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WILD THING
Say Hello To
"Looking Au Naturel"

By Maria Tettamanti
Photography by Marlena Bielinska
 

Kiss "looking made up" goodbye and say hello to "looking au naturel." Of course, looking like a natural beauty isn't as easy it sounds. It entails more upkeep than simply schlepping out of bed and brushing your teeth. It requires a routine - but an easy one at that.

It all starts with products for your skin. Keep your face fresh and clean by washing, toning and moisturizing every a.m. and p.m. To keep skin problem-free, we love washing away dirt and oil with DDF Glycolic Exfoliating Wash 7% (available at Sephora.com ). It removes dead skin cells, smoothes skin's texture and minimizes fine lines. Next, tone cleansed skin with Kiehl's Rosewater Freshener-Toner (available at kiehls.com ). It'll leave your skin feeling even cleaner and silkier. If you've got a really nasty blemish, now's the time to dabble on some Benefit Ka-Pow! It's sure to give acne the kiss of death, as suggested in its name. For a lovely complexion, follow Benefit's beauty suggestions: from concealers to color to skincare, we've got you covered. Then slather on some moisturizer (not on acne-treated areas) to hydrate the skin. Crème de La Mer (available at cremedelamer.com ) is our fave - it leaves skin softer, firmer and diminishes the appearance of pores. For a superb moisturizer with SPF, invest in Bobbi Brown Extra SPF Tinted Moisturizing Balm (available at bobbibrown.com ) - it not only protects your face from harmful UV rays, but it's a great light coverage alternative to foundation.

Your face is in shape, so now it's time to move south. Conquer crocodile skin by exfoliating and applying moisturizer to your body. While in the shower, buff dead skin off with Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish (available at Fresh at Sephora.com ). For moisture, we love Bath & Body Works Tutti Dolci Moisturizing Souffle in Cinnamon Frosting (available at bathandbodyworks.com ). Trust us - this duo will leave your skin temptingly soft and smelling as sweet as candy. But if you're not a fan of sugary-scented lotions, then try Kiehl's Crème de Corps (available at kiehls.com ); it's the superb solution for all-over moisturizing and it smells subtle and clean. For softer hands, we're crazy for Essie Smoothies Hand & Body Lotion in Pomegranate & Mango (available at essie.com ) - it's chockfull of skin-quenching, anti-aging ingredients to nourish and smooth your mittens.

Now that you're cleaned, toned and moisturized all over, it's time to add some hue. But we're not talking conspicuous color; we're feeling a natural palette. This entails simply highlighting what you already have but without looking like you're wearing loads of makeup. Think nudes, peaches and pink. Skip the heavy foundations and opt for a tinted moisturizer (as mentioned earlier) and then brush on some blush. Renowned makeup artist Bobbi Brown says spring is all about rosy chic. I love the romance of antique roses and vintage prints - and that was the inspiration for this season's look. There's a rose for everyone, from palest rose to deep rose. Wear it as a cheer stain on cheeks and pair it with a wash of neutral simmer on eyes." For that just-pinched cheeks look, dot on Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks (available at bobbibrown.com ). For a kissable pout, line your lips with Chanel Le Crayon Gloss Sheer Lip Colouring Pencil (available at Sephora.com ) and fill in between with TINte Cosmetics Flavored Lip Shine in Pink Lemonade (available at TINteCosmetics.com ). This duo delivers a precise line for perfectly contoured lips and ultra-shine color. Lastly, comb on some Maybelline Great Lash Mascara (available at drugstores) for dramatic eyes.

Feeling gorgeous yet? Well, you look it. Just be sure to maintain a daily regiment and you'll keep on reaping the rewards of looking fresh and new. Sure, it takes time, but once you get into the swing of things, it's all gravy. And as we girls know, sometimes the first step to feeling like a million bucks is to look like a million big ones.

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