How to Get a Natural Yet Pretty Makeup Look for Back-to-School

Cait asks: "I'm out of ideas for back-to-school makeup. I have brown eyes and brown hair, and I like looking natural but not plain. Any suggestions?"

Great question, Cait! Just because you prefer taking a more natural makeup approach definitely doesn't mean you have to look boring. When applied the right way, makeup can subtly yet stunningly enhance the beautiful qualities you already have; in other words, you'll still look like you, only better! But first things first—you need to have a good skincare routine in place. "Great makeup starts with great skin, so make sure to cleanse and moisturize your face twice a day, and use a moisturizer with SPF for day," says renown makeup artist Bobbi Brown.

"When starting your makeup routine, the first thing you want to do is make your skin look even and perfect. Start by applying a tinted moisturizer (for the most part, teens do not need foundation), and then use a touch-up or foundation stick on any spots that need a little extra coverage, like on a pimple or around the nose where redness often occurs," she advises. After you've evened out your skin, it's time to give it a bit of color—but fake it, don't bake it. "If you love the sun-kissed look, use a bronzer to get a great glow. Apply bronzer to the areas of the face where the sun naturally hits (forehead, nose, high on the cheeks, and a bit on the neck). Then apply a pretty pink blush onto the apples of your cheeks. The color blush you choose should be on the natural side; I suggest finding one that matches the color of your cheeks after you ercise," Bobbi says.

Next, prepare to play up your eyes. "You don't want to wear a color that's too bright, dark, or shimmery to school, as those colors are more for a weekend/party look. I suggest choosing a light, natural-looking eye shadow that will define your lids but not make you look overdone," she says. "Apply this shadow to just the lower part of the eyelid. Next, apply one to two coats of black mascara to really make your eyes stand out; for school, only apply it to the upper lashes."

Lastly, wear a sheer gloss on your lips to polish off your look. "Your lip gloss color should complement the natural color of your lips, so choose one that's the same shade or one shade darker or lighter than your natural lip color," Bobbi says. "Above all, remember that in order to look good, you need to feel good, which means you have to make sure to eat well and ercise. Also, drink lots of water, get plenty of rest, and don't smoke!"

Check out our slideshow of must-have products to get a gorgeous, fresh-faced makeup look!

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