Natural makeup is a term used to describe makeup that mimics tones and hues already within one's complexion. A complexion consists of many hues and undertones. The ultimate goal of applying natural makeup is to create harmony with what nature has provided. Often times, natural makeup is confused with no makeup. No makeup just implies a lack of effort and time; natural makeup is actually, just the opposite. It is carefully selected and applied to enhance features so that they appear to have been a genetic gift of beauty.

This is not to suggest that natural makeup means spending an outstanding amount of time applying and outstanding amount of makeup. It just means spending quality time applying makeup strategically. Let me explain.

To Begin Natural Makeup

1. Always begin with a cleansed, toned, and moisturized face and eye area. Being of mature skin, I use an alpha hydroxy serum for gentle exfoliation and promotion of smoother skin. The serum will help rid the skin of the dull, ashy appearance and improve the color of the skin by getting rid of dead skin cells on the layer of the skin

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2. When applying natural makeup, I like to look back to photographs of my youthful days to remember the colors that lit up my face as a child. I look at the cheeks and lips to get an idea of pink or peach. Over the years, hair color changes, skin changes, and we no longer see the colors that nature once gave to us. This is a once and done deal. Once you look at your photograph and decide which colors were natural to your skin, the rest is easy.

Applying Natural Makeup

1. Next, you may still need to correct under eye circles. No matter how natural you want to be, if you have bags and circles, you just look tired!

2. Not everyone needs to wear foundation. A tinted moisturizer is a wonderful trick to natural makeup. You are adding well-deserved nourishment to the skin with an added benefit; a tint of color. You may also opt for applying a bit of foundation to only the parts that show redness to even out the complexion. The truly blessed are those that need just a great moisturizer to add a healthy glow. The end result of natural makeup foundation is to return the skin to the youthful glow. This is why heavy foundations and matte finishes are seldom used in natural makeup.

3. As a child, my cheeks were always rosy. This is the inspiration for natural makeup. Use a rouge that is similar to those pictures. If you cannot tell due to the quality of picture or the lack of color try this easy trick: gently pinch your cheeks. Remember: Gently. Black and blue is not in the natural color scheme. A gentle pinch will give you insight to your skin's natural blush shade. Apply the rouge to the apples of your cheeks. I sometimes sweep a bronzer or rouge to the areas of my face where the sun would kiss. Once again, this gives a natural glow. Just be careful not to apply too much. You don't want to look sunburned.

4. Natural eye makeup is simple. Keep to neutral shades. Colors such as taupe, brown, peach, and mauve give freshness to the eyes without overpowering the skin. These neutral colors will allow your natural features to shine by complementing the iris. When applying natural makeup, I keep the color families for eyes, cheeks, and lips the same. Use your natural blush as the guide for choosing colors. Since I have naturally rosy cheeks and pink lips, I use a light mauve shadow, a rose blush, and clear gloss with a rose tint. The colors don't compete and are not the focus of my face; instead, the dewy glow is the focus.

5. A light powder liner can be applied to make the lashes appear thicker as in our younger days. You may see that liner is not necessary.

6. Curl the eyelashes and apply a brown or clear mascara to add length. Brown is a natural color that won't add drama, but only lengthen and fill in areas that may be sparse.

7. Use a lipstick that is creamy and close to your natural lip tone. Apply a dab of gloss to the center of the lips to emphasize fullness. In place of a creamy lipstick, try a tinted gloss. Tinted glosses are excellent for adding a pinch of color and sheen all in one.

Is Natural Makeup Natural?

Yes, yes, yes. Natural makeup is fresh and dewy. It lets the world see your beauty. Is it an oxymoron? That might be for you to decide, I myself, love it.