This is not a “support Alicia Keys’ natural beauty” story. This is about how to do the runway’s “bare” faces to complement the season’s statement-making fashion. Because when there’s a lot going on with the clothes (and accessories), the face should take a back seat.
This is not a “support Alicia Keys’ natural beauty” story. This is about how to do the runway’s “bare” faces to complement the season’s statement-making fashion. Because when there’s a lot going on with the clothes (and accessories), the face should take a back seat.
SUPER BARE
What it is: An I-woke-up-like-this look, with clean, fresh skin that looks like, well, skin.
How: Makeup artist Larry Yeo suggests using no foundation so the skin’s natural dewiness shows, while Melissa Yeo says to neaten brows with brow gel and define eyes with brown or clear mascara to compensate for flatter-looking Asian features.
Whom it suits: Women with naturally good skin, as the minimal makeup plays that up. Even better if you have freckles. Not for oily skins, complexions with large pores, or K-beauty fans.
Tip: Melissa: “Asians often have either sallow or dull- looking skin. Use a tinted lip balm instead of a clear one to add some radiance.”
Benefit Ready, Set, Brow! Clear Brow Gel, $42.
Its clear formula keeps brows tidy without giving them a made-up look.
Dior Diorskin Nude Air Powder Healthy Glow Invisible Loose Powder, $88.
Delivers a natural finish with transparent pigments that don’t alter your skin tone.
Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil in #02 Raspberry, $36.
Provides just a hint of colour to brighten the complexion, and prevents flaking lips.
Shu Uemura Ultimate Natural Mascara, $50.
Has a natural effect and a buildable formula that spreads evenly over lashes.
POLISHED BARE
What it is: A minimal but well-groomed look. Think smooth, clear skin and neat brows.
How: A thin layer of lightweight matte foundation. Alternatively, Larry recommends using a good concealer and skipping foundation. “Once you hide all the bits that need to be hidden, your face will instantly look more polished without needing a base.”
Whom it suits: Everyone. Both makeup artists we spoke to for this story agree that this version of bare is the best for our climate and the most universally flattering because it gives enough coverage (so you don’t need fabulous skin to pull it off) while still appearing natural. Plus it suits every occasion.
Tips: Larry: “Groom your brows with a waterproof brow primer before filling them in to prevent the colour from running or smudging.” Melissa Yeo: “For oily skin, set makeup with a mattifying spray.”
Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer, $45.
Creamy but oil-free, this delivers natural-looking coverage and won’t cake or fade by the end of the day. In 15 shades.
Urban Decay De-slick Makeup Setting Spray, $48.
A weightless mist that keeps sebum in check so skin stays velvety matte. It’s even said to lower skin temperature so makeup looks fresh and smooth all day.
Nyx Professional Makeup Proof It! Waterproof Eyebrow Primer, $14.
Seals eyebrow makeup so that the colour doesn’t run even in our weather.
Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Cushion Foundation SPF50, $80.
Lightweight, hydrating and with a soft matte finish, this has sun protection so you can cut back on the number of products you layer.
Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Smoothing Primer, $70.
Lightweight and creamy, this helps makeup to glide on smoothly while its beige tint evens your skin tone.
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Silk HD Anti-aging Micro-powder, $42.
Blurs out flaws like pores and lines, and is translucent, so nobody will know you had help.
TONE-ON-TONE
What it is: The most “done-up” look here, this features nude makeup of various tones and textures on eyes, lips and cheeks.
How: “Use shades that are one or two tones darker than your natural skin colour. The colours should subtly sculpt and define your facial features, but not show up visibly,” says Larry. “Use taupes for fair skins as they are browns with grey undertones, and cool-toned nudes for tanned complexions.” No bronze, because it makes you look sunburnt, puffy or dirty.
Whom it suits: Everyone
Tip: Melissa: “Pick a nude blusher and apply it to the cheeks. If it complements your skin tone, then you can use the same blusher to do a light wash over your eyes.”
Burberry Full Kisses in Nude Beige, $41.
Delivers smooth, even colour and doesn’t dry out lips.
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush in Exposed, $47.
This shade has just the right amount of beige and pink to perk up Asian skin.
Clinique Lid Pop in Cream Pop, $29.
Shimmery-beige with a frosted finish, it’s sheer enough for everyday wear.
Dior Forever Perfect Cushion (price unavailable).
Its sheer-medium coverage looks natural, but is sufficient for concealing pores and mild imperfections.
Laneige Eyebrow Cushion-cara, $36.
This brow cushion compact delivers buildable colour so arches won’t look too dark or overly painted.
Guerlain Meteorites Base Perfecting Pearls Anti-dullness, $107.
Colour-corrects and has light pink pearls that melt upon application for a subtle rosy glow.
