Achieve that natural look with subtle make-up
Best way to impress a date? Go natural.
It’s the one style that’s a proven keeper, according to New York-trained make-up artist Maria de Braga.
“You can never go wrong with that,” she said. “Always remember the most important tip: less is more.”
The 27-year-old, who has been in the business for five years, says she has seen tons of make-up trends rolled out on the runways at international fashion weeks.
The natural look remains her staple.
Applying too much foundation is one of the biggest mistakes women make, she said.
Her advice? Skip it entirely and use a tinted moisturiser or lightweight foundation that matches your skin tone instead.
Add concealer to any areas that need further correction, if necessary.
She said: “When it comes to buying new products, always try before you buy. Make-up is expensive, so you don’t want to invest in products that don’t deliver the results you desire. And most department stores will give you a sample of the product.”
Most women want their look to be a mix of sweet and sexy when they hit the town for a special night out, Ms deBraga said.
The most requested make-up trend at the moment is the ‘smoky eye’. The make-up artist recommends that women keep it subtle if they want an understated yet polished look.
“I always recommend that a woman sticks to a look that she’s comfortable with by playing up one feature; eyes, lips or skin,” Ms de Braga said.
“If you’re a woman who likes a good smoky eye, substitute the black and grey hues for brown and nude colours. Dust your cheeks with a soft blush colour and pair this look off with a natural shade of lipstick [or lip tint].
“Or if you like bold colours and want a simple yet chic look, opt for bold red lipstick with simple eye make-up, adding a bit of mascara and filling in your brows. If you’re a statement woman, add a winged tip liner for a more classic look.”
She believes that dewy skin, paired with really soft pink or neutral colours can help women achieve a more romantic look.
But she insists you have to invest in the right make-up to pull this look off.
“Use products that have a satin pearly finish, not glittery ones,” she said.
Ms deBraga’s philosophy with everyday make-up is that it should subtly enhance and conceal some features, but not take away from the actual person.
“However, I do believe that make-up and confidence have a reinforcing relationship,” she explained. “I’ve seen first hand how make-up can instil confidence just by looking at my clients faces after seeing themselves in the mirror after a makeover.”
Afroditi Yiovreki has strong advice for women applying make-up: always be conscious of where you’re going.
“If you’re going to the movies then obviously I recommend something more understated and natural, but then again it also depends on your personality,” the make-up artist said.
“If you are outgoing and love to wear make-up then go ahead and do so. Make-up is a reflection of one’s personality and there are no [definitive] rules.”
Ms Yiovreki says women tend to want to play up their eyes more than their lips on a big night, which is the reason why the smoky eye is such a popular option.
Those who go that route can do it any colour that complements their outfit — but she encourages women to top the look off with black mascara and black eyeliner for a more dramatic effect.
She said Bermudians tend to use a lot of colour when they first start experimenting with make-up.
In the daytime, she said sweeping a subtle wash of colour on the lid can go a long way. At night, you can be a lot more bold with it.
If she could give any tip to women preparing for a fun night out — be it with a new guy or their husband — it would be that they start with less make-up and add more as desired.
“It’s easier to add more make-up as you go along but difficult to manipulate it once it is on there. Less is more,” she said.
“I would also encourage women that when choosing a foundation swatch it by your jawline and try a few colours.
“When the foundation looks like it is blending into your skin and you cannot see it then that is your colour. Do not choose darker or lighter shades thinking it will camouflage. You will get the best coverage when it looks like your skin and doesn’t attract attention like the wrong colour will.”
Want dewy looking skin?
Make-up artist Maria deBraga’s simple two-step process promises to help you achieve that:
1. With your fingertips, dab a pearly nude highlighter on the points where the light hits your face.
Line your cheekbones, your brow-bone, your cupid’s bow, and down your nose.
2. Apply a layer of sheer foundation over top. This gives the illusion the pearly shimmer is coming from deep within your skin.
Pair this look with a pink lip and dust some blush over the apples of your cheeks. Choose a peachy colour, which looks less dramatic, yet still super feminine.
