MASTERS OF NUDE
Perfecting the art of flawless skin, on both face and body
FACE
Invest in a good mask that hydrates and softens skin, and don’t neglect your cleanser. “Environmental threats produce an abundance of free radicals that can cause oxidative stress, which can result in signs of accelerated skin ageing and fine lines and wrinkles,” says Art Pellegrino, vice president of R&D with Elizabeth Arden. Gently massage in cleanser to remove the dead cells that can crease an otherwise flawless finish, then pat in a refreshing lotion. Bobbi Brown’s Extra Treatment Lotion hydrates with a sugar-derived ingredient said to recharge and re-boost all day long.
Buff in an illuminating moisturiser right after cleansing, and then apply liquid foundation – this is easier to blend and does not cake as fast as two-way powders. Wendy Rowe, the make-up maestro behind Burberry’s English rose looks, likes to keep the lips nude and eyeshadows petal-soft, and gives cheeks a touch of warmth without bronzer. Be strategic with your finishing powder to avoid caking. “Apply after foundation and concealer, only where you need it – maybe on the T-zone, around the eyes, and the nose,” advises Sadafumi Ito, Nars international make-up stylist.
A concealer brush with brightening properties works best for the eye area, so pick a hue that is lighter than those dark bags. Apply three dots to the area under your pupils – a full-on half moon will leave you looking too done – and then pat in the concealer with your ring finger, quickly but gently. To cover up zits and acne scars, match the colour to your skin tone and opt for concealer sticks or jars. As for green and yellow correctors, use them sparingly only where needed.
“We are playing with every make-up tool – eyeshadow, eyebrow pencils, blush, lipsticks – but you don’t see it,” says Tom Pecheux of the chic French look he once created for Isabel Marant. Pecheux matched nude lipstick to the models’ natural hues. Seal it in with a nude lip liner to subtly define your mouth, advises Rowe.
BODY
For starters, you will have to get that body moving. Flawless skin requires a taut, toned canvas. “You can’t be toned if you are neither eating right, nor exercising,” says Vincent Mah, general manager of Bodytone. The first Power Plate studio is all about getting the most out of a 45-minute workout. With rigorous training done on vibration mode, a visible smoothness and tautness of the skin is not the only perk; you also get to slim down and boost your physical stamina.
“I dry brush every day for three minutes to get the toxins moving efficiently through the lymph system,” quips Kimberly Snyder, nutritionist to the Hollywood stars and author of two best-selling books, The Beauty Detox Solution and The Beauty Detox Foods. Showering with hot water will open up the pores – the perfect time to slough off hidden impurities and dead skin cells. An ensuing veil of sensational, moisturising body cream will keep your skin pert and soft.
Talika’s Light Shaping Intelligent Light Machine is a must-have for a non-invasive skin smoothing and shaping experience. By breaking up fat deposits and eliminating discolouration, your body can say goodbye to all unwanted bumps and other imperfections. For a quick fix, Monica Lee, Malaysia’s make-up extraordinaire, loves MUD Air Brush Foundations, which are silicone-based colours, to go with the Sparmax Compressor and Gun. She has used it on many BAZAAR cover shoots to effectively hide blemishes as well as contour the faces and bodies of models and celebs alike, all for the hi-def cameras. As the spray can be adjusted in volume, it is easy to use, even for neophytes at home. “It is one thing I can’t live without,” she confides. If all else fails, try stockings for the legs; nude pieces come now in shades that really look barely there.
Did you know nude nails also make the hands look more slender and sophisticated? Katie Hughes, nail ambassador of Butter London is raving about the new “velvet nudes” she created backstage during Spring/ Summer ’14 shows. “I am predicting everyone will be wearing nail art over a nude base,” , she says, coining ning the effortlessly cool digits she made at the Ruffian show as “floating nail art”.