Permanently Beautiful

Twilight

With Eclipse, the latest edition of the Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight Saga, opening in theaters across the country, Twi-hards are rushing to mimic Bella Swan’s gorgeous look of pensive, brooding innocence. But Bella’s pale face and sensuous features have captured a following well beyond the dark, midnight circles of vampire fans. Kristen Stewart, Bella’s real life alter ego, is a fair-skinned natural beauty worthy of emulation.

Twilight makeup artists capitalized on Kristen’s natural beauty, using neutral shades so the actress would look like she wasn’t wearing makeup on screen. As anyone who has attempted to go sans makeup knows, there’s a big difference between no makeup and artfully applied makeup that only looks like you’re not wearing any cosmetics. It’s the difference you get when you wear permanent cosmetics. Permanent makeup artistically defines and enhances your natural features beautifully. Without apply a drop of makeup, you look like you just left the salon.

What tricks do makeup artists use to create Kristen’s natural on-screen look? Keep shine at bay with a blotting pressed powder in a light shade. Prep eyelids with neutral primer, then apply three neutral eye shadow shades to create depth, using very slightly different neutrals on the lid, crease and under the brow. Line with dark brown eyeliner and finish with a coat of black mascara. Highlight cheekbones with barely colored powdered blush and lips with creamy-finished brownish plum lipstick. All that’s left to do is practice your smoldering gaze.