Whose says perfection isn’t possible? Anyone can have glowing radiant skin, you just need to know a few secrets from the pros. Celebrity make-up artist Nancy Jambazian shares how to get a satin finish, regardless of your skin type.
Photography kimberly metz
Whether you prefer minimalist makeup or you’re more of a dramatic diva, a flawless complexion is the essential starting point for any look. Healthy, beautiful skin is the best foundation to create a picture perfect you.
While maintaining a good, daily skincare regimen that includes cleansing, toning, moisturizing (and occasionally exfoliation) is the starting point, you’ll need more than the basics to achieve skin perfection. Here’s how anyone can love the skin they’re in:
Your Skin is What you Eat
It may sound cliché, but beauty starts from the inside out. Drinking at least eight glasses of water a day is one of the best things you can do for your skin. Your body is about 70 per cent water. Throw off this balance just a little, and your skin will be the first area you’ll see the damage. Lack of water not only dries out the skin; it can contribute to flare ups and other problems.
Regular exercise to boost circulation and plenty of “beauty” sleep are also essential factors for glowing skin; as is eating a healthy diet. You are what you eat, and the skin is no exception. While you can’t go wrong with fish, whole grains and produce, there are five nutrients that are especially important in terms of your complexion. Here’s a look at the vital five for flawless skin:
1. Vitamin C This antioxidant helps the body build skin-supporting collagen. Supplement or find naturally in fruits such as kiwi and oranges.
2. Omega-3 fatty acids These essential fatty acids keep the skin supple and act an anti-inflammatory to prevent redness and wrinkles. Supplement or find naturally in fatty fish such as salmon or walnuts.
3. Beta-carotene Beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A in the body to act as an anti-aging agent to help repair skin tissue. Supplement or find naturally in orange vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes.
4. Lycopene This antioxidant helps prevent against sun damage. Tomatoes and watermelon are both excellent sources.
5. Lutein Lutein fights free radicals and increases skin elasticity. It’s abundant in eggs and kale.
Light Coverage
Glowing skin doesn’t need heavy foundations – especially in the summer months. For a light, natural look use tinted moisturizers or the new hybrid BB (beauty balm) creams.
BB creams are the next generation in multitasking products – a moisturizer, sunscreen, primer, foundation, and skincare treatment all in one. BB creams help even out skin tone, reducing redness, dark spots and blemishes. They improve skin texture, and treat and protect the skin with antioxidants and anti-aging ingredients. Used over time, BB creams will regenerate and brighten the skin.
Application: BB creams are easy to apply since they are sheer. They blend into the skin invisibly, so you don’t have to find an exact match for your skin colour. The colour ranges to choose from are typically light, medium and dark; as long the hue is close to your skin colour you’ll get the results you desire.
Medium Coverage
If you need, or simply prefer, more coverage, choosing the right type of product is essential for a beautiful finish. A liquid foundation is a great way to create the perfect canvas for the rest of your make-up. There are different formulas designed for various skin needs ranging from oily (creating a matte finish) to combination and drier skins (satin smooth finish). Each provides light to medium coverage.
Application: Always prep your skin with a hydrating moisturizer and eye cream prior to applying foundation so that it will go on smoother and look fresher. To apply, dab several dots of foundation on the center of the face (forehead, nose, cheeks and chin) and blend out and downward. For more coverage you need a product that has more pigment, not a heavier texture.
Once foundation has been applied, cover any imperfections that are still visible with a concealer, pressing it on using a small, flat synthetic brush or your fingers. Choose a creamy formula if you are applying under the eyes.
Full Coverage
Polished Skin
If you are trying to cover scars, acne or more severe pigmentation, full coverage is your best choice. The good news is that today’s foundations are galaxies away from the old mask-like cracked and cakey faces from the early eighties. Newer formulations are more highly pigmented with high performing ingredients so they can give great coverage, with less product, and leave a much lighter feel on your skin.
Cream foundations are the big hitters when it comes to full coverage. Traditionally they are oil based, however there are now oil-free formulas that work just as well.
Application: A good application technique will ensure a smooth finish. Scoop some of the cream foundation onto your hand and gently massage it around to warm it up. Stipple on a little at a time with a foundation brush until you have the coverage you want; then blend and buff it into the skin with a make-up sponge. Set your foundation with a dusting of loose powder for a polished look. VM
Going Bananas!
Bananas are your skin’s super food. They are packed with nutrients and essential vitamins such as A, B, C, and minerals like potassium, magnesium, iron and zinc. Bananas give you younger looking skin because they are hydrating, anti-aging and support the skin’s elasticity. Used topically, bananas make amazing skincare products ranging from moisturizers and scrubs to masks. To make your own banana mask, simply mash a ripe banana and smear it on your face. Leave for 20 minutes. Remove and you’ll see an instant glow.
It’s about Prime: For a smooth long-lasting finish, start with a primer that is hydrating and acts as a filler for pores, wrinkles and fine lines. It’s important to use a primer that is the same formula as your foundation. Oil and water don’t mix – keep them separate.
Satin Skin: For extra glow (especially for drier skin types), skip the setting powder and use cream blushes and shadows, which will blend into the skin like butter.
