A Guide To Hyper Real Skin

About

You Will Need (8 things)

Steps (1 step, 20 minutes)

1. 1

   The highlights were concentrated on the heights of the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, inner corners of the eyes and the cupid's bow (area between the nose and mouth). By highlighting these areas, you can create the illusion of higher cheekbones, a slimmer/more refined nose and more voluptuous lips. Because the colour palette of this look is very neutral, it calls for heavy emphasis on lashes but you could alternatively apply a reasonably thick line of black liquid liner to create a similar effect if you aren't well acquainted with false lashes.

   I am a big believer in getting your base right. If the base is good then the rest of your make up will just fall into place. I just wanted to do a quick overview of the LV look and offer up some tips on how to achieve that ethereal glow.

   Note: I often get asked this and no, my pics are never photo-shopped. I took these photos with my Canon 550D (av mode).

   Despite what you may have been told, you can create this look using any coverage of foundation. I personally prefer medium to full coverage foundations so I have adapted my routine to create a base that is more glowy. There's no point in using low coverage foundation if you don't feel confident with it. Do what works for you and develop the best method using that.

   I used Estee Lauder Double Wear in these pics (a mix of Fresco and Shell Beige) and I ALWAYS apply it with my fingers. I find it goes on far too heavy when applied with a foundation brush. The secret is to use as little of the foundation as possible. It's key to make sure your skin is well moisturised to ensure the foundation goes on smoothly and evenly. A lot of people are surprised when I say I am wearing Estee Lauder DW because it doesn't look heavy on my skin. My tips?

   ALWAYS apply with fingers
   Use as little as possible
   Blend, blend, blend
   Use a setting spray

   I thought it might be useful to go over the products I use when I want my skin to really glow and look radiant.

   Skincare is vitally important for this look and these are my fail-safe little accomplices to achieve ultra hydrated, luminous skin.

   The Clarins eye mask is the best I have ever encountered to counteract puffy eyes and I use it as more of an eye cream. The Clarins skin tonic is really effective at brightening your skin tone and just making your skin glow through your make up. Estee Lauder DayWear is a fantastic moisturiser to thoroughly hydrate your skin whilst still providing a good base for foundation.

   This look requires a radiance boosting pearlescent skin Illuminator and this No7 one is one of the best (if not, THE best) affordable ones on the market. This one has a peach hue with reflective particles that glow through foundation to create dewy skin. Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector is also amazing but of course, a lot more expensive! I just apply a small amount of the No7 Skin Illuminator after moisturiser and before foundation. Ensure you blend it in well.

   This Estee Lauder camouflage make up is my go-to concealer that I use every day. This stuff covers EVERYTHING from surgical scars to massive spots to skin discolouration. It's a hero product for me and I could never do without it. It's definitely a major player in creating a completely flawless base for this look. Remember to use a tiny amount and build it in VERY thin layers to conceal. It works best with a fluffy but firm brush (my favourite is the Jemma Kidd eye blending brush).

   The ethereal look demands amazing highlighters and to get the maximum effect, it's a good idea to layer powder highlighters over liquid formulations. This gives the desired look whilst ensuring it stays put.

   Benefit High Beam is one of my all-time favourite liquid highlighters because it can be very subtle or layered for a more intense finish. You only need a small amount and it lasts for ages. Dior Amber Diamond Shimmer Powder is a tried and tested beauty blogger favourite and the peachy tones are ideal for this fresh look.

   Another key aspect to this look is to use a setting spray. The reason behind this is to take away that powdery look that can develop after all your make up has been applied. I use two different sprays as shown above. Dew Me is great for daytime when you want that dewy look to your skin and De Slick is great for nights out/occasions when you want radiant skin that stays softly matte. My make up always lasts longer when I use either of these sprays. I always apply them before eye liner and mascara to avoid smudging it.