My initial post may have been quite the task BUT don't lie... you're probably feeling the great words of Outkast right about now.
"SO FRESH AND SO CLEAN. CLEAN."
That song is going to be stuck in your head for a bit ladies and it's not my fault. You can blame the steps that are to follow because I promise once complete, you should still feel those very words. The beauty of the "No Makeup" makeup trend is that you don't need to pack it on to make it look as if you're this walking airbrushed glowing beauty. Even for those with skin issues, this is completely doable. I have Lupus which is an ongoing battle... correcting my red blotchy skin on my worst of days is a specialty so please do NOT be intimidated by letting your skin breathe a bit in public.
Part 2
My wise mother always told me, "Less is more". I'm positive she stole that because I hear it everywhere... crazy quote thief of a lady, that one. It's so true though. Anytime your eyes catch anyone incredibly striking and you think to yourself, "Wow. She's beautiful." I can guarantee it's because she's enhanced what she's already working with. That is the trick to glowing skin.
Step 1: Pri-light
This step is partly optional but in my opinion, to get that radiance that seems to peak out from within, it is a necessity. For starters, primers by most are considered a must but for me, I choose to skip this step if possible. Now if you battle acne, uneven skin tone, excessive oil, flaky dry areas or large pores, I would recommend using one designed for those issues and only on those areas. Some people prefer to use them just for the fact that they DO help your makeup apply more evenly over your skin while acting as a barrier to prevent your skin from soaking it all up by your lunch break. That said, if using one, apply the smallest amount possible over problem areas. Next HIGHLIGHT! Using a cream or highlighting lotion, you can tap that product on the high-points of your face. I typically place it on my cheekbones leading into my under-eye area, a line down my nose, my cupids bow, chin, and forehead. I use my fingers to tap that in.
Step 2: Less Is More
Everyone has their share of blemishes and dark spots which is where concealing becomes the art of mastering "Less Is More". Conceal using a brightening concealer under your eyes. Take the tiniest amount and lay a map out using your ring finger on the darkest of areas. Once in place, TAP it in using a damp beauty blender. If you don't have access to one, don't panic. Use your finger to lightly tap it into your skin until well-blended. Take charge of those blemishes and any discoloration using a tinted moisturizer or a buildable foundation. Place the tiniest dollop on each area and using the same damp beauty blender or finger, TAP it into place. If you still notice a bit of coverage is needed, continue this step until satisfied using a buildable foundation.
Step 3: Seal It In
If you're prone to dry skin, you may be able to skip on on this step. However, if you have combination to oily skin you may want to do this. Using a fluffy brush, fluffy brushes designed for the eyes work perfectly, lightly dab into a loose translucent powder and tap off excess. LIGHTLY dust any area with foundation or concealer. This step will help those areas stay camouflaged throughout the day.
Step 4: Re-Light
Powders can sometimes take away that highlight effect which means we are ALMOST done. It's best to use a highlighting balm or powder for this step. Apply a balm-like highlighter by using your ring finger to warm up the product and tap it onto the highest points of your cheeks, down the nose, and slightly on the forehead, chin and cupid's bow. You will do the same with a powder highlight using a smaller fluffy brush to dip into the product, tap off the excess and brush onto the skin.
Radiant glowing skin is in effect and now you can dare to go about your day as is, or you can add a touch of blush to the apples of your cheeks, a neutral shadow to your lids, and a natural colored balm to your lips.
Makeup products I used are:
Highlighter - MAC Cosmetics Strobe Cream in Pinklite https://www.maccosmetics.com/product/20158/364/products/makeup/face/highlighting-contouring/strobe-cream#/shade/Pinklite_(Original_Strobe_Cream)
NUDESTIX Nudies All Over Face Color in Illumi-Naughty https://www.sephora.com/product/nudies-all-over-face-color-bronze-glow-P417912?icid2=:p417912:product&skuId=1897917
Concealer - IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye in Light https://www.itcosmetics.com/bye-bye-under-eye/ITC_0005.html#start=4&cgid=face-concealer
Foundation - Cover FX Natural Finish Foundation in P20 https://www.coverfx.com/collections/foundation/products/natural-finish-oil-free-foundation
Setting Powder - RCMA Translucent Powder https://www.nigelbeauty.com/p-14600-translucent-powder-3oz.aspx