One of the best compliments a girl can get is, "You have perfect skin!" As a makeup artist, I can tell you that I've rarely met anyone who has a naturally flawless face. Even the most stunning models have skin issues: scars, mild to severe acne, dry, flaky skin and even more intense conditions like rosacea and hyperpigmentation. Their secret to perfect skin isn't under lock and key. Anyone can achieve a flawless complexion with the right products and techniques. Just follow a few simple guidelines and use some tried-and-true makeup items.


Clean Slate

First things first, you must start with a clean, fresh working space. Choose the appropriate cleansing product for your skin type. For example, for oily, acne-prone skin, go for a gel-based or foaming cleanser with salicylic acid. For dry skin, opt for a cream-based solution that won't dry out your skin and perpetuate the unevenness with dry or red patches. Make sure to follow up with a moisturizer to help your makeup glide on easier and prevent blotchiness.
Primer or BB Cream (or both!)

Primer is a great way to set the tone for a more balanced complexion. These base products (like L'Oréal Paris RevitaLift Miracle Blur) mattify and minimize pore size, while lending your skin a more smooth appearance and texture.

Another quick and simple way to even out minor skin imperfections is with a BB cream. Products like The Body Shop All-In-One BB Cream deliver skin nourishment and coverage in one fell swoop. The results are a more even (duh), smooth and hydrated skin tone.
Concealer

If you need some more heavy-duty coverage for uneven skin, concealer is going to be your best friend. First, assess the situation and your needs. Are there under-eye circles? Blemishes? Discolorations? The color and type of concealer is going to depend on the type of unevenness or pigmentation you're dealing with. Not sure which type of concealer you need? Check out this guide. Apply concealer to the appropriate area after your foundation, using light, patting motions. And remember, the key is to blend! People always tell me it looks like I'm barely wearing makeup, but trust me, I have enough on to hide the melasma and other flaws I'm dealing with. Blending is a crucial component to creating a flawless look.

Product Recommendations:DermaBlend Quick-Fix Illuminator, L'Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Crayon Concealer, L'Oréal Paris Visible Lift CC Eye Concealer

Illuminator or Bronzer

Top off your makeup with a bronzer or powder illuminator. For a lightweight illuminator, try Naked Illuminated by Urban Decay. These powders lend your face a healthy glow and blur out any unevenness or discoloration. Less is more when it coms to highlighters, unless you're out for a night in Vegas, then more is more!

As for bronzers, lightly apply some to your uneven or splotchy areas to warm up the face and, again, blur out the unbalanced tone. I suggest a softer, shimmery bronzer or warm matte for daytime use, and a gold-toned shade for a night out. If you ask me, Lancôme's Star Bronzer is a winner for all of your glowing goddess needs!

What's your magic method to an even complexion? Tell us in the comments below.

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