"No Makeup" Makeup

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Tweet Let's not act like we ALL haven't been there, mmkay? You're dating some guy and he hasn't seen you TOTALLY sans makeup yet... and you don't want to be some kind of Tammy Faye Baker cosmetic freak, but you don't necessarily need him to see you without at least SOME of "your face" on, as my mother likes to say. (BTW, stay tuned for another Carol's column. It's in the works.)

I've rounded up some of my fave "no makeup" makeup tools for looking flawlessly natural without looking, well, TOO natural.

Prescriptives Vibrant-C Skin Brightening Lotion Moisturizer illuminates skin subtly while hydrating and smoothing. Infused with Vitamin C, this stuff can even even out your skin tone. It also smells of fresh citrus. Love.

Murad Soothing Skin and Lip Care ($14) moisturizes and shines up lips SLIGHTLY so you can feel free to smooch away. I received it in my goody bag after our stop at Murad on the Total Beauty beauty tour of LA (you know, where Erika, Jamie, Annie and I had the PLEASURE of listening to dishy dreamboat Jeff Murad discuss Murad's new products). I've been using this emollient dream fluid (a petroleum and Vitamin E base) on everything from my lips to my dry cuticles. In fact, my sample sized tube is nearly gone in a matter of WEEKS. I love it so much though, that I plan to purchase myself a full sized tube.

L'Oreal Infallible Lipcolour in Azalea is, technically, a true makeup item. To apply follow these two steps. Step 1: Apply a thin layer of lipcolour to clean lips. For best results, allow to dry for 2 minutes.
Step 2: Apply conditioning topcoat to seal colour and provide natural shine.
Remove with an oil - based makeup remover.
But I suggest you put it on HOURS before "natural face" time. Because here's the caveat: this one lasts a FOR REAL six-to-eight hours. You simply apply the balm it comes with to smooth any dryness away and give your lipcolor a little kickstart. I'd even recommend applying a small amount to cheeks as well for a hint of pink (but be sure to blend IMMEDIATELY).


Photo credits: prescriptives.com, murad.com, drugstore.com