Natural Makeup Looks for Medium Skin Tones | Expert Tips

Denise Crew

Natural Know-How

Lay the right foundation. Because your complexion has a mix of undertones — your cheeks may be lighter, your nose darker — it's best to match your base to the area of deepest color, says Ashunta Sheriff, a celebrity makeup artist in New York City.

Swipe on sheen. Keeping your lips and cheeks in the same color family will give you a radiant, healthy look. "You want an overall glow, not one feature taking center stage," says Tina Turnbow, a makeup artist in New York City. Try gold-flecked and peachy shades for a grown-up bronze.

Add definition. "When brows are groomed, you instantly look polished," says Joanna Schlip, a celebrity makeup artist in Los Angeles. Use a waxy pencil and short, feathery strokes to fill in sparse areas.

Peter Ardito

Natural Foundation for Medium Skin

Rhodiola, a repairing herb in Origins Youthtopia SPF 15 Skin Firming Foundation in Medium Warm ($26.50, origins.com), gives olive tones a flattering sheen.

Peter Ardito

Natural Blush for Medium Skin

Swirl talc-free Maybelline New York Mineral Power Powder Blush in True Peach ($8.99, drugstores) over your cheeks for a sun-kissed coral glow.

Peter Ardito

Natural Eye Shadow for Medium Skin

Lightly blend mineral-packed Tarte Single Eyeshadow in Brown Derby ($14, tarte.com) in the inner corners of your eyes to quickly perk them up.

Peter Ardito

Natural Lip Gloss for Medium Skin

Non-sticky Sephora Pure Lipgloss in Peach Blossom ($6, sephora.com) softens cracked lips with organic castor and jojoba oils.

Originally published in FITNESS magazine, April 2010.