Recently, I interviewed make-up artist Rachel Montgomery on how to get a natural makeup look while using makeup. You know, looking like you are super naturally pretty while actually wearing primer, foundation, mascara and brow wax?

True, it may be easier said than done but once you master this look I doubt you’ll ever go back to Kardashian style make-up again (but hopefully you don’t wear that much eye liner to a yoga class anyways). Here’s how to get the natural makeup look.

How to get the Natural
Makeup Look

First and most important step: Prep.

“Use Bioderma Crealine on a cotton pad & clean skin. This is one of the professional makeup artists holy grail products! Its water like formula removes all traces of dirt without leaving any residue, so its not only great for general skin cleansing, but amazing if you’ve made a makeup mistake – no residue means makeup can go on straight afterwards.”

Prime time baby!

“I use Shu Uemura UV under base mousse – amazing formula evens out complexion beautifully.”

Next up, foundation.

“My favourite by far is Ellis Faas skin veil foundation. It melts into the skin and is light whilst still maintaining a good coverage. If you prefer a BB Cream, I love Garnier BB – skin always looks beautifully healthy.”

“Concealer is a must AFTER foundation and my favourite again is the Ellis Faas concealer – not at all heavy, but very effective.”

Don’t worry about your face getting shiny throughout the day.

“To give your base some stamina, I now lightly powder. If you’re worried this will make your base cake, don’t. There are many oil blotting formula these days that will simply set the base without leaving colour or a powdery effect. Some of my favs are: Bye Bye Pores – It Cosmetics by Jamie Kern (from PM Studios) and MAC Blot Powder.”

Now that your skin is done, it’s time to move onto the make-up.

Eyes:

“For the natural look I use very little eyeshadow. What you want is a highlight on the lids. My go to product for this is Napoleon Perdis Eye Dust in Honey Child. This beautiful skin like colour disappears to leave a beautifully highlighted effect. Gently pat on the eyelid. Line the inner rim of the eye ( water line) with Benefit Eye Bright. Curl lashes!!! I use a heated lash curler by Model Co. Gently apply mascara to the top & bottom lashes. There are so many great ones on the market. Try: Guerlain Cils D’Enfer, YSL Mascara Volume Effet Faux Babydoll, Benefit They’re Real, L’Oreal Telescopic, or Maybelline Colossal.”

Brows:

“Brush those brows up & fill in with Laura Mercier Brow Definer or Benefit Gimme Brow.”

Cheeks:

“I’m a big fan of blush & for this look I think its best applied gradually high on the apples of the cheeks. I find cream blushes give a really beautiful natural look. I like YSL creme de blush, Stilla Convertible Lip & Cheek Blush and Benefit Lolli Tint.”

Contouring and highlighting:

“Contouring is a really important part of the natural look. Under cheekbones, the temples & under the jaw softly will create the perfect face shape. Highlight the tops of the cheekbones & very top of the cupids bow (lips).”

You’re almost done!

“Finish the look off with a gloss or a natural stain on the lips. For the body, a great product I’ve discovered recently is Red Carpet Kolour Body Glow – just gorgeous!”