Minimalist makeup: Experts share the skincare tips and product picks you need to master this trend
How to master the minimalist makeup trend »
The minimalist makeup look has been going strong for a few seasons, and as our Fall 2013 beauty trend report revealed, it’s not going away anytime soon. From the perfectly powdered skin at Haider Ackerman to the glossy lids at Giambattista Valli, models appeared on the runway sans eye and lip makeup. The minimalist trend may cause beauty junkies everywhere to reluctantly put down their beloved colour cosmetics—but there’s a whole slew of other products to consider in order to achieve the look.
To say that most of us won’t leave the house without a little makeup on is putting it mildly, especially when it comes to what we apply around the eyes. (Puffiness, dark circles and redness are what keep the concealer business afloat!) However, makeup alone can’t fix the sins of the skin, so it’s important to have a good skincare routine in place. To help you master the minimalist look, we spoke to Dermalogica’s skincare guru Amanda Matcham and Plutino Group makeup artist Natalie Ventola. Their tips, techniques and must-have products are sure to help you achieve the natural look with ease.
Tackle Those Dark Circles
Dark circles around the eyes can be caused by many factors. For some, they’re hereditary, while in others it can be a sign of poor sleeping habits. In any case, you have to put up a good fight. “Eye creams and lymphatic drainage massage can help drain toxins from the eye area,” says Dermalogica skincare expertAmanda Matcham. She suggests using an eye product that contains SPF and will brighten the area. “I always tell my clients that plenty of water, a balanced diet and 7-8 hours of sleep will really help.”
Start Using An Eye Cream, Pronto!
“The younger you start using eye cream, the better,” advises Matcham. She says that she started using eye creams at age 15 and now at 32 still has no lines around her eyes. In Matcham’s expert opinion, here’s what you should seek in an eye cream for your age group:
20s: Use an eye cream that will work on hydration levels.
30s: Use eye cream in the morning and at night because this is the age when you start loosing collagen.
40s: Opt for age-defying ingredients and look for products containing multi-vitamins.
50s+: Products that are targeted to reduce the signs of aging and have mild forms of retinol.
When applying eye care products, Matcham warns not to put anything directly under the eye or on the lid because it can cause irritation. “Concentrate on the contour area, which is the brow bone around the eye and always use your ring finger.”
Don’t Forget to Exfoliate!
Using an exfoliant on the skin is a must. “It will not only soften your skin’s texture, but will also aid penetration of serums and moisturizers,” says Matcham. She also advocates using a skin primer with an SPF, which will help brighten the face and fight off harmful UV rays.
Amanda Matcham’s product picks: Dermalogica UltraSmoothing Eye Serum ($65, dermalogica.ca), Dermalogica SkinPerfect Primer SPF30 ($64, dermalogica.ca), Dermalogica Age Reversal Eye Complex ($105, dermalogica.ca)
“When it comes to a natural look, it’s all about attention to detail. The few things you do, make sure to do them well,” says makeup artist Natalie Ventola.
Use The Right Concealer
When choosing a concealer, there are two kinds available: solid and liquid. To cover the eye area, always use liquids. “Concealers made with skincare ingredients in them offers radiance and smoothness. It’s like having light reflectors built into product— almost like you’re walking around with your own lighting crew,” says Ventola. Illuminating the area helps to bring the hollow parts forward. As for application, Ventola advises that it’s all about layering to get your desired finish. Use a fluffy, duo fibre brush for application because it “mimics the feather touch of a makeup artist.”
Illuminate The Face
Brightening the skin is the key to going neutral and Ventola recommends using a beautiful, multi-functional illuminator. Apply the highlighter after your foundation, on classic areas like the cheekbones. For added lift, “put it on the centre of the eyelid, so you get the high points where light would naturally hit or the inner corners of the eye.” You can also wear bronzer. Which will help to give you a hit of colour, since there won’t be any shades elsewhere. Get creative by putting the bronzer (very lightly) around the eyes and a touch on the crease of the lid. “This keeps it monochromatic with the rest of the face,” says Ventola.
Lightly Dress The Eyes
Since wearing eye shadow is off limits, it’s vital to make the lashes and eyebrows pop. Ventola uses the “hidden liner” technique. Take a dark kohl eye liner pencil and colour in between the lashes. This way, you won’t have a visible line and it will give you the illusion of fuller lashes. “It will open up the eyes and people won’t even know you’re wearing liner,” declares Ventola. Don’t forget to do up the lashes with glossy mascara and groom those eyebrows.
Natalie Ventola’s makeup picks: Nars Illuminator ($30, narscosmetics.com), M.A.C Short Duo Fibre Brush ($42, maccosmetics.com), Guerlain Precious Light Rejuvenating Illuminator ($56, sephora.ca), Guerlain Lingerie De Peau Foundation ($65, sephora.ca)
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How to master the minimalist makeup trend »
The minimalist makeup look has been going strong for a few seasons, and as our Fall 2013 beauty trend report revealed, it's not going away anytime soon. From the perfectly powdered skin at Haider Ackerman to the glossy lids at Giambattista Valli, models appeared on the runway sans eye and lip makeup. The minimalist trend may cause beauty junkies everywhere to reluctantly put down their beloved colour cosmetics—but there's a whole slew of other products to consider in order to achieve the look.
To say that most of us won't leave the house without a little makeup on is putting it mildly, especially when it comes to what we apply around the eyes. (Puffiness, dark circles and redness are what keep the concealer business afloat!) However, makeup alone can't fix the sins of the skin, so it's important to have a good skincare routine in place. To help you master the minimalist look, we spoke to Dermalogica’s skincare guru Amanda Matcham and Plutino Group makeup artist Natalie Ventola. Their tips, techniques and must-have products are sure to help you achieve the natural look with ease.
Tackle Those Dark Circles
Dark circles around the eyes can be caused by many factors. For some, they’re hereditary, while in others it can be a sign of poor sleeping habits. In any case, you have to put up a good fight. “Eye creams and lymphatic drainage massage can help drain toxins from the eye area,” says Dermalogica skincare expertAmanda Matcham. She suggests using an eye product that contains SPF and will brighten the area. “I always tell my clients that plenty of water, a balanced diet and 7-8 hours of sleep will really help.”
Start Using An Eye Cream, Pronto!
“The younger you start using eye cream, the better,” advises Matcham. She says that she started using eye creams at age 15 and now at 32 still has no lines around her eyes. In Matcham’s expert opinion, here’s what you should seek in an eye cream for your age group:
20s: Use an eye cream that will work on hydration levels.
30s: Use eye cream in the morning and at night because this is the age when you start loosing collagen.
40s: Opt for age-defying ingredients and look for products containing multi-vitamins.
50s+: Products that are targeted to reduce the signs of aging and have mild forms of retinol.
When applying eye care products, Matcham warns not to put anything directly under the eye or on the lid because it can cause irritation. “Concentrate on the contour area, which is the brow bone around the eye and always use your ring finger.”
Don’t Forget to Exfoliate!
Using an exfoliant on the skin is a must. “It will not only soften your skin’s texture, but will also aid penetration of serums and moisturizers,” says Matcham. She also advocates using a skin primer with an SPF, which will help brighten the face and fight off harmful UV rays.
Amanda Matcham's product picks: Dermalogica UltraSmoothing Eye Serum ($65, dermalogica.ca), Dermalogica SkinPerfect Primer SPF30 ($64, dermalogica.ca), Dermalogica Age Reversal Eye Complex ($105, dermalogica.ca)
“When it comes to a natural look, it’s all about attention to detail. The few things you do, make sure to do them well,” says makeup artist Natalie Ventola.
Use The Right Concealer
When choosing a concealer, there are two kinds available: solid and liquid. To cover the eye area, always use liquids. “Concealers made with skincare ingredients in them offers radiance and smoothness. It’s like having light reflectors built into product— almost like you’re walking around with your own lighting crew,” says Ventola. Illuminating the area helps to bring the hollow parts forward. As for application, Ventola advises that it’s all about layering to get your desired finish. Use a fluffy, duo fibre brush for application because it “mimics the feather touch of a makeup artist.”
Illuminate The Face
Brightening the skin is the key to going neutral and Ventola recommends using a beautiful, multi-functional illuminator. Apply the highlighter after your foundation, on classic areas like the cheekbones. For added lift, “put it on the centre of the eyelid, so you get the high points where light would naturally hit or the inner corners of the eye.” You can also wear bronzer. Which will help to give you a hit of colour, since there won’t be any shades elsewhere. Get creative by putting the bronzer (very lightly) around the eyes and a touch on the crease of the lid. “This keeps it monochromatic with the rest of the face,” says Ventola.
Lightly Dress The Eyes
Since wearing eye shadow is off limits, it’s vital to make the lashes and eyebrows pop. Ventola uses the “hidden liner” technique. Take a dark kohl eye liner pencil and colour in between the lashes. This way, you won’t have a visible line and it will give you the illusion of fuller lashes. “It will open up the eyes and people won’t even know you’re wearing liner,” declares Ventola. Don’t forget to do up the lashes with glossy mascara and groom those eyebrows.
Natalie Ventola's makeup picks: Nars Illuminator ($30, narscosmetics.com), M.A.C Short Duo Fibre Brush ($42, maccosmetics.com), Guerlain Precious Light Rejuvenating Illuminator ($56, sephora.ca), Guerlain Lingerie De Peau Foundation ($65, sephora.ca)
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