4 Steps To A Flawless Face

Page 1 | 2

Today's foundations, concealers, luminizers, and powders perfect your complexion--and are good for your skin, too.

By Robin Immerman Gruen

Every woman wants clear, even-toned skin. But many of us are in the dark about how to really achieve it. Do we use a blanket approach and slather on foundation and concealer, covering up our flaws--and our personality, too? Or should we go au naturel because it's just plain easier? Neither. It turns out that there is a fuss-free approach that gives you just the right amount of coverage. Follow this fast four-step process. It takes only five minutes from start to finish to have your skin look its beautiful best.

Smooth

Step 1 Foundation is one of the first things women skip yet it's key to looking flawless. That's because this "base layer" helps makeup last longer, and colors (like blush) will look truer than if you applied them to a naked face. "The newest options are so light and sheer, no one will know you're wearing it; they'll just think your skin is naturally gorgeous," says New York makeup artist Matin. There's no secret to picking the perfect shade--it's just a matter of testing. Hold bottles next to your face and narrow down the closest options, then swipe each where skin is most uneven (usually, your cheek); if it blends in, you're set. Once you've nailed the hue, sweep a bit along your forehead, nose, chin, and cheekbones, then blend it outward to help it disappear into your skin.

Best Bets:
(1) For Dry Skin, Bobbi Brown Luminous moisturizing foundation ($45; bobbibrown.com).
(2) For Normal, Combination, Or Oily Skin, water-based Neutrogena Healthy Skin makeup SPF 20 ($11.80; at drugstores).


Cover

Step 2 Concealer is every woman's favorite tool for hiding it all--from under-eye circles to blemishes. Apply it over foundation and you'll need only a small amount, which is ideal. "The less cover-up you work with, the more natural your overall look will be," explains New York makeup artist Sonia Kashuk. For perfect results you'll need two concealers: one that's a shade lighter than your foundation to downplay dark, blue-toned under-eye circles-- it will make skin appear brighter. The other should match your foundation to help hide reddish blemishes or broken capillaries. Use a thin makeup brush and apply the concealer to the inner- eye corners first (by the tear ducts, where circles tend to appear darkest) and feather it outward.

Best Bets:
(1) For Pimples, Tarte the Eraser Smooth Concealer with anti-inflammatory arnica ($19; at Henri Bendel).
(2) For Dark Circles, Aveda Inner Light concealer made with reflective mica ($15; aveda.com).

Page 1 | 2