For once, the most popular look for spring this year is also the look most women want. In beauty-speak, it’s called über-nude, which translates to looking naturally fresh faced using “nude” shades of colour to improve on what Mother Nature gave you. Here make-up artist Zoë Clark gives a step-by-step guide to achieving the look, as worn by model Amber Jean Rowan.
Start by distributing a pea-sized amount of foundation on the back of your hand. Clark suggests
Armani
Luminous Silk
(€41.83), or
Chanel
Pro/Mat Lumière
(€41.50). Using the pad of your middle finger, carefully pull off a small amount of product (don’t dip your fingers in – you’ll take up too much product). Pat on to skin; don’t rub in or wipe. This way you can build up coverage to your liking and it also prevents foundation shifting as the day goes on.
Use concealer sparingly on blemishes or redness – Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage(€38) is ideal as the texture is dry and it holds on to the skin. For under eye or dark circles, use a creamier textured concealer such as Mac Select Moisture Cover(€17). People often confuse concealers with light reflective pens – here Clark explains the difference: they are both used under the eyes, but while concealer covers, an illuminating pen reflects light away, making the area look brighter. Apply a layer on the darkest areas around eyes, then blend, patting gently, being careful not to rub, as it will only move the product away from the area you want to highlight. The cult YSL Touche Éclat(€35) scores highly with Clark.
If your skin is oily, apply a light dusting of loose powder, focusing mainly on the T-zone to keep the look fresh.
For eye colour, try soft peach and lilac shades applied with your finger on to your eyelids for a natural effect. Chanelhas a lovely range of fluid iridescent eyeshadows called Ombre D'Eau(€27.50) which are perfect. To open the eyes and get rid of any redness, run a flesh-coloured pencil along the inner rim of the eye. Try Benefit Eye Bright(€21). Curl your lashes with an eyelash curler, then take a mascara wand loaded with a high shine gloss such as Mac Gloss Texture(€21) and brush through the brows and through the eyelashes.
This look is about texture and light reflection, so for cheek definition use an alternative to powder and try a light gel or cream bronzer such as Chanel Bronze Universal(€39.50). This will give you a natural looking touch of sun. Another favourite cheek highlighter is Nars Multiple Stickin Copacabana (€40.50). Team with a fresh bare tinted lip conditioner.
See zoeclark.com for information on Clark’s make-up school
Zoë Clark’s handbag essentials
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage (€38) completely camouflages dark circles, minor imperfections and any discolourations. On top of that apply a little Dior Skinflash Radiance Booster pen (€34) to brighten
Mac Blush in Pink Swoon (€21.50) is a perfect blush shade for cheeks.
Mac Studio Fix compact (€34). This is an all-in-one powder foundation that is perfect for touching up your base to hide any blemishes that might shine through and to fix any mistakes.
Bobbi Brown’s Bronzer in Golden Light no 1 (€32) to warm the complexion as well as to contour. It is a lovely matte texture and suits most skin tones.
Mac Ample Pink lip gloss (€17.50). This is a gorgeous soft natural colour that’s not too sticky and tastes nice, too.
