

The Rise of Natural and Organic Ingredients in Beauty: Trends and Plant-Based Products
1. Prepping the Skin
Tip: Start with a Clean Slate
Influencer Insight: Huda Kattan (@hudabeauty)
How: Cleanse your face thoroughly to remove any dirt, oil, and makeup residue. Follow with a gentle exfoliant to smooth the skin's surface, allowing for better makeup application. Use a hydrating toner to balance the skin’s pH.
Pre-Treatment: Double cleansing ensures that all impurities are removed. Follow with a mild exfoliant like Tatcha’s The Rice Polish to gently buff away dead skin cells.
Post-Treatment: After makeup removal, cleanse again to prevent clogged pores. Use micellar water or a gentle makeup remover like Bioderma Sensibio H2O.
2. Hydration is Key
Tip: Hydrate Inside and Out
Influencer Insight: James Charles (@jamescharles)
How: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from within. Apply a hydrating serum and moisturizer before makeup to create a smooth base.
Pre-Treatment: Apply a hyaluronic acid serum, such as The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, followed by a lightweight moisturizer like Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel.
Post-Treatment: Use a rich moisturizer and a hydrating face mask, such as Laneige Water Sleeping Mask, to replenish moisture overnight.
3. Prime for Perfection
Tip: Use a Primer for Longevity
Influencer Insight: Nikkie de Jager (@nikkietutorials)
How: Apply a primer to blur pores, even out skin texture, and ensure your makeup lasts all day. Choose a primer that suits your skin type—mattifying for oily skin, hydrating for dry skin, and color-correcting for redness or dullness.
Pre-Treatment: Use a primer like Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer to create a smooth canvas.
Post-Treatment: Cleanse thoroughly to remove primer residue and allow your skin to breathe.
4. Foundation Fundamentals
Tip: Choose the Right Foundation Formula
Influencer Insight: Jackie Aina (@jackieaina)
How: Select a foundation that matches your skin type and tone. For a natural finish, use a beauty sponge or a stippling brush. Build coverage gradually to avoid a cakey look.
Pre-Treatment: Apply foundation sparingly, focusing on areas that need coverage. Use products like Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation for oily skin, or IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream for dry skin.
Post-Treatment: Remove foundation completely with an oil-based cleanser like Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm.
5. Conceal Like a Pro
Tip: Brighten and Conceal Strategically
Influencer Insight: Desi Perkins (@desiperkins)
How: Use a concealer one to two shades lighter than your foundation to brighten the under-eye area and highlight the high points of your face. Use a concealer matching your skin tone to cover blemishes and dark spots.
Pre-Treatment: Apply concealer using a small, precise brush for targeted application. Use Tarte Shape Tape Concealer for its full coverage and longevity.
Post-Treatment: Gently remove with a dedicated eye makeup remover to avoid tugging delicate skin.
6. Set and Forget
Tip: Set Your Makeup to Last
Influencer Insight: Jeffree Star (@jeffreestar)
How: Set your foundation and concealer with a translucent powder to prevent creasing and shine. Use a setting spray to lock everything in place and add a natural finish.
Pre-Treatment: Use a light dusting of Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, focusing on the T-zone.
Post-Treatment: After removing makeup, apply a hydrating mist like Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater to soothe the skin.
7. Define and Sculpt
Tip: Contour and Highlight for Dimension
Influencer Insight: Manny Gutierrez (@mannymua733)
How: Use a contour shade slightly darker than your skin tone to define your cheekbones, jawline, and nose. Apply a highlighter to the high points of your face for a radiant glow.
Pre-Treatment: Blend contour and highlight seamlessly using a damp beauty sponge or a contour brush. Products like Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit and Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector are excellent choices.
Post-Treatment: Exfoliate gently to remove makeup residues from the pores, and moisturize thoroughly.
8. Perfect Your Brows
Tip: Fill and Shape Your Brows
Influencer Insight: Amra Olević Reyes (@amrezy)
How: Use a brow pencil or powder to fill in sparse areas and define your brow shape. Brush through with a spoolie to blend the product and set with a brow gel.
Pre-Treatment: Follow the natural shape of your brows for a more realistic look. Benefit Cosmetics Precisely, My Brow Pencil is a favorite for its precision.
Post-Treatment: Remove all brow products with a gentle cleanser to avoid clogged pores around the eyebrow area.
9. Eye-Catching Looks
Tip: Enhance Your Eyes with Shadows and Liner
Influencer Insight: Tati Westbrook (@glamlifeguru)
How: Use eyeshadow to add depth and color to your eyes. Blend well to avoid harsh lines. Apply eyeliner to define the lash line and finish with mascara for fuller lashes.
Pre-Treatment: Use an eyeshadow primer like Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion to prevent creasing and enhance pigment.
Post-Treatment: Remove eye makeup gently with a dedicated remover to avoid irritating the delicate eye area.
10. Lip Service
Tip: Prep and Perfect Your Lips
Influencer Insight: Zoe Sugg (@zoesugg)
How: Exfoliate your lips to remove dead skin. Apply a lip balm to hydrate, followed by a lip liner to define the shape. Use a lipstick or gloss to finish the look.
Pre-Treatment: Use a lip scrub like Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub and follow with a hydrating balm such as Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask.
Post-Treatment: Remove lip color with a gentle makeup remover and reapply lip balm to keep lips hydrated.
Preserving Your Skin Pre and Post-Makeup
Pre-Makeup Care:
Cleanse: Start with a clean face to remove impurities.
Exfoliate: Gently exfoliate to smooth the skin surface.
Hydrate: Use a serum and moisturizer suitable for your skin type.
Prime: Apply a primer to create a smooth base for makeup application.
Post-Makeup Care:
Remove Makeup Thoroughly: Use an oil-based cleanser to break down makeup, followed by a gentle cleanser to remove residue.
Tone: Use a hydrating toner to restore the skin’s pH balance.
Treat: Apply any targeted treatments such as serums or spot treatments.
Moisturize: Use a night cream or moisturizer to lock in hydration.
Mask: Use a hydrating or soothing mask once or twice a week to replenish the skin.
By following these expert makeup tips and incorporating essential pre and post-makeup care, you can achieve flawless looks while maintaining healthy, radiant skin. Stay updated with the latest trends and products recommended by top influencers and beauty industry leaders to keep your beauty routine fresh and effective for 2024 and beyond.
