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Natural Makeup Look: My Step-by-Step Tutorial for Glowy Summer Skin

natural makeup tutorial

I love being glam as much as the next person, but not every occasion calls for a full-blown face beat, you know?

To me, there’s nothing prettier than a simple, pared-down look—especially in the summer. And, when done correctly, natural makeup will still make you look glowy and put-together, while appearing effortless at the same time.

natural makeup look

This past weekend my in-laws were in town, and I had about 10 minutes to get ready for dinner. I pulled out 4 products that I knew would allow me to execute the perfect natural makeup look in the shortest amount of time.

The look turned out SO pretty, and I felt confident + beautiful despite not having a full face of glam. I wanted to share my step-by-step routine with you so you can recreate it too 🙂 See below for every product that I used, and some application tips + tricks!

MY NATURAL MAKEUP LOOK

Step 1: YSL Nu Glow in Balm Face Priming Moisturizer

YSL - Nu Glow in Balm Moisturizing Face Priming Moisturizer


When I’m going for a minimal makeup look, I always appreciate products that pull double duty. The YSL Nu Glow in Balm is as perfect example of that. It’s both a primer & moisturizer in one, and helps to creates a gorgeous glowy base that sets the stage for your makeup.

As you might be able to tell from the photo below, the balm-like texture is buttery and pearlescent. It’s moisturizing without being too heavy for the summer, and (in my opinion) I even think it would be a great option for anyone who has oily skin.

ysl Nu Glow in Balm Moisturizing Face Priming Moisturizer

APPLICATION

In terms of application, you can apply it the way you would any other moisturizer/primer, giving a little extra love to any areas of the face where you might be dry.

Step 2: IT Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow

it cosmetics cc+ nude glow
I wear the shade light medium in the fall/winter, and medium neutral in the spring/summer (or any time I’m more tan.)

As most of you guys know, I’ve been a longtime fan of the original IT Cosmetics CC+ (which offers more of a full coverage), but for the summer—and “no makeup makeup days”—I love the CC+ Nude Glow.

I often get asked how the coverage of Nude Glow compares to the original CC+. Nude Glow is very sheer—you can almost think of it like a glowy tinted moisturizer. (And it has SPF 40 as an added bonus!)

The original CC+ cream is more comparable to a medium-full coverage foundation. As you can see in the two photos below, CC+ will completely cover any redness, pigmentation, dark spots, etc.

Nude Glow really lets your own skin shine through, but helps to even out your overall complexion.

IT COSMETICS CC+ NUDE GLOW vs. IT COSMETICS CC+

APPLICATION

I usually like to apply with a Beauty Blender because I find it gives me the most even finish, but a brush (or even your fingers) works too!

One thing to note is that I wouldn’t recommend gobbing a ton of the product on all at once—you’ll get a more natural, even application if you work in layers. Start out with one pump, blend it in, and see if that gives you the kind of coverage you’re looking for. If not, add a second pump.

Step 3: Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Cream Bronzer

charlotte tilbury cream bronzer
I use shade medium/2.

When I’m doing a natural makeup look, I much prefer using a cream bronzer over a powder bronzer. There’s something that feels a little bit more effortless and natural about the way that cream-based products melt into the skin.

This Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Cream Bronzer is a fairly new product, so I only started using it recently, but WOW… where has it been all of my life?! It’s INCREDIBLE. (Of course, that comes as no surprise—I feel like every single product Charlotte makes is game-changing.)

charlotte tilbury beautiful skin cream bronzer

I’ve been getting a lot of questions about whether or not I like the CT Cream Bronzer better than the Gucci Éclat Soleil Bronzing Powder that I’ve raved about (and subsequently convinced you all to buy.)

My answer is that they’re different! Like I mentioned above, CT’s Beautiful Skin is a cream product, and the Gucci bronzer is a powder. Both give me the most gorgeous, sunkissed-just-back-from-vacation wash of color—so it really just comes down to personal preference.

If your skin is on the dry side, I would recommend going with the cream.

APPLICATION

Ok now for application! The nice thing about this bronzer is that it blends like a dream. You truly do not need any technical skill or artistry to make this work for you. I recommend going in with a slightly dense brush, swiping just beneath your cheekbones, and then blending into your temples, jawline, and onto your cheeks.

Also – don’t forget to blend down to your neck.

charlotte tilbury beautiful skin cream bronzer

The more you apply, the bronzier you will get. I decided to see just how much I could actually get away with using, and the answer is basically “the limit does not exist.” As you can see in the image above, I’m very bronze.

Two little application tips that I love (particularly with this bronzer):

  • Apply it to your eyelids the way you would a shadow. You’ll notice it adds the most gorgeous depth to your eyes, and also brings your whole look together
  • Apply it just below and above your lips, and it will create a shadow, giving you a fuller-looking pout

Step 4: Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush

dior rosy glow backstage blush

Ok so. You’ve definitely heard people raving about this Dior Rosy Glow blush and I’m here to confirm it’s just as good as everyone says. Also: be sure to GET IT NOW WHILE IT’S IN STOCK! It had been very hard to track down for a while because it kept selling out. (My friend who works at Dior couldn’t even get it a few months ago!)

The shade is truly the most perfect rosy pink and it gives your cheeks the prettiest flush. Makeup artists, celebrities, beauty experts etc. all rave about its versatility and the fact that it works well on so many different skin tones.

APPLICATION

Apply with a fluffy brush to the apples of your cheeks and blend up into your temples.

One tip that has helped me a lot (I always hear makeup artists mention it) is that blush is usually the first thing to wear off of your face, so being a little heavy-handed is the way to go for extra staying power.

dior rosy glow backstage blush

Whenever I apply a little bit more than I think I need, I end up being SO much happier with how it looks in the long-run.

If you’re worried that you’ve applied WAY too much, you can always go back in with the sponge you used to apply your CC+ nude glow and diffuse the product out.

natural makeup look

That’s it!! Hope you found these products recs helpful and learned a few things along the way. Also forgot to mention: the gloss I’m wearing is Pat McGrath’s LUST in Peach Perversion (one of my faves!)

This blog post was created as part of my year-long partnership with Sephora (which is a dream come true!) As always, I specifically choose products to endorse and only recommend things that I love.

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