They say that the eyes are a window to the soul, and I'd add that eye makeup is a reflection of style. Whether you're a makeup maximalist or minimalist, onlookers catch a glimpse of your creative persona via the wash of colour splashed across your eyelids or the whisper of smoky eyeliner rimming your orbs. Your eyes don't just say that you're warm, inviting or not in the mood for talking—they also say that you have a good enough understanding of colour theory to know that rich burgundy shadow makes your brown eyes pop or that you made the conscious choice to go mascara-free to let your lipstick do the talking.

Since I'm always looking to reinvent my eye makeup, one of my first references is the French—what with their mystique, eclectically chic clothes and effortless beauty. Though Parisian women may be best known for their statement red lips, French makeup artist Violette Serrat calls one of her latest ventures, the Violette_Fr Plume Eye Shadow, one of the most authentic to her lifestyle.

"In a way, Plume Eyeshadow might be the most French-inspired formula we’ve created yet," says Serrat, the artist and brand's founder. ("After Bisou Balm," she clarifies.) "I’ve always been obsessed with the eyes in old French cinema—nothing too perfect or overly 'done,'" she explains, "just this soft, lived-in sensuality that makes you look more like yourself, but with a little mystery." Yes, there are cream eye shadow sticks, liquid shadows, and powder formulas galore, but Serrat found herself floundering when she tried to look for something sheerer, more foolproof, and perfectly French-friendly: meaning you can truly swipe and go.

"I realised there was nothing on the market that gave you that feeling in an effortless, intuitive way," she tells Who What Wear. To fill the gap, her team hit the cosmetics lab to cook up a cream-to-powder texture that offered the blending ease she sought with the smoky, gauzy finish she craved. "It has this incredible melt-to-matte effect that fuses with the skin and creates a soft veil of colour instead of something harsh or flat," she explains. In short, they're inherently immune to mistakes. In Serrat's words, the resulting blue-tinned, dreamy shadows that look closer to a trick of the light than a makeup product are things you could "build, smudge, and wear instinctively." Sounds like a French reverie.

The "French Girl" Approach

"For me, the 'French girl' approach is really about restraint," says Serrat. Sheer washes of colour and diffused colour sound easy-breezy but are typically the result of several ultra-thin layers blended into oblivion by a highly trained makeup artist. "I wanted to create a formula you could literally swipe on with your finger in two seconds and go. If you’re spending an hour in front of the mirror trying to perfect your eye shadow, you’ve already lost that effortless feeling," she adds. Effortless beauty should be effortless, no?

5 Ways to Wear the Plume Eye Shadows

Yes, I dedicated an entire paragraph of this piece to the French approach to beauty, but the secret is scarily simple—messy, hurried and virtually technique-less. However, I'm an American interpreting French beauty, so naturally I'm making things a bit more complicated. Keep scrolling to see the five ways I'm manipulating this shadow this summer.

Watercolour Wash

The first, and most authentic French technique, is the smudge-and-go. Thanks to these hazy, sheer shadows, you can rub the pad of your finger onto the cream powder and muss it onto your lids for that hazy wash of colour. "One trick I love is working the shadow onto the volume of the eye," says Serrat, referencing the centre of the lid. "I add to the centre of the eyelid, then focus depth into the crease and along the lash line, stretching it out toward the outer corner of the eye," she explains. "It gives the eyes this alive, smoky look that feels cinematic and sensual without looking overworked."

Colour Used: Pluie Violette

Hazy Liner

One of my favorite ways to do eye makeup is to accent the lash line with a soft flick of eye shadow, not liner. It's softer, making it suitable for daytime, but it can also be intensified for a deeper look once the sun goes down. (Or anytime you want, it's your world.) " I love taking a small brush and pressing it along the upper and lower lash lines, almost like a soft liner, then winging it out slightly," says Serrat. "It gives the eyes definition and depth but in a much lighter way than a classic eyeliner."

Colour I Used: Charbon Fumé

Soft Smoke

While I love tracing a clean wing with these soft shadows, the formula envelopes the eye in a seductive fog when smudged into the lash line. "I’ll use a combination of fingers and a brush to add colour across the eyelid, concentrating more depth in the outer corner and tracing it along the upper and lower lash lines," says Serrat. "Then, I’ll softly blend additional colour just above the natural crease to create the illusion of wider, more open eyes," she adds. This, she says, is a great way to "open" hooded eyelids.

Colours Used: Charbon Fumé and Bois Brûlé

Flash of Light

Think of eye shadow as an outfit: You can play with layers until the look feels right. "I’ll swipe on a shimmer shade of Plume Eyeshadow and finish with tiny accents of Lune Liner in the corners of the eyes to catch the light as the face moves," says Serrat. "I never want it to feel 'full glam,'" she states. "It should feel spontaneous, like the makeup became part of you." The key to one of these effortless yet undeniably cool looks is stepping outside your comfort zone—you won't find anything new there. "Makeup should feel expressive, not restrictive," she muses.

Colour Shown: Pluie Violette

Halo Eyes

I love a sultry halo eye after the sun goes down, and these shadows are especially suited for the occasion. The blendable cream pigments are easy to smooth over the eyes in a sheer wash, which creates a solid base for the rest of the look. With a small blending brush, I gently apply my deeper shade (in this case, Bois Brûlé) to the inner and outer corners of the eye, sweeping toward the centre but leaving a blank space in the middle. (Pro tip: Blend out any harsh edges with your fingers for a smoother look.) Selecting a shimmery accent shade, I'll coat the pad of my fingertip in the sparkling shadow and swipe it over the centre a few times to build intensity. From there, you can blend any rough lines with a fluffy brush—but don't overdo it, as the small imperfections are what keep these looks interesting.

Colours I Used: Orchidée Céleste and Bois Brûlé

More Effortless Single Eye Shadows to Try

Whether you give natural-looking makeup a try to embrace the fresh and simple looks inspired by the warmer months of the year, or as a way to streamline your beauty routine during the latter half, there's no denying that it's one of the most versatile ways to approach makeup. I'll be the first to admit that as a beauty editor, I thoroughly enjoy discovering new ways to elevate my makeup routine without worrying about a beauty trend going stale just as I'm investing in the products to give it a try.

Even before landing on its official name, I gravitated towards timeless makeup daily, so it just made sense to attempt it. If you're as interested in mastering the natural-looking makeup as I am, read the six major expert-approved tips and tricks on how to create it, then scroll ahead to take a close look at some of my favourite recent takes on natural-looking makeup trends from makeup artists and makeup-savvy celebrities.

What is natural-looking makeup?

Natural-looking makeup enhances your natural face shape and features using what's widely considered to be subtle application techniques, product shades, and textures. Natural makeup looks are timeless, versatile, and often popularly referred to as "no makeup" makeup in the media and beloved for their simplicity. Remember the "clean girl" beauty inspiration that flooded social media over the past few years? This easy-to-copy trend embraced natural-looking makeup while leaning into lifestyle-driven aesthetics.

Makeup artist Michelle Waldron tells us the key to accomplishing natural-looking makeup is using great skincare. "A hydrated canvas allows for sheer and glowy products to blend seamlessly," Waldron says. Makeup artist, esthetician, and founder of Omayma Skin, Omayma Ramzy, echoes this sentiment. "When your skin is genuinely nourished, you'll wake up halfway there without having to touch a single product," she adds.

Beauty expert Jaleesa Jaikaran advises focusing on strategic placement instead of applying product everywhere. If you were to start your makeup at the centre of the face, for example, apply your concealer under the eyes to conceal any discolouration around the mouth and nose while promoting an even skin tone. Before reaching for any makeup product, Jaikaran prefers prepping her skin with a hydrating face mist (we like Aestura Atobarrier365 Cream Mist, £18) and a nourishing glazing milk such as Byoma's Hydrating Milky Toner (£12). "The goal here is to use lightweight formulas that melt into the skin and not have the skin overly shiny," she explains. "My focus is almost always between glowy or a soft matte."

Keep reading for a deep dive into the eight natural-looking makeup looks that have captured my attention and prompted immediate screenshots and shopping sprees.

1. Fresh and Dewy

This approach to natural-looking makeup by celebrity makeup artist and beauty director David Razzano has lived rent-free in my mind because of its dewy base. He described it as a "skin sheen" in the caption of an Instagram post he dedicated to it, and revealed that Westman Atelier's Vital Skincare Complexion Drops ($68) and the Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer ($39) were used to create the light-reflecting finish.

Shop the Look:

2. Blurred Lips

Model and beauty founder Hailey Bieber recently shared this effortlessly chic look on Instagram. The blurred-lips effect could be achieved with the help of a creamy lip liner for subtle definition and a pigmented lip tint that's not overly shiny. Rhode's Peptide Lip Shape in Press (£24) and Peptide Lip Tint in Toast (£20) would deliver this just-bitten lip look in seconds.

Shop the Look:

3. Warm Tones

My favourite look Hung Vanngo has created for his client, actress Laura Harrier, is this warm and delightfully bronzed masterpiece. It doesn't take a trained eye to pick up on how nicely the rich, chocolate tones of her lips and cheeks play off the golden bronzer that's been swept across the high points of Harrier's face. To create this, consider using a highlighter with a pearlescent glow and pair it with a pink-toned blush.

Shop the Look:

4. Naturally Flushed

Makeup artist Judi Gabbay is my top source for soft glam, "full beat" looks, but I love this pared-back moment for model Kennidy Hunter. Described by Gabbay as "island girl glam" in the caption of the carousel Instagram post dedicated to it, the makeup look combines golden peach tones for flushed cheeks. The two shades of Patrick Ta's Major Headline Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo (£37) used are She's the Moment and She's So L.A.

Shop the Look

5. Subtly Sun-Kissed

Bronzed makeup doesn't always have to lean heavily into trends. In fact, some of the most elegant bronzed looks I've come across over the past few weeks shy away from adding too much colour, instead focusing on added dimension and sculpted features. Lori Harvey posted this shot of her sun-kissed makeup in February from her New York City camera roll, and I'm scrambling to copy it for my next dinner date.

Shop the Look:

6. Lightly Smoky

Smoky eye looks don't have to be reserved for all your nighttime makeup looks. This subtle, smoky moment was created for model Barbara Palvin by Tobi Henney, a celebrity makeup artist who doesn't shy away from adding a hint of sensuality to a clean, natural-looking makeup look. This copy-worthy moment blends the magic of brown eyeliner with defined lashes and just-bitten, pink lips.

Shop the Look:

7. Glossy Touches

There's nothing more fashion-forward and chic than skinny brown combined with a dewy and fresh base. Razzano blended the two in this makeup look for model Astrid Voss using Charlotte Tilbury's Beauty Highlighter Wand in Pinkgasm (£31) for a luscious, light-catching touch and Dior's Backstage Glow Maximizer Face Palette in Universal Glow (£47) to deliver an ethereal glow.

Shop the Look:

8. Soft Glow

Achieving a soft and glowy base like in this shot by model Elsa Hosk is an easy way to elevate natural-looking makeup without adding more steps to your beauty routine—it just takes smart skincare and makeup layering. She pairs a luminous base with pillowy, shiny lips.

Shop the Look:

What is the best way to apply my products?

While natural-looking makeup may appear simple at first glance, makeup artists tell me there are steps that can be taken to ensure flawless product application. Ramzy begins hers with a gua sha or facial massage to lift, sculpt and drain congestion from the face, dedicating 30 seconds to each slide while working upward and outward. Her biggest tip for a skincare routine? Warming facial oil by pressing your palms together ahead of serum application.

For this makeup, Ramzy recommends using a small number of products through layering, rather than using many of them cautiously, and to never underestimate what the right lip pairing can do to elevate a minimalist beauty look. "The Finding Ferdinand Delicious Balm is sheer enough that it never competes with your skin, but it gives your lips that berry-stained, just-bitten quality that makes the whole face look intentional," Ramzy says. "It's the kind of product that makes people ask if you're wearing anything at all—and that, to me, is the highest compliment a no-makeup look could ever receive."

Jaikaran also reminds me to understand the importance of smart layering and the placement of particular products. "Concealer or colour corrector does not require you to use a lot since these are already highly concentrated products," she adds. Jaikaran prefers applying complexion products in small layers (building only where needed), using "fluffy products" for a flawless, airbrushed finish. "One of my go-to tricks is using a glowy setting spray in between layers like Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Setting Spray (£33) as it not only helps with longevity but also helps to melt the products into the skin for a lasting, seamless finish," she says.

How can I create natural-looking makeup?

Ahead of makeup application, Ramzy's skincare routine consists of using a serum to promote luminosity after cleansing, then locking in hydration with a face oil. "By the time I'm finished, there's this lit-from-within quality that's almost impossible to manufacture with makeup alone," she explains. For natural-looking makeup, she prefers to keep the approach architectural and minimal, using the Fara Homidi Essential Face Compact (£83), and layering its Shine Baume and Smooth Veil for "skin looks raw and real in the best possible way."

For anything on the skin requiring more attention, such as dark circles or uneven tones, Ramzy uses the Hourglass Airbrush Concealer. "It's the one concealer I trust completely. Buildable without ever looking cake-y, and on properly prepped skin, it disappears into nothing," she adds. For a final touch, she finishes natural-looking makeup with a single coat of mascara.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including some skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

Last night, London hosted one of the most anticipated nights in film. The 2026 BAFTAs were held at the iconic Royal Festival Hall. Although most eyes are probably on the iconic red carpet fashion moments that dominated last night, as a beauty writer, my eyes were set solely on the makeup, hair and nail looks that I want to recreate for myself. And after spending all morning scrolling through the best BAFTA 2026 beauty moments, my thoughts are set firmly on one in particular—Ellie Bamber’s sheer makeup look, courtesy of Armani Beauty.

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I’m somewhat of a makeup minimalist, so it should come as no surprise that this sheer, glowy full-face caught my eye. Between the soft, smokey eye, healthy glow of the cheeks and the glossy nude lip, Ellie’s makeup look is one I’m sure every clean girl is set to try this season. Not to mention that it falls directly into the "Dew 2.0" look that’s set to be one of 2026’s biggest makeup trends.

Ellie Bamber's Sheer Makeup Look

After spotting this makeup look on the red carpet, I, of course, had to reach out to celebrity makeup artist Zoë Taylor to find out the inspiration behind the look, as well as the exact products she used, so that I can recreate the look for myself. Keep scrolling to see what she had to say, and then shop Ellie Bamber’s full face of Armani Beauty for yourself.

The Inspiration

"Ellie’s beautiful dress was the inspiration behind the makeup, echoing the sheerness of the fabric through matte texture on the lid and super-fresh, glowing skin. Ellie has the most perfect pale complexion, so we keep it cool on the eyes using sheer browns and greys over the lid, and lots of mascara. Cheeks felt flushed and youthful, whilst the lips were a very considered nude," says Taylor.

The Application

1. Apply blush high on the cheeks for a flushed look.
2. Apply the deeper eye tint next to the lash and the lighter shade over the lid, buffing into the lid and lash line to create depth. Layer the colours like an oil painting.
3. Apply gloss onto the centre of the lipstick to create a fuller pout.
4. I love to apply the luminous silk finish with a regular foundation brush and then use a fluffy brush to blend it into the skin seamlessly.
5. I find the foundation is so skin-like, which I love for a red-carpet finish.

Shop Ellie Bamber's Armani Beauty Look

I love talking about the best foundations. It doesn't matter if it's a flawless, full-coverage formula or a lightweight, natural-looking foundation As a beauty editor, it's one of my favourite makeup products to discuss because it's so foundational (pun intended) to a makeup routine. The best foundations blend easily, don't crease or smudge, provide long-lasting coverage, and disguise pores rather than accentuate them.

Anyone who has enlarged pores knows that the last part is critical. I, for one, have visible pores in my T-zone, and I get beyond irritated when a new foundation sinks and settles into them. Why even wear foundation in the first place if it's just going to make my problem areas look worse?

To prevent this from happening, I reached out to two professional makeup artists to get the lowdown on the best foundations for large pores. Then I tested them to see how well they held up for me and my skin. At the end of it all, I had a list of formulas that are guaranteed to make large pores look better, not worse.

The Top 5 Picks

• Best Overall: Gucci Éternité de Beauté 24 Hour Full Coverage Foundation
• Best Affordable: Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation
• Best for Dry/Mature Skin: Westman Atelier Vital Skin Full Coverage Foundation and Concealer Stick
• Best for Oily Skin: Nars Soft Matte Complete Foundation
• Best Powder Formula: Chanel Ultra Le Teint Foundation

The Best Foundations for Large Pores

Best Overall: Gucci Éternité de Beauté 24 Hour Full Coverage Foundation

This foundation surprised me. When I pumped it out of the bottle and onto the back of my hand, it was runny. I immediately feared that it would sink and settle into my pores, but I was wrong. After buffing it into my skin with my trusty Beautyblender (£17.50), I found that it actually—get this!—disguised my pores and made my skin look smooth and seamless. My only tip? Make sure your skin is adequately moisturised before applying it. If it's too dry, it can look a bit powdery.

Best Affordable: Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation

Best for Dry/Mature Skin: Westman Atelier Vital Skin Full Coverage Foundation and Concealer Stick

Best for Oily Skin: Nars Soft Matte Complete Foundation

Best Powder Formula: Chanel Ultra Le Teint Foundation

Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation

Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation

Tarte Amazonian Clay 16-Hour Full Coverage Foundation

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Powder Foundation

How to Reduce the Look of Pores

Step 1: Skin Prep

Both makeup artists say skin prep is essential when trying to disguise enlarged pores. "The best way to disguise enlarged pores, in my opinion, is to focus on proper skin prep by cleansing, exfoliating, moisturising, using a pore-minimising primer, and considering mattifying products," Seropian says.

Guerra agrees, saying each skin-prep step you do will get you closer to a smooth, seamless base. "Start by thoroughly cleansing the face to remove any dirt, oil, and makeup," Guerra says. "Choose a gentle cleanser based on your skin type. Look for products that are non-comedogenic. Some are made with ingredients specifically formulated for pore refinement." From there, he recommends exfoliating since "regular exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and improve the overall texture of the skin."

A pore-minimising toner can help too. "After cleansing and exfoliating, using a toner can also refine your pores," Guerra says. "Toners can help balance the skin's pH, remove any remaining impurities, and tighten the pores. Look for toners with ingredients like witch hazel or tea tree oil, [which are] known for their astringent properties."

SPF is the last step. "Sun damage can worsen the appearance of enlarged pores, so it's crucial to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 or higher," Guerra says. "Sunscreen helps protect the skin from harmful UV rays and prevents premature aging, which can contribute to pore enlargement."

Step 2: Primer

"For clients with large pores, scars, or other indented skin textures, I use primers that create a smoothing effect," Guerra says. "Since primers are designed to create a smooth and even surface for makeup application, they can help fill in fine lines and pores—giving the skin a more refined texture. A pore-minimising primer can help blur the appearance of pores and create a smoother makeup application."

Guerra says to avoid any primers that provide a sheen to the skin (and definitely avoid any that contain shimmer or sparkle), as these can actually make pores more visible. "I choose primers that contain ingredients like silica, which help mattify and blur texture on the skin," he says. "It helps to absorb excess oil, minimise shine, and create a soft-focus effect that instantly reduces the visibility of pores. It really (temporarily) creates an optical illusion of blurred, pore-less skin!"

You also need to know how to apply primer. "To make pores 'disappear' on the skin, the technique is just as important as the products used," Guerra says. "Using a dense, synthetic-fiber foundation brush, apply the primer in a circular motion—gently buffing the product onto the skin and into the pores."

Step 3: Makeup Applicaton

A common mistake is applying too much foundation in the hopes of concealing pores better. Guerra says this can backfire, so you should use a light touch instead. "Less is more when concealing large pores. Powder foundations can mix with sebum on the skin's surface and lead to oily creasing or separation, which makes the look of large pores much worse. Liquid foundations with too much coverage can also enhance the visibility of larger pores. Cream- or wax-based formulas can get greasy and separate on oily skin throughout the day, which can lead to clogged pores and make them more noticeable."

So instead of caking it on, try applying foundation in thin layers. You can build coverage from there. Guerra recommends using the same circular, buffing motion for makeup application as for primer application.

How We Picked/Tested

First, I asked two celebrity makeup artists for their top recommendations. From there, I personally tested and/or vetted each formula, referencing online reviews for diverse opinions and experiences. In the end, I had 10 pore-disguising selects.

Why Trust Us

Not only do we go straight to the experts—in this case, celebrity makeup artists—to ask about the products that they use and recommend to their high-profile clients, but we also conduct our own testing. We have years of experience researching, analyzing, and evaluating beauty products, foundation included.

Foundation (much like mascara) can be a very personal thing. Some prefer a liquid or powder formula, while others thrive by using a quick swipe-and-blend method with a trusty stick. I will tell you one thing. Celebrity makeup artists and beauty editors alike happen to use foundation sticks the most. Why? Well for starters, celebrity makeup artist Judi Gabbay considers them the easiest and most effortless way to apply a base.

Editors and makeup artists also agree that using a beauty sponge is key when applying a product like this. It helps create a gorgeous, seamless finish no matter what level of coverage you're looking for. If you're now itching to try one for yourself or are looking for some new favourites to add to your rotation, keep scrolling! I've rounded up a comprehensive list of editor- and makeup artist–loved foundation sticks below.

Application Tips for Stick Foundation

Celebrity makeup artist Judi Gabbay has a few application tips for when you're applying a stick foundation. First, she loves that it's so user friendly since you can apply it from the stick itself. "A lot of people say to use your fingers, but I don't believe in that," she says. "Stick foundations are a little bit creamier and greasier than a normal foundation so you're just going to add more oils if you use your fingers. I recommend using a brush when you apply it or a wet beauty sponge to blend it out."

"You can also use different shades on different parts of your face—that's why I love foundation sticks. Applying straight from the stick is your best bet. If you apply it onto the back of the hand it can get too warm after a while. You can buff it out better with a brush like the It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush #7 or the AOA Studio Paw Paw Wonder Blender—I love those!"

The Best Foundation Sticks

• Best overall foundation stick: Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick (£49)
• Best full-coverage foundation stick: Westman Atelier Vital Skin Full Coverage Foundation Stick (£62)
• Best lightweight foundation stick: Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick (£34)
• Best affordable foundation stick: No7 Stay Perfect Stick Foundation (£15)
• Best hydrating foundation stick: Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Balm Serum Boosted Skin Tint (£43)

1. Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick

2. Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick

3. Westman Atelier Vital Skin Full Coverage Foundation Stick

4. Clé de Peau Concealer Stick

5. Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick

6. Dior Forever Skin Perfect Foundation Stick

7. Tom Ford Traceless Foundation Stick

8. Ilia Skin Rewind Complexion Stick

9. No7 Stay Perfect Stick Foundation

10. Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blur + Smooth Tint Stick

11. Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Foundation Stick

12. Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Balm Serum Boosted Skin Tint

Why Trust Us:

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

Take it from someone who had to learn the hard way: The right set of brushes can totally change how your makeup looks for the better. I'm not sure what I was doing before I invested in a good set of foundation and concealer brushes, but I will say that since I've been using them, my makeup looks smoother, more natural, and takes far less time to apply. I know that sounds like a train you want to hop on, so you're going to want to pay attention.

How to Apply Under-Eye Concealer With a Brush

Concealer, in particular, can be tricky to apply without going overboard, right? Using a good brush can change all that—especially if you're applying it in the under-eye area. Makeup artists have a few tips for us in this regard. Editorial makeup artist Sara Talias says, "The trick to applying concealer with a brush is to use a very small amount of concealer and start on the inner corner of the eye where there is typically the most darkness, applying the product in a stamping motion," she says. "Working the concealer into the skin in this way ensures you get maximum coverage with the least amount of product. Too much concealer under the eye will crease and actually accentuate dry skin." 

Celebrity makeup artist Allison Kaye also has another key tip to ensure flawless application. "When applying concealer with a brush, don't swipe the product back and forth, as it will cause it to disappear. Pat the product on with the brush!" Whether you're looking to conceal dark spots, blemishes, or under-eye circles, find the best concealer brushes for each below.

This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Dry skin and concealer don't always mix—take it from someone who has combination skin that gets dry more often than not. Although it took me a while to find the right formulas that work for my skin type, I'm happy to report that there are more winners out there on the market than you think.

For starters, those with drier skin will want to look for formulas that provide long-lasting hydration, so no pesky cracks, creases or the dreaded flakes rear their ugly heads. Think hydrating concealers with added skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane, and shea butter can really help with dryness. You'll probably also want to avoid formulas that mattify since those are likely to make your skin even drier. And if you're looking for a good under-eye concealer, it's a good idea to look for a hydrating concealer for this area of your skin too.

Don't take my word for it, though. Makeup artists agree and have a few concealer recommendations for dry skin below. For all their picks and a few of my own favourites that I've tried and keep coming back to, keep scrolling. Then, head to the bottom for the best tips on how to apply them, from makeup artist Buster Knight.

The Best Concealers for Dry Skin

• Best Overall Concealer for Dry Skin: Dior Forever Skin Correct Full-Coverage Concealer (£34)
• Best Affordable Concealer for Dry Skin: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer (£10)
• Best Brightening Concealer for Dry Skin: Kosas Revealer Concealer (£28)
• Best Hydrating Concealer for Dry Skin: Beauty Pie Everyday Great Skin Hyaluronic Blur Concealer (£13)
• Best Blurring Concealer for Dry Skin: Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer (£36)

1. Dior Forever Skin Correct Full-Coverage Concealer

2. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer

3. Kosas Revealer Concealer

4. Beauty Pie Everyday Great Skin Hyaluronic Blur Concealer

5. Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer

6. Estée Lauder Double Wear Radiant Concealer

7. Tarte Shape Tape Ultra Creamy Concealer

8. Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Brightening Concealer

9. NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

10. Ilia True Skin Serum Concealer With Vitamin C

11. Milk Makeup Future Fluid All Over Medium Coverage Hydrating Concealer

12. E.l.f Cosmetics Hydrating Camo Concealer

13. Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Face and Under-Eye Concealer

14. Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra Longwear Concealer

15. Erborian Super BB Concealer

16. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Away Liquid Concealer

17. MAC Studio Radiance 24hr Luminous Lift Concealer

18. Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Concealer

19. Vieve Modern Radiance Concealer

What Are the Benefits of Using a Concealer?

"Concealer is basically your little magic eraser," explained makeup artist Buster Knight, "It helps brighten under-eyes, cover dark circles, hide blemishes, even out redness, and just makes the skin look more awake and polished. It lets you target the little areas foundation doesn’t fully fix, so the whole face looks smoother without having to pile on loads of product."

What Should Someone With Dry Skin Look for When Choosing a Concealer?

"If your skin leans dry, you want something that adds moisture, not steals it," says Knight, "Look for words like hydrating, creamy, radiant, or serum concealer. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane, or vitamin E are great — they help the concealer sit nicely instead of cracking. Avoid super matte, long-wear formulas because they can cling to dry patches."

What's the Best Way to Apply Concealer If You Have Dry Skin?

"Prep is everything," explains Knight. Here are his top tips for applying concealer on dry skin:

1. Start with eye cream or a hydrating moisturiser — give the skin a drink first so the concealer glides on instead of grabbing.
2. Use a small amount at a time — dry skin loves thin layers. Build slowly if you need more coverage.
3. Blend with a damp sponge or your warm fingertips — the warmth or moisture helps melt the product into the skin so it looks fresh, not flaky.
4. Go easy on the powder — if you do set it, use just a touch of a fine, hydrating powder.

It's no secret here that we love (and sometimes hate) Euphoria. The gritty drama may follow the lives of teenagers, but as I'm sure you all know, it's far from a kids' show. Sometimes, the raw subject matters explored within its world bring me so much sadness I feel like I'm fully living it along with the characters. But it's not all doom and gloom—we're here to explore the lighter artistic elements of the show today. Season two did not come to play, and neither did the stunning makeup looks created by the show's incredible makeup team and lead artist, Doniella Davy. 

"With this season's darker subject matter and cinematic aesthetic, the makeup needed to become less rainbowy," Davy shares. "I love all of the quintessential season one elements—glitter, rhinestones, bold colours, graphic shapes, etc. I wanted to continue that exploration during season two, but I didn't want to repeat myself or try to outdo myself by going bigger or bolder than season one. There are moments of bold colour and some of no colour, moments of sharp-as-a-knife winged liner and moments of free-form eye paintings. I swapped the chunkier glitter and neon moments for a finer-grain glitter and vivid jewel tones. I also used tiny iridescent rhinestones to serve that cinematic twinkle that we live for."

Davy likes to keep a full board of inspo on hand that has a variety of ingenious looks. "I've been incredibly inspired by peoples' re-creations or unique takes on the makeup in season one. There's a constant loop of inspiration there since Gen Z makeup was a major source of my initial inspiration for the season one looks. While quarantining in my home in L.A. for most of 2020, I took to my own face to work on makeup ideas, which inspired some of the season two looks. I'm also forever inspired by 1960s makeup with its pastel tones, winged liner and bold lower lash lines."

So ICYWW, that's where Davy got her dreamy concepts and how she breathed vibrant life into an otherwise dark season. Of course, being the beauty lover that I am, my next question involved what makeup staples she can't live without, both on set and in her personal life. If you're also curious what Davy has been using lately, read on below for all her favourites.

Davy's On-Set Makeup Staples

Davy's Own Everyday Makeup Staples

Next up, Y2K beauty is set to make a major comeback—here's all the inspo you need.

As someone who is always struggling to get out the door quickly, I typically forgo makeup in my morning routine. To be fair, this is partly due to the fact that styling my curly hair and trying to pick the perfect outfit can be time-consuming. But as our lives, timelines, and routines have drastically changed in recent months, I’ve found that the extra time I would have spent shuffling through the city has brought about curiosity in what a makeup routine would look like for me. Admittedly, this is a bit strange considering I’m a novice when it comes to makeup and barely have a skincare routine, not to mention there's nowhere to really be wearing makeup out and about in the world.

Despite these facts, I decided now could be the starting point of my personal makeup exploration. To my delight, professional makeup artist Lennie Billy agreed to map out makeup looks and tips for any beginner (including me). Ahead, you'll find seven looks you can try out at home, but before you pick up your brushes, a little about Billy…

Meet Lennie Billy

How long have you been a makeup artist? And what do you love about makeup?

I’ve been a makeup artist for over eight years. What I love about my career is being able to create, transform, play with colour, textures, shapes, styles, get out the rules or norms, and also innovate sometimes by creating trends. Being able to travel and work alongside other artists has also been amazing. I’ve done so many things that only reaffirm my love for makeup. 

What’s the number one tip you’d give to a novice when it comes to makeup? 

My number one advice I always give is don't be afraid of experimenting. Makeup is a lot of trial and error. Whether you’re a professional or just a makeup enthusiast, I always say that you have to go through everything. After you have tried it all, then it's easy to define your niche. This also goes for your signature look. We all have one, but before you commit to a forever red lip or black liner, try a smoky eye, a colourful look, a pink lip, or whatever is calling you to try. 

Shop Billy's makeup essential:

Why this look? As Billy shared, "I think a red lip is so classic that this has to be number one. A red lip is something that makes you look chic, fashionable, awake, and also is a staple look everyone should nail doing.”

Shop Billy's favorite lipsticks:

While I’m a newbie to that makeup life, I’ve always loved a red lip. Adding in the lip liner was new for me, and I'll definitely need more practice around really nailing it, but overall, I found Billy’s first look super-approachable and was feelin‘ myself all day. 

"Let’s talk about the famous cat-eyeliner look, a look that will never go away. Every year, we see different types, lengths, styles, and it is also a staple look everyone should at least try,” Billy told us.

Shop Billy's cat-eye essentials:

Imma be real: I still need a lot of practice when it comes to perfecting this cat-eye look. Everything went wrong for me when creating this look. My eyes wouldn't stop twitching, my eyeliner pencil broke, I ran out of makeup remover… The fact I was even able to manage to create one semi-decent liner look was a challenge. Ultimately, I'd suggest getting a felt-tip pen to create this look, and for beginners: Know that actually nailing the perfect cat eye is going to take time. 

"For those days you feel like not doing your makeup, a pared-back look is perfect," shares Billy. "My favourite thing to do is do my morning skincare routine and after that give life to my face on those lazy days by using a highlighter and gloss.” 

Shop Billy's essentials for this look:

Based on how hard it was to create a legit cat eye, I was beyond relieved to re-create a no-makeup makeup look (purely based on the fact, I've done it many times before). I love using my Glossier Futuredew, a little bit of bronzer, and some Fenty gloss every day, all day. Who said adopting a makeup routine had to be so hard? 

For the makeup newbies in the room, what exactly is a monochromatic look? As Billy explained, "I love being able to use just one product for different purposes. When doing a monochromatic look, it is better to use the same product for eyes, lips, and cheeks. Otherwise, you're just doing all (whatever colour) look and not necessarily monochromatic because there’s maybe different finishes or tones to the colour.”

Shop Billy's essentials for this look:

Just when I thought I couldn't love a minimal makeup look more, Billy helped me to take it to the next level. I'll admit I was apprehensive about using one product for my full face, but it turns out, it's basically like my favourite highlighter look without as many products.

I opted out of using mascara, and simply used Fenty's Rum Match Stick on my lids and cheeks. And then I mixed the match stick with Pat McGrath's Clear Lip Fetish Lip Balm to make the match stick pop a little more on my lips. 

"A brown smoky look is such a staple look, but also it's a look that's super easy to replicate for makeup beginners,” Billy shared.

Shop Billy's essentials for this look:

Like a true makeup novice, not only did I lack all the products I needed for this look (need to add a brown eye shadow palette to my Cult Beauty basket ASAP), but I was also a bit panicked about how I was going to successfully create this look. So I called up a good friend, and she walked me through how to improvise with a few metallic shadows I had on hand. Despite being a little afraid at first, I must say I'm obsessed with this look and recommend all beginners give it a go. 

"Glossy lids. Oh, yes. They're a thing now!" Billy professed. "I love it, but for this, you have to be committed to the look. It’s messy, it’s editorial, it’s not an everyday look whatsoever, but you cannot deny it looks so gorgeous in the picture!”

For beginners looking for a low-effort makeup look that still pops, this by far was the easiest of them all. I opted to just use a balm along with a nude lip for a barely there look that made me feel glossy without all the extra gloss. 

"Don’t be afraid of adventure with colour and shimmers. Makeup is all about having fun!" Billy declares. "Playing with colour is not difficult. Again, you don’t need to have a billion colourful shadows and shimmers of different textures.” 

While some may have the courage to rock a bright-purple or yellow eye shadow, I'll admit: I'm not quite there yet on my makeup journey. So I choose to play with light-silver shadow and a little pink shadow for Billy's final look suggestion. For any makeup beginner, this last look really does encompass what the full journey is supposed to be, which is exploration. 

Learning how to use makeup is a lifelong journey of exploration. And I'd be lying if I said there weren't moments when I felt like a clown or was frustrated by my inability to not destroy products—but that's all part of the journey.

Along the way, you'll tap friends and experts, you'll make mistakes, and you'll buy the wrong products at times, but ultimately embracing a makeup routine is all about finding the signature looks that make you feel your best over time. (Please don't cram it into a week, as I did.) And if you have a little patience, and some palettes to match, you may find out that you too are a makeup person. 

Next: The Only Makeup Products I've Used Working From Home for the Past 4.5 Years

Be honest: How many selfies are cluttering up your camera roll right now? If you're like us, then the number is probably pretty high. No judgement! It's a weird time right now, and there's no shame in snapping a selfie or 50 now and then. As participants in an increasingly digital society, there's really no avoiding being on camera whether it's to document our loungewear du jour, or to log into a virtual meeting with our teams as some of us settle into a work-from-home arrangement.

All this face time has us thinking about the daily makeup habits that need to shift right now if we want to look our best in every photographic circumstance. To help, we called in makeup artist and photographer Jordan Liberty, who not only knows exactly what looks best on camera but also how to achieve it.

Ahead, check out Liberty's expert tips for putting your best face forward in photos—whether in professional pics, iPhone selfies or when you just want to step it up for your next virtual meeting.

Tip #7: Focus on Reducing Skin Texture

Tip #6: Use Highlighter and Blush Instead of a Heavy Contour

Tip #5: Re-Think Your Skin Prep

Step 1: Moisturiser

Step 2: SPF

Step 3: Translucent Powder

Step 4: Setting Spray

Step 5: Primer

Step 6: Foundation

Step 7: Concealer

Tip #4: Bump Up the Colour

Tip #3: Keep Your Lips Glossy

Tip #2: Soften Your Lashes and Brows

Tip #1: Play Up the Eyes

Since 2020 is here, we finally feel like we can safely say it: 2019 was a landmark year for beauty. We saw the rise of experimental and imperfect eye makeup, We saw avant-garde eyeliner, impactful eye shadow, and colourful glitter everywhere. We also saw the rise of softly illuminated complexions and peachy-pink lip colours (perhaps this was a response to the dramatic contour and highlighter looks of yesteryear?). There was even a major resurgence in certain '90s-inspired trends, such as bold blue eye shadow, black pencil eyeliner, and gloss-slick lips.

Where does that leave us for 2020? Well, this is an exciting time for beauty enthusiasts because what we deem trendy now will no doubt develop and evolve to eventually epitomise the entire decade to come. Are you ready? We are. Keep scrolling to see the biggest makeup trend predictions for the coming year, according to five of the top celebrity makeup artists.

1. Exaggerated Eye Shapes 

According to Sofia Schwarzkopf Tilbury, creative executive of Charlotte Tilbury. "I think the eyes are going to be a huge focus for makeup in 2020. One of my favourite trends that I've created recently and seen on lots of red carpets and runways is pops of colour on the eye. It's all about creating gorgeous, exaggerated shapes; using softly blurred and blended blocks of colour so they're not too defined. I love it when I see someone wearing an eye colour look that's not wearing them—more just enhancing their features!"

2. Pops of Blue

If there's one colour that you should be expecting to see more of in 2020, it's blue. That's according to Kelsey Deenihan, celebrity makeup artist and Lorac artistry advisor. It only makes sense. After all, Pantone recently announced that Classic Blue is the 2020 colour the year. It's a bold shade of blue that's "suggestive of the sky at dusk," and inspires feelings of peace and tranquility.

"Blue clearly will be on everyone's radar in 2020," she says. She suggests finding fun ways to play with colour, such as "taking an unexpected bright shade and creating a sharp winged cat eye." Personally, we're partial to the bold blue eye makeup look she created for Millie Bobby Brown.

3. White Eyeliner

Pair that pop of blue with a crisp white eyeliner (or a contrasting colourful shade) because celebrity makeup artist Patrick Ta, who works with the likes of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Dua Lipa, Camila Cabello, and Gigi Hadid, predicts nontraditional eyeliner colours will continue to grow more and more popular. "Cream and white eyeliner are going to be huge," he says. "Especially for those who are afraid of a traditional black liner, this trend will be a great introduction!" 

We like how sharp and crisp white eyeliner looks with long, fluttery lashes. Try the trend for yourself in a low-risk, low-commitment way by using NYX White Liquid Eyeliner (£7). Even though it's only £7, the tip allows for precise application, and the formula is smooth and opaque.

4. Colorful Eyeliner

If not white eyeliner, 2020 is going to see a continuation of 2019's colourful eyeliner trend. "Pastels and neons are also going to be big, especially when worn with contrasting shades," Ta says. Try pairing pink with red, blue with orange, or any other contrasting combination of colour. "Post-Euphoria everyone is feeling a little adventurous, and I'm here for it!"

4. Classic Products (Like Red Lipstick)

According to celebrity makeup artist Monika Blunder, who works with the likes of Amanda Seyfried, January Jones, and Gemma Chan, 2020 will also usher in a resurgence of classic makeup looks and products (yup, 2020 will be a year that juxtaposes the traditional with the trendy). "Classics are huge right now, and they will continue to be in 2020! A classic red like Clé de Peau Beauté Lipstick Cashmere in 103 Legend (£50) will never go out of style and will be making a bold appearance in the New Year," she says. 

That's good to hear because even though we absolutely love experimenting with shape and colour, we couldn't part ways with our classic red lipstick or sharp winged liner if we tried.

5. Softly Illuminated Complexions

Another trend that Tilbury predicts will continue on into 2020 is a softly illuminated complexion. Unlike the strobe looks of yesteryear, this trend is all about a soft, lit-from-within radiance. "Glow will never be out of trend, but for 2020 I feel like highlighting products and complexion boosters are really going to get amped up for the ultimate flawless glow," she says. 

As for which products she recommends using in order to achieve that radiant "I just returned from a two-week vacation in the Maldives" sort of glow, Tilbury says she's crazy about Charlotte Tilbury's Hollywood Flawless Filter. "It's a customizable complexion booster that you can use on its own, underneath foundation, and as a highlighter… In the New Year, everyone is trying to look fresh and dewy and glowing, and this is such an easy way to achieve that trend!"

"We're also going to see that glow on the eyes, lips, and cheeks," Tilbury continues. "For a couple of years, matte lips have been huge, but gloss is really making a comeback. I often finish a lip look with a slick of Lip Lustre (£19) or Superstar Lips Glossy Lipstick (£25) on top to add a plumper-looking, sumptuous finish with a gorgeous mirror-like shine. Everyone has to try it!” 

6. Makeup-Skincare Hybrids

With so many people becoming more aware (and concerned) about what they're putting on their skin, expect to see a lot of emphasis on skincare-makeup hybrids in 2020—products that offer colour pay-off with good-for-skin ingredients. "There's less attention to colour but more on skincare as part of your makeup routine," Blunder says. "Consumers are more aware of the ingredients and quality of their beauty products. It's very common for someone to do research ahead of buying or trying anything. For brands, it's extremely important to note this and only serve clients with the best. Brands like Clé de Peau Beauté do this effectively and reformulate existing products to only incorporate the most sought-after ingredients." 

7. Sheer Makeup

Now let's talk about coverage because although we've seen��a rise in opaque, ultra-matte makeup formulas in recent years, Ta says 2020 is all about light and airy options. From foundation and concealer to blush, highlighter, and beyond, your 2020 mantra should be something along the lines of the lighter, the better. "I think sheer, more natural products are going to be the focus this season," he says. "Less is definitely more for spring 2020." 

Deenihan agrees that natural-looking complexions will be en vogue. "I'm seeing a major return to skin that looks like skin—a cleaner, more realistic complexion," she says. We're really taking a step back from faux-looking skin that peaked in popularity over the last couple years." 

8. Sustainable Beauty

In 2019, we saw a huge influx of sustainable beauty brands, and we're here for it. These brands are conscious of their environmental strain, thereby committing to the reduction of unnecessary waste, often housing their products in plastic-free packaging. Some even give back to environmental charities, supporting ocean clean-ups, recycling programs, and other admirable efforts. Deenihan and Ta know that this is more than just a passing trend. As such, they predict sustainability will continue to be a serious topic of discussion in 2020 and beyond.

"Conscientious product development and sustainable sourcing is becoming non-negotiable in the industry, and I'm happy about it," Deenihan says. "Brands are definitely becoming more aware of the impact they are leaving on the earth and (most!) are doing their best to reduce it. It's the only way." 

"I am all for green and sustainable beauty," Ta continues. "It’s been a huge topic at the Patrick Ta Headquarters so look out for a shift from us. But I’m currently loving Honest Beauty and Kosas; they do a really great job at bringing awareness to this global issue, while still keeping their marketing trendy!"

On that note, we're currently loving Kosas 10 Second Eyeshadow (£26). It's a liquid formula that has an effect like watercolour paint, drying down to create a gorgeous, imperfect finish. Try the blue shade, called Nitrogen, to take part in the aforementioned blue trend.

Next up, the biggest S/S 20 fashion trends you need to know.

This piece originally appeared on Who What Wear U.S.

It's no secret that one of our favourite areas of exploration here at Who What Wear UK is the magic that is Jennifer Lopez. From her impossibly cool style to her mastery of aging and her general sassiness, we can't get enough of Jenny From the Block. When it comes to her makeup, in particular, we're in perpetual awe of the fact that she never seems to have an off day. It's truly unreal, and that's due in large part to her trusted makeup artist, Scott Barnes.

Two decades painting famous faces such as Beyoncé and Kim Kardashian West have taught Barnes a thing or two about getting the look right, every single time. So when we heard the veteran beauty guru was adding a range of face and eye palettes to his eponymous cosmetics line, we knew each offering would be something special. In an effort to get closer to our goal of putting our best faces forward, we jumped at the chance to ask Barnes his opinion on the makeup mistakes that are holding us back from looking like J.Lo (you know, aside from our pesky DNA).

Keep scrolling to discover the five mistakes that make him cringe, and learn what to do instead. 

Mistake #1: Hard Contour Lines

"Hard contour lines are usually a sign that you are just following a trend and ignoring your own face. When I launched my second book with Kim Kardashian on the cover, who is widely known for contouring, I vocalised then that contour is about accentuating what is already there," Barnes explains. "Instead of copying how others may contour, think of it like a surgeon would: Rounded faces can use some structure, and structured faces can use some roundness. Be honest with your facial structure, and that will help you to take command of the process like a professional would."

The takeaway: Contour according to your own facial shape, not according to what you see others doing. 

Mistake #2: Unblended Eye Shadow

Barnes is an OG Hollywood makeup artist, and as such, he's seen the rise and fall of many a makeup trend. "Unblended eye shadow is very 1999," he says. "My solution is to blend so that your eye colour and shape can pop! Your eye shadow shouldn't be stealing that away. Think of eye shadow as the introduction to your whole look. You want it to be a smooth transition into the exploration of the other colours going on with your outfit and body."

The takeaway: Blend, blend, blend (and then blend some more) so that your eye shadow fits seamlessly into the rest of your look.

Mistake #3: One-Size-Fits-All Blush

"I can look at any skin type, dark or light, and see whether it's shifted more yellow or red, and whether their cheeks need a smaller or larger blush area," Barnes told us. "If you have a redder hue and you are pounding on a ton of pink blush, it can end up looking messy. Know your skin, and your blush will start looking more natural. And always put the blush more toward the front of your cheeks, not on the sides."

The takeaway: Think of blush as a way to add youthfulness by shifting hues, and also consider the placement. 

Mistake #4: Placing Highlighter in the Hollows of the Cheeks

"Highlighting brings things forward, and shadows make things recede, so I can understand why some might give in to the temptation to pound their cheek hollows with half of their highlighter product. I think the best way to handle hollows of the cheeks is really about choosing the correct contour colour, proper layering and choosing the correct foundation shade that can lift your hollow area from underneath," Barnes instructs.

The takeaway: Choose your contour and foundation carefully so you aren't tempted to go overboard with highlighter.

Mistake #5: Heavy Eye Makeup During the Day

"I love drama, but during the day, the harshness of heavy eye makeup can pull so much contrast that it actually does you a disservice. I've been doing makeup for 20 years on and off the camera, so one thing that I always bear in mind is the light. What you thought would play nicely suddenly doesn't. My advice to anyone wanting to wear more dramatic eye makeup during the day is to reject the urge of just choosing a lot of blacks and greys or dark, thick colours. Instead, stick with darker shades of natural tones that match your skin. You'll find that the contrast you were going for is still achievable with practice and experimentation," says Barnes.

The takeaway: Be patient with perfecting your daytime drama, and take into account the lighting you'll be working with and the colours you're using.

Next: Find out how Jennifer Lopez gets that glow.

This article was originally published on Who What Wear on November 25th 2019

First of all, I think we can all agree that anyone can wear any makeup style or look they like, right? Makeup is entirely down to personal preference, but if, like me, you've ever followed a YouTube makeup tutorial to a T only to look in the mirror and realise it's a straight-up no-go on you, your eye shape might have had something to do with it. The individuality of every human's face is part of what makes each of us so supremely beautiful in our own ways, but those differences can often make it more difficult to identify the best makeup for any given person. 

Identifying your eye shape and employing makeup techniques that complement it might be the only thing standing between you and A+ makeup application. In fact, makeup artists agree that subpar eye makeup that doesn't take into account the nuances of your eye shape could actually be weighing down your eyes and prematurely ageing you. Who knew? In the same way that face shape comes into play when trying to figure out everything from the best colours to the most flattering eyebrow shape, eye shape has implications when it comes to deciding on eye makeup looks. 

To help us make sense of this conundrum, we called in Mai Quynh, a celebrity makeup artist who's worked with the likes of Tessa Thompson, Gemma Chan, Emma Stone and many more, along with Claire Mulleady, Givenchy's national makeup artist (UK). Both have worked with more kinds of eye shapes than we even knew existed over the course of their careers, so tapping them for their tips and tricks was a no-brainer.

Ahead, Quynh and Mulleady lay out their best advice for achieving fresh eye makeup for every eye shape. Read on for their pro tips.

1. Eye Shape: Round 

Celebs with your eye shape: Alison Brie, Emmy Rossum, Bella Heathcote, Nicole Richie

Quynh says that the key to perfect makeup on round eyes is defining the lash line because that dictates whether you're keeping the integrity of your shape or changing it a bit to appear more almond-like. "I love a smudgy wing liner," she says. "I generally like to use an eye pencil and draw along the lash line, and then I'll take a little dome-shaped brush and smudge that line away even more." If winged liner isn't your thing, Quynh says that bold colours washed over the entire lid is another way to go. "A bright colour on the lid is really nice because it will show up," she explains.

The takeaway: Define the lash line, and take advantage of the ample eyelid space with colourful shadows. 

Get the look:

2. Eye Shape: Almond 

Celebs with your eye shape: Katherine Langford, Stephanie Shepherd, Mila Kunis, Kristen Stewart

"Eye shadow placement makes all the difference. I personally like using Givenchy Le 9.01 eye shadow palette to introduce depth of colour and shading to the eye," says Mulleady. To add depth, "try using a light shade on the mobile eyelid to brighten and open up the eye and a mid-shade to contour and enlarge the eye. Keep your mid to deeper shades of eye shadow through the socket instead of the lash line so that the intensity creates a larger shape," she advises.

The takeaway: "When applying eye shadow or liner underneath the eye, swap your pencil brush for a fluffy brush and blend and blow out the colour to create the illusion of a bigger eye. Avoid any harsh lines on the lower lash line," Mulleady says.

Get the look:

3. Eye Shape: Hooded 

Celebs with your eye shape: Emma Stone, Ginnifer Goodwin, Jennifer Lawrence

Quynh says that a common misconception about hooded eyelids is that there isn't enough space to create a dramatic eye. "There's still real estate; it's just flatter," she says. "A cut-crease look is great for hooded eyes because it really opens up the eyes. You create the effect of a crease by basically drawing one onto that flat real estate. Then you can fade it out and add colour and dimension by making it darker in the outer corners but lighter in the inner eye." 

The takeaway: Go for a cut-crease to create the illusion of more dimension.

Get the look:

4. Eye Shape: Monolid

Celebs with your eye shape: Gemma Chan, Awkwafina, Ali Wong, Kelly Marie Tran

"I say own the monolid," says Quynh. "You can have so much fun because on top of that flat lid, you can place a really exaggerated, graphic liner. It doesn't even have to be a wing; it can be more square or rectangular. Because it's flat, it's like having a smooth canvas." 

Aside from a bold liner, you could also try "curling your lashes before mascara and applying it top and bottom. Fan out your lashes with the mascara wand by pushing the middle lashes straight up, inner lashes towards the nose and outer lashes out toward the hairline. I love to use Givenchy Volume Disturbia Mascara," says Mulleady.

The takeaway: Use the flat surface of your eyelid to your advantage by adding a bold, graphic eyeliner. And if you're really feeling spicy, opt for a full-strip lash. 

Get the look:

5. Eye Shape: Downturned

Celebs with your eye shape: Tessa Thompson, Katie Holmes, Anne Hathaway, Chloë Grace Moretz

When considering downturned eyes, the goal is to achieve balance by bringing the eye up a bit, Mulleady explains. "Flipping the edges of the eye up either with eyeliner or shadow is a really great trick to lift the eye," she says. Just remember to concentrate the darkest shades of liner or shadow on the outer edges of the eye. Pro tip: Quynh says that cotton buds are the best tool to edit the direction of any eye makeup. 

The takeaway: Create balance by bringing eye makeup upward and focussing the darkest shades on the outermost corners of the eyes.

Get the look:

This story was originally published on Who What Wear U.S. and has since been updated.

Next Up: I Have Hooded Eyes—a Makeup Artist Just Showed Me How to Do Eyeliner

When it comes to makeup, foundation can be one of the most important components to achieving a polished look. There are tons of different formulas, price points and (finally) plenty of shades to choose from, so finding the perfect option has never been easier.

But (ugh, there's always a but!) applying said foundation can be tricky. We know it's not brain surgery or anything, but admit it: You've definitely experienced that feeling of utter betrayal when, for reasons beyond your understanding, your foundation looks like a hot mess. If only we all had professional makeup artists on call at all times, this wouldn't be a problem, right?

Well, as it turns out, the beauty editors of Who What Wear actually do have some pals in the beauty business who can troubleshoot these foundation issues. That's where celebrity makeup artists Kelsey Deenihan and Sarah Tanno come in. Deenihan's clients include stars like Lucy Hale, Reese Witherspoon, Millie Bobby Brown and Nathalie Emmanuel, just to name a few. Tanno is Lady Gaga's trusted artist and is responsible for the singer's out-of-this-world 2019 Met Gala makeup looks. So, yeah, these ladies know what they're talking about, and they're sharing that wisdom here.

To set the record straight and provide solutions for some of the biggest foundation issues that are standing between you and flawless skin, we got Deenihan's and Tanno's takes on the top foundation mistakes that are sabotaging flawless execution. Get their tips, and shop the must-have products you'll need to implement them ahead.

1. Applying Foundation Too Roughly

As Deenihan explains, aggressively tugging and rubbing foundation into your skin is not the move. "People are in such a hurry. If you're using all this anti-ageing skincare, and you're getting your lasers and facials, yet you're literally pulling your face down to apply makeup with your fingers… just no." Tanno admits to using all different methods of foundation application. "There are many ways to apply your favourite foundation: brushes, sponges or your fingers. None of them are wrong! I often use all three," she explains.

The takeaway: Take it easy on your face! There's no right or wrong tool to use, but be conscious of the vigor with which you're using them.

2. Wearing the Wrong Shade

This one might seem like a no-brainer, but Deenihan and Tanno both agree that more goes into shade matching than you might think. For starters, you've got to consider that your face is most likely more than one colour. "You want to match [your foundation] to your jawline so it seamlessly blends into your neck as well," says Tanno. "Usually the forehead is a bit darker and warmer, so I wouldn't bring the same shade all the way to my hairline. You can simply blend a darker shade or just use bronzer to blend skin tone." Deenihan says this is especially true of darker skin tones, where mismatched colouring can result in ashy, orange and even green casts. "I literally use six different colours on some people," she shared. "The undertones are so much more prominent in darker skin tones."

The takeaway: Take all the colours of your face into account, and don't forget those undertones.

3. Not Wearing Moisturiser Underneath

Just because some foundations contain skin-moisturising ingredients doesn't mean you should skip wearing an actual moisturiser underneath. Not only does it help keep your skin happy, but it also helps the foundation spread more easily on the skin. Tanno is a huge fan of an adequately quenched face ahead of any foundation application. "I apply the Marc Jacobs Youthquake moisturiser first so [the skin] has great hydration and slip. Now it's super easy to get the level of coverage and colour you're looking for."

The takeaway: Moisturiser will protect your skin and help your foundation glide better. Don't skip it.

4. Using Too Much Foundation

If you want to avoid a caked-on foundation look, Tanno and Deenihan both recommend starting small when it comes to the amount you're applying. "If you're not performing on a stage, you shouldn't look like it. I love a good full coverage for the right occasion, but less is really more," says Tanno.

The takeaway: Start small, and add more foundation little by little as needed. After all, you can always apply more if you feel like you want more coverage.

5. Using Inadequate Lighting

Lighting can make or break your foundation application. Having a clear picture of your strokes and colours is key when it comes to that flawless look we're always after. "Make sure to blend foundation on your neck and the redness of your ears for a perfect complexion. Then go check it by a window. If it looks great in daylight, you are good to go," says Tanno.

The takeaway: Make sure to check your work in the light. (Natural is best.)

This piece first appeared on Who What Wear US. 

Next up, the best short hairstyles for women you need to see. 

If you've always worn natural lip colours (or no lip colour at all), the prospect of suddenly waking up one day and slathering a shock of neon orange or purple across can feel impossible. Yet some people seem to regularly rock bright lipstick as naturally as if flamingo pink were the lip shade they were born with. What oh what is the secret to pulling off bright lipstick?

First of all, as corny as it sounds, there's no such thing as an ability to "pull off" bright lipstick—there's simply the confidence to wear a colour that might say something like "I'm not afraid to draw a little bit of attention to myself" or "Yes, I put a little bit of effort into my makeup today, and I'm comfortable with other people seeing that."

But getting to that place sometimes requires a little help, so to assist us, we tapped makeup artist to the stars Molly R. Stern, who's decorated the lips of Julia Roberts, Maya Rudolph, Lucy Boynton and more. Below are a few of Stern's best and easiest tips for pulling off bright lipstick like you wear it all the time.

1. Exfoliate first.

A bright colour can feel intimidating if you're worried about it flaking off your lips, so this step is key. "Nothing can kill a good-looking pout like dry lips," says Stern. "Make sure your lips are scrubbed and moisturised." Stern's favourite (cheap!) way to prep the lips is with a homemade concoction of coconut oil and brown sugar solidified in the fridge. "Then use a clean mascara wand to exfoliate the surface," she says. (In a bind, scrubbing a toothbrush over your lips also does the trick!)

2. Prep with lip balm (but sparingly).

You'll want to follow up your scrub with a light layer of lip balm to lock in moisture. They key word there is light—slather on too much slippery product and your lipstick might bleed or smudge. It's also important to do this step before lipstick, as opposed to dabbing balm on top after, to prevent bleeding or transference of lip colour onto the teeth.

Related: This Balm Is Over 90 Years Old, and Everyone I Know Still Loves It

3. Use a nude lip liner.

Lip liner is an important step for defining the edge of the lips so you don't go off the rails when you move in with your lipstick. But finding a liner that matches your lip colour can be tricky, and it's not difficult to screw up the line (either by overdrawing or not getting the shape right), so Stern recommends this instead: "A makeup artist tip is to line the outside of the lips with a nude pencil," she says. "That way you can define the lips without them look too harsh, and let the boldness of the colour shine." Clear lip pencils will work here too.

4. Choose a colour that "sparks joy."

There are so many lip shades out there—from true reds to bubblegum pinks to electric purples—and sure, there's prevailing wisdom about which shades will look best on your skin tone, but at the end of the day, when picking the right bright shade for you, it's best to conjure Marie Kondo: "Choose a colour that actually sparks happiness in your heart," says Stern. Finding that shade (or several) might require some experimentation, but hey, that's what testers at Sephora are for. Stern's happy colour is Chanel Rouge Allure Liquid Powder in 954. For me, it's Tatcha's Kyoto Red. But it will likely be something totally different for you!

Related: It's Unanimous: These Are Officially the Best Red Lipsticks That Money Can Buy

5. Keep calm, and heed these easy application tips.

If you have anxiety about your lipstick coming out symmetrically or looking too over-the-top, here are a few last tips to remember:

1. A good rule of thumb for symmetrical application is to start by placing your lipstick at each corner of the mouth and gliding it up and over toward the Cupid's bow. If you mess up, just dip a cotton swap in some eye cream, wipe off the rogue lipstick, and try again.

2. If you're a bright lipstick beginner, stick with formulas that are less on the matte side and more on the creamy side—these generally feel more comfortable and hydrating on the lips, and are more forgiving.

3. Consider applying your colour with a lip brush or even dabbing it on with your fingers if you want a subtler effect.