Look Great Without Makeup
By Jennifer Tzeses
It's easy to get in the habit of logging too much time in front of the mirror prepping for a day at work or a night out. To take a break from your old routine, try lightening your makeup load. Not only will it get you out the door faster, but it will also prove that you don't need heavy-duty cosmetics to look your best-sometimes, less is more! Here, tips from the pros to help you look fab and feel confident in your own skin so you'll be ready to put your fresh face forward.
Brighten up your clothing.
If a palette of neutrals is your everyday armor, add a splash of color. A vivid wardrobe can do wonders for your complexion. "Deep reds on skin that's darker with warm undertones will draw out a natural flush in your cheeks," says Kiran Rai, creative director of Sir Alistair Rai, a line of women's clothing. "Saturated blues or kelly greens on a fair-skinned woman with cool undertones will enhance her eye color," she says.
Groom your brows.
The right shaped arch will completely change the look of your face, says Rachel Gangemi, eyebrow specialist from Valery Joseph Salon in New York City. "Great brows make the eyes seem larger, provide framework for the face and give you an all-over lift," she says. Keep in mind that the placement of the arch should be diagonal from the pupil of the eye; measuring with your finger is the best gauge. If you've never had your brows plucked or waxed professionally, it's a good idea to visit a pro for the initial shaping. Then you can maintain the shape more easily at home.
Follow these 4 essential steps to perfectly groomed eyebrows.
Get a helping of hydration.
The drier skin is, the older and more weathered it looks. Restore a baby-face glow by using a daytime moisturizer loaded with antioxidants and Vitamin C, says Misbah Khan, MD, clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College who has a private practice in Manhattan. "These powerful ingredients help to detox your skin from daily wear and tear so it stays radiant and more supple," she says. The most effective time to apply moisturizer is just after washing your face while your skin is still damp. This seals in moisture and helps it stay put, she says.
Show some skin.
Shift the focus away from your face by wearing a top that highlights your neckline. A V-neck will elongate the neck and make you seem taller and thinner, says Rai. Or, choose a bateau neckline to show off your collarbone and décolletage. "This area always looks delicate and feminine no matter your size or shape," she says.
Curl your lashes.
The fringe benefits of an eyelash curler go a long way. This must-have tool gives your lashes a lift in minutes, making your eyes appear super-sized, says celebrity makeup artist Tina Turnbow. The results create a dramatic difference, especially if you have straight lashes or those that grow downward shielding your eyes. You'll instantly look more awake, she says. But, using an eyelash curler takes a little know how. Before you begin, make sure lashes are clean, dry and free of mascara. Open the curler and, with your eyes open, place your upper lashes in between. Position the curler near the end of your lashes and gently clamp down; hold for 10 seconds and repeat as necessary.
Use retinols at night.
Skin can handle a more rigorous routine before bed in order to help it look better during the day. "Retinol creams help slow down the aging process," says Dr. Khan. They are derived from Vitamin A, which encourages cell turnover, helping skin to produce more collagen and smooth out wrinkles. Since they can make your skin sun sensitive they should only be used at night, adds Dr. Khan.
Spritz to look refreshed.
If you've had a restless night's sleep and your face is showing the aftereffects, a great way to revive it is by using a facial mist, says Turnbow. There are many on the market, but ordinary tap water in a spray bottle is all you really need to get an immediate glow and brighter complexion. The mist adds hydration directly to your face creating a youthful dewy look, says Turnbow. Spritz it on an as-needed basis to refresh your skin throughout the day.
Original article appeared on WomansDay.com
Related articles on WomansDay.com:
Spring Beauty Products Experts Love
