How to get the ‘it’ girl look

There are certain beauty trends that never go out of style and lately there’s been one look in particular taking over our Instagram feeds and celebrity red carpets…

Bronzed, glowing skin, highlighted to perfection. Smouldering eyes in bronze and gold shades. Brushed up, almost-messy brows. And to finish off, perfectly flushed lips. It’s basically natural beauty on steroids.

We got the goss on this signature ‘it’ girl beauty look from two make-up artists who are consistently nailing it for clients like Bec Judd, Rachael Finch, Elyse Knowles and Megan Gale: Jade Kisnorbo and Chantelle Baker.

GET THAT BRONZE, GLOWING SKIN

First things first, if you really want that glow to show, you need to make sure you’re staying hydrated and keeping up a good skin care routine. “Drinking lots of water is essential to great-looking skin, as well as keeping it well hydrated and cleansing daily,” says Chantelle.

For those of us on the paler side of the skin spectrum, tanning should also be considered as a prep step. Jade says to apply tan to the body and then “create an even bronzed, glowing look on the face by matching a foundation [to your self-tan] and then contour with all the correct tones.” You can tan your face if desired, but make sure to use a specially formulated facial tan like Tuscan Tan Facial Tanning Serum ($30, www.tuscantan.com.au).

To really up the glow factor of your base, Chantelle says to try “mixing an illuminator with your liquid foundation.” And if you’re after a dewy finish, but don’t want to compromise on staying power, just apply powder down the centre of your face (forehead, nose and chin). This way your cheeks will still have a sheen, but your foundation won’t fade in the oiler areas.

When adding the final highlighting touches, Jade recommends using a cream formula. “They’re easier to blend with your fingers and if applied to the cheekbones, Cupid’s bow and lightly [down the] centre of the nose, they look subtle but effective.”

bh recommends:

bh tip: Whenever you’re highlighting the lip area, make sure it’s hair-free to avoid shimmery whiskers (try Marzena No More Facial Hair Treatment).

EYES

The traditional smoky eye seems to have taken a back seat, with black, navy and grey tones being replaced with more natural, bronze and gold shades. “It’s a fresher/younger take on the smoky eye,” says Chantelle. It will also complement your bronze, glowing skin beautifully and mistakes can also be blended out a lot easier.

For a quick and easy eye look, sweep a honey or golden shade across your entire lid and then use a darker brown or bronze shade on the outer corner of your crease and blend.

Chi Chi Glamorous Bronzes Eye Shadow palette is a great one to have on hand for this type of look.

Of course no look is complete without your face framers. And while bigger, bolder brows are nothing new, celebrities and models alike have been swapping the perfectly arched and defined shape that has been popular in the past, for something a bit more effortless and undone. To achieve a more bushy, brushed up brow start by “growing out your brows as much as your heart can take! That is half the battle right there,” says Jade. Then when styling, “avoid over penciling and use products like brow mascara to get a more natural finish.”

bh recommends:e.l.f. cosmetics Studio Eyebrow Treat & Tame and Maybelline New York Brow Drama Sculpting Brow Mascara

LIPS

When it comes to lips, less has become more. There’s been a decline in bright lip colours on the red carpet, with nudes and almost-naked lips taking centre stage instead.

Finding the perfect nude lip for your skin tone is a massive battle, but one worth the fight. If you have a cooler skin tone look for nudes with a pink undertone, or if you’re on the warm side, browner nudes will be right up your alley.

bh recommends:Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Lip Crayon in Sedona Sands (for cool tones) and L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick in Organza (for warm tones)

For natural lips, only better, Chantelle suggests adding a dab of cream blush (the same shade you might use on your cheeks) onto your lips and then apply a lip balm.

HOWEVER, if you can’t live without a lively colour on your lips (we hear you girlfriend) a bold burgundy or plum is the shade of the moment. “[It] looks amazing with all the fashion colours that have been huge this season,” says Chantelle. “[Plum lips] have become a lot richer in colour [compared to 2015] and we’re seeing more currant/blackcurrant shades and it’s definitely all about a matte finish.” With only one month of winter left, try it while you can!

bh recommends: ulta3 Matte Lipstick in Plum Velvet and Rimmel London The Only 1 Lipstick in One Of A Kind