Photo by Louis Pinckney/Makeup by Susan Heydt

It takes practice to learn how to apply gorgeous natural makeup. With the right products for your skin tone and type and especially the right tools, you can do it yourself!

Learn, step by step, how to achieve the natural look that actually is a misnomer because to look rested, a few years younger, and ‘the best you ever’ takes a little effort for creating flawless features. The face is the canvas. Skin is the base. What condition your skin is in will determine the type of makeup that goes on to get the look to stay on. The key to good skin is based on the essentials of eating right, getting good sleep, hydrating, not too much sun and being born to flawless parents and grandparents. It’s really 100% each of environmental and biological influences. So don’t give up if you have more work than your neighbor. Also, a note to oily skin. You will always look 10 years younger than your dry skin neighbor. Your welcome! I knew you’d feel better.

1. First off , a clean moisturized or oil controlled face is a must. Use your favorites or seek a dermatologist’s recommendation. Sunscreen comes into play here also.

2. Next, if you are over 30, with your fingertips or a large foundation brush apply SmashBox Photo Finish lightly over skin, especially around fine lines.

3. Take a concealer brush (it’s small & firm) to apply properly matched concealer to the area where dark circles are present. Also, don’t forget to apply the concealer in the area on either side of the top of the nose where the eye meets in the inner corner. If puffy skin is present, a slightly darker shade of concealer is needed there to recess the puff. Blend the two with gentle touches. If someone else is applying the makeup, it should feel like a calming massage to the eye area. You can also cover the top lid with concealer to act as a base for eyeshadow.

4. Time to address any blemishes and imperfections, especially around the nose and mouth. The concealer needs to be placed outlining where the nose meet the cheeks and the area above the upper lip. We are trying to lighten and cover any broken capillaries or dark areas. If your hand is too heavy, just blend. The key is a light touch with the proper makeup brush. It’s often said, it’s not the product but the touch with the brushes that makes the makeup artist. Finally, glance over your face. Lightly dot any other spots or blemishes with a bit of concealer.

5. Now we go on to foundation or powder. For a lighter look, a tinted moistuizer with loose powder works great. If you wish to have more coverage but still appear natural, try using a foundation for your skin type (normal, oily, dry) blending from the middle of the face outwards. Do blend beyond the jawline and even lightly onto the ears to achieve a smooth canvas. Another choice is to airbrush foundation onto the face. Lightly tap any saturated areas. Also, pay attention to your chest, which may have more color than your face. Lightly blend some foundation or powder to help it match your face. Almost all foundation needs a powder to help it adhere. After putting powder on the brush, shake off the excess. Apply with a light wispy motion so the powder doesn’t clump too much in one spot.

**A note about mineral makeups: If you look at the ingredients, mineral makeup is not much different than loose powder. I do love the new DIOR powder that is concentrated and hydrated. Otherwise, I think the whole natural mineral makeup is not that great except for the marketing of it. I find mineral makeup harder to work with than regular powder.