flush (the tops of your cheeks) with a big powder brush or Beautyblender, using loose, circular movements for a natural, not-painted-on look.
HIGHLIGHTER
The point of highlighter is to reflect light, which brightens your whole face—so again, this is about creating a natural, healthy glow that lets your authentic beauty shine through . . . not spackling on tons of product. Lauren likes to apply highlighter to the tops of the cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, and just under the brow bones, as well as to the inside corner of each eye. The effect should be very subtle—but it wakes up your whole face!
BRONZER
I’m super into bronzer because it’s a much healthier way to look sun kissed and golden than to actually, you know, tan. (It’s also way better for you than using most sunless tanners, which can contain sketchy chemicals .) Again, Lauren says, think about where you’d naturally go golden if the sun’s rays were allowed to penetrate your SPF—tops of cheeks, around the hairline (not brows!), and bridge of the nose. Use a big loose powder brush or a Beautyblender to apply the bronzer with big circular motions—this way, you’ll avoid that not-so-natural tiger stripe effect. Hourglass has a great crème-to-powder bronzer that looks very authentic. I’m also a fan of Jane Iredale’s 24-Karat Gold Dust, for special occasions. And if I’m going to show some leg, I’ll mix a little into my body lotion—it creates a subtle shimmer that makes cellulite lumps and bumps a tad less noticeable!
EYE SHADOW
The first rule of Honest Beauty is that there really aren’t any rules—you should feel free to play around with any color that excites you! But I’m also all about playing up your assets—and a lot people have great eyes. So choosing shadow colors that truly complement your natural eye color is a pretty effortless way to highlight your natural beauty. Here are Lauren’s suggestions:
EYE COLOR CHEAT SHEET
If You Have...
For a Natural Look, Try
For Drama, Try
BLUE EYES
Gold-toned browns and beiges
Dusty silvers; smoky eyes
BROWN EYES
Bronze, browns (any shade), pewter, and other metallics
Navy or cobalt blue—in a small amount, like an eyeliner (and skip the shadow)
GREEN EYES
Peach, champagne, or another soft, red-toned brown
Light purples, plums (just the eyeliner if you want a pop of color that isn’t garish)
EYELINER
Eyeliner is what keeps your smoky eye looking sharp, not sloppy, but the key is not to overuse this powerhouse. If your eyes are small or closely set, just line the outer third of your lid, to make the eyes look larger and wider, says Lauren. Tarte makes a nice fat crayon liner called Smolder with a good smudging tool on the other end. I also adore Hourglass liquid liners—they have one called Calligraphy, which is almost like a felt-tip pen and perfect for smoky lines, as well as one called Script Precision, which is great for lower lids.
MASCARA
This is a category where the eco-brands are still working out the kinks. When I need totally smudgeproof, lasts-forever lashes, my favorites are still conventional brands like L’Oréal Voluminous and Diorshow. But 100% Pure and Hourglass have solid organic formulas. Hourglass Film Noir Lash Lacquer is an inky black topcoat with a really dramatic look.
BROW PENCILS
I prefer to use a nonsharpening brow pencil and always go a shade lighter than my actual hair color—it makes the whole operation way more foolproof. The goal here isn’t to draw a whole new brow. Just comb your brows and use the pencil to shape and fill in bare spots.
MERCURY
FOUND IN: Mascara and some face paints
WHAT IS IT? A preservative that prevents bacterial growth
WHY IS IT SKETCHY? Mercury is a known neurotoxin that can also cause allergic reactions or skin irritation, plus it’s easily absorbed through your skin and accumulates in your body. As a result, it’s one of the few cosmetic ingredients that the FDA does restrict—mercury can only be used in eye
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