Polished Nude Makeup is Here to Stay
BY ROBIN BLACK
Makeup Artist Robin Black mandates that proper skin prep is the most essential step in the no-makeup makeup look.
Robin Black is a professional makeup artist, a skilled photographer, and the founder of Beauty is Boring. As a contributor to The Violet Files, she creates exclusive, one-of-a-kind looks for her column, The Black List.
Radiant skin, defined cheekbones, groomed brows, and a perfectly subtle lip is the all-grown-up version of the naked face. The key to creating such a look, however, is a skin-prep routine that offers the desired glowing and polished effect. —R.B.
Model: Shiya @ HMM
Makeup: Robin Black
Hair: Amber Duarte
THE POLISHED NUDE
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This formula delivers a seamless, luminous finish. Using a foundation brush, apply the makeup to the center of your face and work your way to the outer edges.
KOH GEN DO MAIFANSHI AQUA FOUNDATION
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Use Bobbi Brown’s Concealer Blending Brush to dot the warmer color over the darkest part of your under eye region, and blend by tapping gently with your ring finger. With the same brush, apply the yellow-based shade over any blemishes or discoloration, then blend.
BOBBI BROWN CREAMY CONCEALER KIT
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Create subtle drama by blending a small amount of this creamy bronzer under your cheekbones, on the sides of your nose, on your temples, and under your jaw.
RMS BEAUTY BURITI BRONZER
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Add a pearl-like finish to all the high points of your face with this gorgeous shimmering cream. You can use your fingers, but you’ll achieve a more precise application and blend with the Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate Brush.
RMS BEAUTY LIVING LUMINIZER
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Gently line the base of your lashes with this precision felt tip pen. If you have trouble getting between the lashes, try pressing them upward and lining them from underneath.
HOURGLASS CALLIGRAPHY LIQUID EYE LINER 08 EBONY
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Groomed brows look best with this nude look. Fill in your natural shape using a color one shade lighter than your natural hairs (unless you have very pale blond brows, in which case go one shade darker), then comb through to remove excess product.
DIOR DIORSHOW BROW STYLER UNIVERSAL BROWN
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A single coat of this very black mascara on the upper lashes adds definition without looking too obvious—and it doesn’t ever smudge!
TOM FORD EXTREME MASCARA IN RAVENOUS BLACK
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These opaque, satin finish crayons are a simple option for a perfect, nude lip. They come in six different shades, so you’ll be sure to find one that looks right with your complexion.
HOURGLASS FEMME NUDE LIP STYLO NO. 1
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For a finishing touch, lightly mist this beautifully scented hydrating spray over your face to set your makeup and add to your glow.
SISLEY-PARIS FLORAL SPRAY MIST
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ROBIN BLACK’S SKIN CARE ESSENTIALS
Before applying makeup, it is extremely important to prep your skin! Check out some of Robin Black’s skin care essentials below:
TATA HARPER REPLENISHING NUTRIENT COMPLEX
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SISLEY-PARIS ALL DAY ALL YEAR
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Shop the rest of Robin Black’s Skin Care Essentials
Learn how to get Robin Black’s polished nude look & more at VIOLETGREY.com
