recently I Was asked by a new make up artist how I achieved the natural look: dewy, flawless skin, that elusive natural beauty look. Is it achievable? Of course it is even if you don't have perfect skin it takes practice but it can be done.

There are many ways I achieve this and I am going to take you through them here:

1: no make up, this is the most natural of all, bare skin. Not everyone can do it. You may have dark circles or the occasional skin break out.

2: If your skin is clear with only little flaws then you can go one step further and use a concealer suited to your skin tone, I prefer a yellow base for most skin tones.
A tinted moisturiser is a good option for young skin as it will give a nice even base without being too heavy.
Lips should be nude and there are loads of good options to suit your budget: Lo real has a range of natural lipsticks to suit all colours and skin tones, all cosmetic houses will have something to suit your budget from the classic no 7 to Bobbi Brown.

When I am on a photo shoot, especially glamour, I try and use airbrush first and foremost because it does offer a good natural sheen and look to the skin. To look natural it can take a bit more time on a picture, however I still like to do make-up the old school way with brushes and here's the basic principles laid out for you:

The natural look on a photo shoot is the same: conceal any blemishes, foundation to even the tone of the skin.

Eyes keep it natural, bone on the whole of the lid and brown in the crease line.

Mascara: brown and brown/black are the best they look natural, I use max factor or Rimmel (a personal choice and preference).

Liner, I am wary of using liner on a natural but if you do then brown and bronze are excellent choices just be sure to blend it in to soften the line, regardless of if you use cream/gel or khol liner.

When it comes to blusher gel and cream are a good choice for the most natural colour. Apply to the apples of the cheeks and blend up toward the temple. (If your not sure where the apple of the cheek then ask the model to smile, the apple is the roundest part of the cheek, it shows when they smile).

Apply a natural looking lip colour, I use pinks, corals, and browns using a combination of fingers and a brush to apply it. Gloss should be crystal or clear to make the lips soft. Many people use vaseline to make the lips shiny, be sparing with this its very shiny and can look false!

Bronzer should be applied to the area's where the skin naturally colours: the forehead, nose, cheeks and chin. Work from the forehead down and onto the neck being sure to apply to the area's where you Will see colour naturally occurring. I personally prefer a multi toned brozer like Jemma Kidd trio Bronzer.

Did you think those girls look flawless without help? Every model I have worked with no matter how beautiful has worn make up, it makes them flawlessly beautiful (or more so).

So what now? Practice! Good luck.

James