Between bold, power beauty and going entirely barefaced lies the daily holy grail; natural-looking make-up that defines the features without stealing the show. It shouldbe easy, but there are knacks to perfecting it, so pro S-J Froom tells us.

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As the international make-up artist for bareMinerals (the brand respected for nailing au-natural, with products boasting skin-benefiting credentials), Froom knows how to execute the effortless look. Here she shares her hacks for simple, subtle make-up to suit all.

1. Do your brows, lashes and lips first

“The best way to keep your make-up really natural is to do your brows, lashes and lips first so you feel more ‘done’ when it comes to applying your complexion make-up. This way you will use less base and therefore your skin will look like skin.”

2. Keep textures creamy

“When choosing textures, go for cream finishes rather than powder. Often powders can crease and sit in fine lines and not look quite as natural.”

3. Swap foundation for tinted moisturiser

“I would recommend sticking to a tinted moisturiser, as opposed to a full-coverage foundation that can often mask the skin. A tinted moisturiser will even out the skin tone, allowing you to then go in and only conceal in the areas that you really need it. Remember to get the perfect shades to match your complexion.”

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4. Apply your concealer differently

“Don’t just put concealer where you think you might need it through habit. Half close your eyes and look for darkness and redness and just add concealer to those areas – less is more. A product like the bareMinerals barePRO 16-Hour Wear Full Coverage Concealer is creamy enough to blend seamlessly into your own skin. Use a small brush and your fingers to really work concealer into the skin, which will give a natural finish.”

5. Brush your brows

“Use a soft taupe matte eyeshadow on your brows or a soft brow pencil. Make sure it is a couple of shades lighter than your natural hair colour, and always remember to just fill in the gaps. Once you have applied your product, comb through your brows with a soft brow, which will encourage the product to mimic the natural direction of your hairs.”

6. Cheat definition around the eyes

“A neutral flesh tone works well all over the eye lids, with a very thin ‘tight line’ of eyeliner along the top lash lines in a dark shade, but not black. Add an almost-nude, soft brown eyeshadow under the lower lash line (so you can hardly see it, but it creates a shadow), and after gently curling your lashes add mascara on top, but go minimal on the bottom.

7. Dab, don’t drag, your lipstick on

“To make lipstick look really natural, choose a shade that mimics the natural tone of your lips and use it like a stain. Use your ring finger to dab it on focusing on the centre and blending it out to the edges with with no harsh lines. This will mimic your natural lip flush and look like you have just gently bitten your lips (in a good way!).”