How to nail a natural makeup look, according to an expert

I’m a fan of a natural makeup look. So, I used to follow a routine of applying skincare, then foundation, and a bit of concealer where needed. However, after a recent interview with makeup artist Diane Kendal in Paris, I’ve changed my approach. As the beauty creative director for Rabanne since Fall 2023, Diane works on fashion shows worldwide and shared her expert advice: apply concealer first, then foundation. “This way, you use less makeup to cover everything, and the skin looks more natural,” she explains.

Pro tips for a natural makeup look

Diane emphasises the importance of skin preparation before applying concealer. “Prepping the skin properly is crucial to prevent makeup from settling into fine lines or crumbling,” she advises. With over 40 years of experience working with stars like Taylor Swift, Kaia Gerber, and Cindy Crawford, Diane knows what works. Her skin-prep trick? “I use rose water as a toner, and after applying moisturiser, I wait a few minutes before dabbing off the excess with a tissue. This ensures the skin is nourished but not greasy, helping it absorb less makeup.”

How to properly cover dark circles

One common mistake, Diane points out, is applying concealer too close to the lash line. “This can make you look like you have bags under your eyes, or emphasise them if they’re already present,” she explains. Instead, she recommends applying three to four dabs of concealer in the dark crease below the eyes, called the tear trough, leaving a small gap between the concealer and the lash line. This technique works wonders.

After the concealer, Diane applies foundation, using it sparingly. “It’s a misconception that more makeup covers better,” she says. “Too much product can actually highlight uneven skin texture.” For spots or veins, she suggests using a green corrector (green cancels out red) before applying foundation. If a blemish still shows through, she uses concealer again, but only on the specific spot.

A backstage trick

Finally, Diane shares a trick used by models backstage: “Some dip their face in ice-cold water for a few seconds before makeup. It reduces puffiness, so you don’t need to do much to make the eyes look bigger.”

This story first appeared on VOGUE.de