good primer.  This look is about a flawless face, with healthy and luminous skin.  The Almay Smart Shade CC Luminous Primer is perfect for a glowing canvas with which to begin.  It allows foundation to apply smoothly, adding a pearlesence to the skin that is just heavenly!  I talk a bit more about this primer here.  It's a must try!

 

For eyes, I chose a palette that has a taupe with a little shimmer for the lid, and a coppery shade in the crease.  A copper liner brought some warmth to the eyes as well.  The palette shown is No7 by Boots which I picked up in Scotland, but I'm really intrigued by The Nudes by Maybelline!  This looks like it has everything for a new neutral and more in it!  The liner is by Quo and it's part of their holiday collection which is out soon, if not already available.  These liners are gorgeous!  The colour is creamy, and they wear a long time without smudging.  I'll discuss Quo Holiday soon.  It's so good!

 

 

A nude lip can be tricky to pull off.  There usually has to be a caramel or rosey undertone in it to avoid a corpse-y look.  Texture is also important when it comes to a nude lip.  I personally like a bit of a sheen to nude lipsticks.  Shimmer, or gloss, but I find a true matte in a yellow shade looks like death.  Not pretty.  My go-to lipstick for a nude lip is Lancôme Colour Design Lipstick in Vintage Rose.  It has a mauve undertone which is great for us pale girlies.  Unfortunately, the Colour Design line is being phased out, but the Rouge In Love line is wonderful!

 

For the cheeks, I used a soft pink blush and a bronzer together for some warmth and definition.  A softly enhanced brow finished off the whole face!  This is nude makeup that won't wash you out, or make you look like you're going to work in you cubicle in an insurance agency in the 90's. 

 

What are your nude makeup tricks?



Benefit's The Porefessional And Garnier Ultra-Lift Transformer. What a Pair!

Guys, I've missed you!
I am fighting a really big stupid cold, which has been causing misery for the last week.  It's been tough to string a coherent sentence together!
Today, however, I can see through the fog, so I have absolutely got to tell you about the duo I've been all over lately!

 

These two babies layered leave a lovely glowy, velvety finish to the skin!

Benefit's The Porefessional, is one of the best primers out there.  I have talked a bit about this primer before, with regards to anti-aging, but it's great for everyone!  It has a silky balm-like texture which is light and comfy on.  The Porfessional will work on all skin-types, as long as they're well moisturized.  I have skin like the Sahara, so I use a hardcore moisturizer containing urea. This can leave me shiny and my pores look like little swimming pools!  After I apply this, my skin is matte and lovely!  This primer also has a Vitamin E derivative to protect from free radicals.  A little goes a long way, so, $31.00 isn't really that painful!

Garnier's Ultra-Lift Transformer is a newer product.  This product is a multi-tasker extraordinaire!  It is said to hydrate, correct wrinkles, firmness and dullness.  It starts off white, and then self-adjusts to the skin tone by using micro-pigments to brighten and correct.  Brighten is an understatement!  There is very slight coverage with this, but it has a spectacular blurring effect, which softens any imperfections.  Even though the Transformer has anti-aging benefits, they're not aggressive!  The anti-oxidants, peptides and vitamins will improve the skins overall health, regardless of age.  Drier skins will need a moisturizer under this, like a bb cream would, but if your skin is combination, or normal you should be fine.  I'm not sure how an oily skin would like this.  I don't think it would be bad, but it might not be a homerun.

Don't forget the SPF Ladies!

I hope to be back on my feet, and back on your screens more very soon!  This once a week ish has got to go!

Who has a combo that they love?  Any primer secrets out there? 

Share with the class, Kiddies!

 

Donna Xoxo