Less is more : a flawless look

"Less is more". A style that's been trending for a while already (and still present on Fall 2011 runways) is the nude look. Does the nude look mean that we should go out bare faced in the world? Absolutely not! (And I'm totally speaking for myself here). Some dark circles (a.k.a., mine) should never be visible to others. Some days, we  feel extraverted, colourful and expressive and we just want to layer multiple colours on our lids and lips. On other days, we feel nude (perhaps natural is a better term?) and neutral and rapidly want to get it on and be on our way. Here's a classic look that is simple to do, makes us feel prettied up and yet, not entirely made-over. Perhaps not the nude look however; it's a flawless look!
(Continue to read below the video for more tips!)

Applying make-up should be a self-care moment, not a task. Like Canadian Beauty Blogger Arezu shares on her blog Chica De Belleza: "makeup and applying it is tranquil for me, so I guess that's why I like taking my time. It's my stress reliever." If you find that applying make-up takes too much of your time, keep in mind that practice makes better (if not perfect) and faster. Keep the routine to the essentials that work best for you: a tinted moisturizer (the Marcelle Sheer Tint Fluid Moisturizer comes in 6 shades and even includes an SPF 15), a Concealer Palette, basic eye shadow and lipstick (or gloss) shades, a mascara and a blush.

Foundations are meant to unify the complexion and should be a perfect match to your skin colour or very slightly lighther. Select one that feels like you have nothing on and complete with a concealer (dark circles, minor scars or imperfections) if you need to. If applying eye shadow still feels strenuous for you on a weekday but you want your eyes to pop regardless, than perhaps only apply a nice coat of eye pencil and / or mascara.

Same goes for lipcolour. If you're not sure which shade suits you, here is a purchase tip: do not try a lipstick colour on the back of your hand, which is usually quite different from your natural lipcolour. Instead, pinch one of your fingers and test the colour on your fingertip. The colour on your lips will be much more similar to that on your fingertip than to the top of your hand. And your look will be... flawless! ;o)

Shown below is the Marcelle Rouge Xpression Lipstick # 852 - Revolution. See how the colour looks different (darker) on the (dry) back of my hand than it does on my fingertips or lips.