Get a natural glow

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By Jenna McCarthy

Clearly, the face of beauty has changed. The look we longed for years ago could be described today as obvious, particularly when it came to makeup. Foundations and powders were layered on -- applied to hide our skin as well as our self-perceived flaws and imperfections. Now, the look is more natural and expressive -- and products even work double duty to feed and protect the skin with good-for-you ingredients like antioxidants, vitamins and SPF. "Salespeople behind cosmetic counters used to sell you products to correct your shortcomings," says makeup artist Bobbi Brown. "Today the motto is that women should appreciate what's good about themselves. Makeup is now meant to accentuate the positive."

That's exactly what the new spring lineup does: Colors are vibrant, but sheer to let skin shine through, and skin glistens with a natural glow, never glitters. Think luminescent foundations, glossy lips, dewy cheeks and bright, soft eyes. "The idea," says New York City-based makeup artist Jim Crawford, "is that you want to look good without feeling like you have a lot of product on your skin."

Update your foundation.
"The goal of foundation used to be to cover, and the whole look was opaque and heavy," says makeup artist Darac, director of artistic development for Prescriptives. Now, high-tech foundations turn skin into a perfectly primed canvas, without a heavy-makeup look or feel. Some even contain light-diffusing microcrystals that create luminosity.

Expert tip "For a truly natural look, use your fingers to apply foundation," Crawford suggests. "The heat from your fingers will warm the makeup, making it more blendable, and you'll have better control with your fingers than with applicators or sponges."

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