If there is one mantra you should go by this spring/summer, it is that 'less is more'.
As warmer weather beacons, so does the urge to opt for a fresher, more natural look, and the key trend of the season is nude-make up. Judging by the catwalks, creams, caramels and café au lait hues are set to explode this summer and set off the growing trend for natural skin perfectly.
There has definitely been a shift this season away from fake-tan and chocolatey bronzers, towards creamy skin and a natural glow. Nude make-up is also the perfect accompaniment to the whimsical pale peach, pastel grey and cream garments that have started to filter onto the high street from the runway.
Face
The absolute key to this look is flawless, healthy skin. Start by applying a good make-up base like YSL’s Flash Radiance Skincare Brush (£34). The brush-on primer eliminates all signs of fatigue and helps to eliminate imperfections. You then need to apply a glow-enhancing foundation: No7 Protect & Perfect Foundation (£15.20) contains light diffusing beads to soften the appearance of fine lines and blemishes.
Use a creamy concealer like Bobbi Brown’s Face Touch Up Stick (£16.60) on any skin imperfections. For extra radiance, dust MAC’s Mineralize Skinfinish powder (£17.20) on the top of the cheekbones and just below the brow.
Eyes
Bright eyed and bushy browed is the look - start by applying a light-reflecting under-eye concealer like No7 Instant Radiance Concealer (£13) to reduce dark circles and puffiness. Avoid eyeliner and instead use a neutral eyeshadow such as Lancome’s Color Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow (£12.50) in Nude Strass, it’s the perfect shade to let your eyes do the talking. You may love your jet black mascara more that your best friend, but for this look, brown mascara really is better. Clinique’s Long Pretty Lashes Mascara (£13.20) in Black/Brown is perfect. Over-plucked eyebrows look dated so make sure yours sit high and proud on your face. Use an eyebrow pencil like No7 Precision Brow Pencil (£10.30) to fill in any gaps.
Lips
Nude lips should look full and pretty; make sure yours are super-soft by keeping them well moisturised. Lush’s Lip balm (£4.40) in Honey Trap does the trick and tastes as sweet as honey to boot. For a Bardot-esque pout, choose a creamy beige lipstick: MAC Lipstick (£11.20) in Jubilee is ideal.
Nails
Nude nails will always look chic and well-groomed. Keep them short and paint on a couple of layers of Nails Inc’s Varnish (£10.50) in Elizabeth St. 
Pampered pooches
Travel Beauty Essentials
Monday, 20 April 2009
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