Currently Craving: The Makeunder

From runways to red carpets it seems the latest “it” beauty trend is really more of a lack thereof. The makeunder is all about that “I woke up like this” vibe – understated and ultra-natural hair and makeup. But, as we all know, there’s only a select few who actually wake up like that, so here are a few tricks of the trade to achieve the perfect makeunder!

Set the Foundation

Unless you have a clear, dewy complexion, chances are you’ll need to start by using a foundation to even out your skin tone. Spray on a primer like The Makeup Primer Spray from Skindinavia ($35) and then use a light foundation, tinted moisturizer, CC or BB Cream. My favorite is AMOREPACIFIC’s Color Control Cushion Compact Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ ($60).

Highlight, Contour, and Rouge

Grab your favorite contour kit or pick out a little concealer and bronzer from your makeup arsenal, I use benefit’s Hoola bronzer ($28) and Rimmel London’s Match Perfection Concealer ($4.97). I take the concealer and draw triangles under my eyes and then blend in, covering up my dark circles and highlighting my brow bones and cheekbones as I go. Then I put a little bit above each eyebrow and down the bridge of my nose and blend. From there I use the bronzer to draw inverted number 3’s from hair line under my cheekbone, under my jawline, blending well. Then I flatten my bronzer brush, “dip” into the bronzer and then draw two straight lines down the bridge of my nose, blending very well. Add the smallest touch of cream blush to the apples of your cheeks, Make Up For Ever’s HD Blush ($26) is a favorite, and set the look with a setting spray!

It’s All About the Eyes

Since this is a natural look, simply swipe on your favorite mascara and then play up your peepers by filling in and grooming your brows. Using a brow pencil, like the Palladio Beauty Brow Pencil ($6), shadow, or other filler, color in sparse areas in your brows and then comb into place. Full, groomed eyebrows instantly elevate your look without making you look done-up. For more brow tips, including how to find the best shape for your face, click here.

The Un-Done ‘Do

From embracing your natural texture to learning a few tricks to create a effortless hairstyle, the makeunder requires hair that looks like it just dries perfectly. For curly girls, like myself, wash with a conditioning cleanser, I love the ones from Carol’s Daughter, Wen, and Ouidad, then apply a little bit of a weightless leave-in cream and a bit of oil. Let your hair air dry or dry on low-heat with a diffuser. Then add a touch of refinement to the front pieces with a small 1/2″ barrel curling wand, wrapping a curl around the wand from top to bottom and brushing out with your fingers when it cools. You can pull hair into a loose side braid or even a top knot from here. If you have straight hair, after showering, part hair down the middle, spray in a salt spray, and twist into a bun. Once your hair dries, take it down, rake through with your fingertips, and you will have perfect beach waves! Braid, tie into a low ponytail, or rock a half up look!