Friday, 24 January 2014

Natural edition


As you know I love to experiment with different colors for makeup and nails, but sometimes it's also really nice to strip everything away and go back to basics for a very natural look. But what does natural actually look like? I associate natural with colors that are similar to my skin tone like buff, beige, tan and wheat, but at the same time no one wants to look washed out or anonymous. Isn't it ironic how the "no makeup" makeup look really is quite difficult to do, and how we take great care to apply products and shades, sometimes lots of them that make us look as if we have absolutely nothing on? Regardless, here are some of my favorite products to achieve that deceptively effortless natural look.

A great foundation is the base for all makeup, and it's even more important when you're going for a nude, bare-faced look and for me the YSL Serum Foundation (£37) is perfect for achieving a flawless radiant look. Since I have reviewed this foundation before (see here) I won't go into too much detail, but it's a wonderful product that combines anti-aging and rejuvenating skincare with a medium-full color correcting foundation coverage. The formula has just the right light weight consistency and it's easy to blend into your skin using either fingers or a brush for a subtle and natural radiance. This is a very long lasting product and on me the coverage lasts about 9-10 hrs without any need to correct and it also moisturises the skin throughout the day. There's no denying that this is a luxurious product, but when you barely wear anything on your skin it's even more important to be 100% confident in the product that you do wear, and YSL makes your skin look and feel amazing.
The high street is filled with lots of wonderful eyeshadows, but finding one in a light natural shade with decent pigmentation can be difficult, but one of my favorites is the Bourjois Little Round Pot (£6.99) in 08 Beige Rose. For me this is such a classic and reliable makeup product and I have tried lots of different shades and effects and I've always been happy with the results. The powder is very soft and fine, but it doesn't crumble and it's easy to apply and blend. This shade is a great warm sheer vanilla color with a slight pink undertone and shimmer that looks very light luminous and natural on - perfect for an au naturel look.

Having found a great natural looking eyeshadow, you want to make it stay on as long as possible, and to help with that I use the amazing Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion (£15) that helps your makeup last all day. The consistency is wonderfully smooth, creamy and quick drying and with this product a little goes a long way, so you could say that it's long lasting in more than one way e.g. I've had mine for almost a year... It comes in four different versions; the transparent original and three others that all have a very subtle color. I absolutely love the shade Eden, which is a nude matte color that looks so natural that sometimes I have even worn it just on its own on the lid without any eye shadow.

One of the easiest and best tricks to achieve a wide-eyed fresh and natural look is to apply an eye pencil on the lower waterline in a light shade. You can go for white if you wish, but personally I think that a nude shade works even better. Lately I've been using the Isadora Inliner Kajal in Blonde which is a soft and creamy kajal, and although it's not specifically smudge- or waterproof it's very resistant to daily wear and it stays put for hrs before you need to touch it up so it's perfect to use on the upper or lower waterline to add that little extra brightness to the eyes.
From left to right:
L'Oréal Color Riche Collection Privée Lipstick - Julianne Moore
Isadora Inliner Kajal - Blonde
Bourjois Eyeshadow - Rose Beige

For me the tricksiest product to find for a perfect no make up look, is a nude lipstick. I see so many brown and pale shades that look amazing on others, but they rarely work on me and most of the time I look completely washed out. So when the L'Oréal Color Riche Collection Privée (£8.19) was released I thought: finally, I'll be able to find a shade that's wearable. There are six different nude shades intended for different skintones, all embodied by a different celebrity spokesperson and since my colorings are fairly similar to Doutzen Kroes' that was the shade I immediately honed in on. As lovely as it was, it didn't however tick all the boxes for me and in the end I ended up with the Julianne Moore shade which is a very grown up and sophisticated gorgeous delicate peachy pink with a brown undertone. The formula is creamy and moisturising, and it wears really well throughout the day even after eating and drinking. The only thing I don't like about this product is the typical L'Oréal lipstick taste that I find quite plastic, strong and old fashioned, but the shade is absolutely stunning and for me it's also the first nude shade ever that I'm actually comfortable and confident wearing. I like it so much that I've already bought a few spare ones, just in case this limited edition disappears from the shelves any time soon - which would be a real shame.

Last in this row of natural looking products is a nail polish that I picked up fairly recently - it's the  Maybelline Color Show Nude Nail Polish (3.99) in the shade In Your Flesh. It's a wonderful, classic nude shade that creates the illusion of longer fingers and it's a very clean, understated and chic look that would go with most outfits. The formula is a little bit thicker than most nail polishes, but despite this it's actually very easy to apply evenly and even though nude colors are by nature quite sheer, the formula is pigmented enough that you'll get a nice opaque look after two coats. Since I'm going for a paired down finish, I'm not wearing a top coat in the photos and there's enough shine in the polish for a fresh natural sheen. The polish will last for about 3 days before you need to touch it up and it's nice and easy to remove.
It's taken me a while to find products in nude shades that I'm comfortable in wearing and that look just like my natural colors - only better. After many frustrating visits to MAC I have also accepted that more often than not, the most popular nude shades don't work as well on me as they might do on others and I've had to look for other color options. But a natural look doesn't have to be just beige colored and the key to carry it off and to avoid a bland, non descript appearance - is to find products that work with your own skin tone, that blend in seamlessly and that also enhance your colors in a subtle "je ne sais quoi" way. Have you found the colors that work for you? What are your favorite natural shades?

72 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. That's so nice of you - thank you :o). Xx

      Delete
  2. I love natural make up x

    fabheadtotoe.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Isn't it funny though that it's actually quite tricky to do :o). Xx

      Delete
  3. Lovely post! I absolutely agree with you :) sometimes it's good to tone down the make up and let your natural features do the talking.

    zara xx

    ReplyDelete
  4. I think I may need to look at getting myself one of these L'oreal lipsticks. They really do sound great!

    Rachael x
    All The Little Things x | Rachael McClenaghan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The shades are so lovely, and I can't believe I've finally got myself a good nude lipstick :o). Xx

      Delete
  5. I definitely prefer natural make-up! Love that nail colour & the L'Oreal lipstick!!

    Hugs & Kisses,
    Selorm | SheJustTalks | Xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so pleased with the Julianne shade - it's perfect for me :o) Xx

      Delete
  6. Hi dear!! I've just discovered your blog :)
    This is an amazing post, it is so cool :)
    Come and give your opinion about my new post "A different day"
    http://peaceinmyshoes.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Sandra, thank you so much for visiting and for leaving such a lovely comment :o). Xx

      Delete
  7. Hi Charlotte, how are you? I hope you are well. The Maybelline nude nails polish look like something i could get away with at work. xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Anna - I'm so glad it's Friday :o)!!! It's a lovely sophisticated shade - timeless :o). Xx

      Delete
  8. lovely colours ! :)

    saralookbook.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. I bought that nail polish from Maybelline in Electric Yellow in summer and I'm very pleased with its formula and quality. The colour is very bright, shiny and well pigmented, so like you say, 2 layers will do :) This nude colour looks very pretty as well!

    Sofie x
    Little green Sofie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks - it's a great formula and yellow sounds interesting so I might need to check that out :o). Xx

      Delete
  10. that l'oreal lipstick is gorgeous! love your colour-themed posts.

    writingwhimsy.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you SOOO much, that means a lot :o). Xx

      Delete
  11. Love the L'Oreal lippie and the Bourjois Round Pot Charlotte! You're right - nude/naural make-up is difficult to get right. Luckily I think I've found my perfect Soap & Glory nude lippie - it's a good feeling when you find it! xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ooh, that's a good tip - I'll have a look at their range as well :o). Xx

      Delete
  12. Gorgeous lipstick :-) We love your bracelet too. Agree with you, the "no makeup" makeup look is actually quite difficult to do!

    x Roch & Tash x
    www.next-route-style.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  13. Absolutely stunning shades!
    Edita
    http://www.pret-a-reporter.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
  14. Replies
    1. That's so nice of you - thank you :o). Xx

      Delete
  15. Love that l'oreal lipstick :) Sweet blog xx
    -Chaitra|Itspinkpot

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a gorgeous nude shade - just perfect for me :o). Xx

      Delete
  16. I am in love that nail paint
    1 I honestly just wear neutrals! I need to bring colour to my life!

    Relationships.College.Love

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL - And I need to make it more neutral :o). Xx

      Delete
  17. This l'oreal lipstick looks just gorgeous! Thank you for all your tips! :)
    Anya
    www.annrobie.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. awesome blog post :)

    www.passport-to-fashion.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's so lovely of you - thank you VERY much :o). Xx

      Delete
  19. Amazing products... I love L'Oreal lipstick, great shade!!!!
    Happy WE doll!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks a million - you have a great one :o)! Xx

      Delete
  20. Great Post!

    http://www.evithefashionista.blogspot.ca/

    ReplyDelete
  21. I hear really good things about that primer potion! Ive never tried it though!
    www.amemoryofus.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ooh, it's excellent - and it makes such a difference to the wear of eyeshadows :o). Xx

      Delete
  22. Lovely looking products, and excellent post, as always! ♥ xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's so sweet of you - thank you and have a super weekend :o) Xx

      Delete
  23. I have a similar nail color on now and I have been loving it!

    
With A City Dream


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm surprised at how much I like it - since I usually wear bold and vibrant colors, but it's actually a very nice change :O). Xx

      Delete
  24. UD primer potion is a amazing product! I love using it but I use the clear one <3
    xoxo
    Sierra Calah ♡ Berry Stylish  

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree, it's excellent and it may be a little pricey but it lasts so long too :o). Xx

      Delete
  25. Replies
    1. I'm so happy with it and might even try some of the others in the range :o). Xx

      Delete
  26. I really need to try that YSL Foundation. I have heard it is wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's amazing and although it is expensive it's definitely worth it :O). Xx

      Delete
  27. I love the look of the loreal lipsticks, defiantly my next lipstick purchase!

    kirstylovesx.blogspot.co.uk

    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's wonderful I just wish they would do something about that taste :o). Xx

      Delete
  28. Natural makeup can be to refreshing! I really want to try out that foundation!! I also have the same problem with nude lipsticks! The really popular shades never flatter me!

    www.lilting-grace.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's such a shame because MAC has so many gorgeous shades and I just look like death warmed up... LOL Xx

      Makeup by Candlelight

      Delete
  29. What a great haul! Loreal lipsticks are a go-to for me. They never fail to please!
    Loving this post, well done! Fabulous blog :)
    xoxo
    CoverGirl + Converse
    PS - I'm back on the blog! Check it out!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's very nice of you, thanks a million :o). Xx

      Delete
  30. i completely agree with your comment on nude nail polish! or anything nude in general. nude is not the same for every person and i think you've chosen a BEAUTIFUL nude for your skintone!!!

    www.thestylebender.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, that's really lovely of you - it's all about finding what works for you even though it may not be the most "in"shade :o). Xx

      Delete
  31. That's such a lovely thing to say - thank you very much :o). Xx

    ReplyDelete
  32. That Loreal lipstick looks gorgeous! Must try and find that collection :) x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's so lovely and very versatile too :o). Xx

      Delete
  33. I love that loreal lipstick!
    Make sure to check out my blog:
    majotron.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  34. LOVE the shades used, especially the L'Oréal lipstick!
    La Mode D'Emm

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so happy with the Julianne shade and would definitely recommend the Privée range :o). Xx

      Delete
  35. That lipstick is gorgeous! :)
    lipstickandlightening.blogspot.ie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's got a lovely subtle pink tone to it and it's so versatile :o). Xx

      Delete
  36. The L'oreal lipstick shade is beautiful! I didn't even think that was a blush shade, since it was so beige, but then again, in-pan and swatch shades do look totally different on the face. But yeah, I agree, natural looking makeup is so hard to achieve! (It probably starts with good skincare first, so you use less products!)

    Vanessa | Citron and Guavaberry ʘ‿ʘ | Makeup & Silly things

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're so right, good basics is the start to everything :o). Xx

      Delete
  37. Beautiful picks! I love Bourjois shadows and I've heard great things about that YSL foundation :)

    -Jen

    www.vibrantbeautyblog.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much - you can always trust good old Bourjois :o). Xx

      Delete

Thank you so much for reading my blog and for taking the time to comment! Your comments are very important to me and I do read and appreciate all of them, even though I simply don't have time to reply to all of them!