How to recreate the Victoria's Secret angels' luminous makeup

Makeup to glow, please

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Makeup can work magic, and well we all know it. Just look at the beauty vloggers who not only use makeup to pretty up, they can transform their faces to look like just about any celebrity out there; And not to mention all the mind-boggling special effects makeup we saw in the lead up to Halloween.

We don’t think we’ll ever reach that kind of makeup skill level, but we’ll be satisfied just to be able to look as glowy as a Victoria’s Secret angel.

Last week on Nov 20, the models walked down the runway at Shanghai's Mercedes-Benz arena – the first time ever that Victoria’s Secret, the US lingerie brand had a show in Asia – with the most ethereal skin, radiant cheeks, and subtly defined eyes.

The Victoria’s Secret show is scheduled to air on CBS on Tuesday, Nov 28 at 10pm ET/PT (Nov 29, 2pm in Singapore), but before that, here’s a closer look at the gorgeous makeup and they products we recommend to recreate the angels’ look.

 

ALSO READ: HERE'S WHAT THE VICTORIA’S SECRET MODELS HAVE BEEN UP TO IN SHANGHAI

 

Luminous complexion

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Ok, let’s get it straight. For skin this glowy, you cannot work with minimal makeup. You’ve got to put in some effort to build up that level of radiance. But with the right products, it’s not hard to achieve, trust us.

Start with well hydrated skin. Try a face oil if you’ve got dryer skin (try Estelle & Thild Biocalm Optimal Comfort Rescue Oil, $63) or a gel cream like Mamonde Rose Water Gel Cream ($30) if your skin’s on the oily-combination side.

Next, apply a makeup base that enhances skin’s luminousity – these usually have a slight sheen or pearlescent finish like Guerlain L'OR Radiance Concentrate With Pure Gold ($105) – to prep skin for foundation.

 



ALSO READ: A simple 4-step guide to achieving that sought-after glowing skin

Glow-giving foundation

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Now, for the foundation. Pick a cushion type or a fluid one that has the word “luminous” or "glow" in its name like Burberry Fresh Glow Luminous Fluid Foundation ($85) or NARS Aqua Glow Cushion Foundation ($68).

Pat on foundation with a puff like a Beauty Blender ($32), or if you’re using a cushion foundation, just use the puff that comes with it. Patting or tapping will give your foundation a glowier finish than rubbing, as the latter can sometimes disperse or rub away the luminous pigments.



ALSO READ: Low on glow? Here's how to get back that glow

Add face colour

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Don’t stop at foundation. Layer on the luminousity with the right blusher, bronzer and highlighter.

Go straight for shimmery textures but don’t overdo it. Apply with a light hand and blend well so it looks like a lit-from-within radiance rather than a slapped on shimmer.

We like Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Luminous Blush ($54) for cheek colour, Fenty Beauty Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick in Sinamon ($37) as a bronzer colour, and Benefit High Beam Face Highlighter ($54) to bring light to the cheekbones and nose bridge.

Remember to blend well so that the colours don’t look patchy. Invest in a dense kabuki brush that lets you buff those stark lines away.

 

ALSO READ: Her World's honest review of Fenty Beauty makeup

 

Soft, full eyebrows

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Less arched and penciled in, more powdered and soft. The fuller brows on the VS models complemented the glowy complexion, giving it a more youthful vibe.

First, get hold of a brow powder kit like Laneige Eyebrow Cushion-Cara ($36), or Zoeva Brow Spectrum ($40).

Using a brow brush to pick up a medium brown coloured powder and lightly fill in the brows, building up the colour slowly. And with a spooly brush, comb your eyebrow hairs upwards and outwards to blend the powder for a more natural look. Try a two-in-one brow tool like Benefit Brow Defining & Blending Tool ($35), which has a brow  brush and spooly brush on either end.



ALSO READ: How to get fuller and healthier brows, pronto

Add depth to the eyes

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Don’t forego eyeshadow, which can help give your peepers some definition.

Go for a slightly shimmery warm toned palette in neutral browns and pinks. Try Tarte’s  Tartelette Amazonian Clay Matte Eyeshadow Palette ($73) or Chanel’s Les Beiges Healthy Glow Natural Eyeshadow ($105).

Add a medium brown to the crease and blend in, then add a touch of a lighter, shimmery pinkish-brown on the inner corners to accentuate them.

For eyeliner, use a brown kohl pencil type like Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil ($32) to avoid drawing harsh lines. Pencil in close to the lash line and blend for a softer finish.

 

ALSO READ: 8 steps to master the art of flawless eyeshadow application

Doll-like lashes

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We’re not talking full-on falsies here but naturally amped up lashes with coats of mascara.  

To start, use an eyelash curler to perk up those babies before smoothing on mascara in light coats. Stick to three coats of mascara so lashes look natural, not clumpy. We recommend a mascara that adds length and definition like Burberry Cat Lashes Mascara ($52).

Don’t neglect those bottom lashes. A coat of mascara on the lower lash line can really help to open the eyes and create that doll-like effect. Pick a mascara with a tiny brush to pick up those skimpy hairs, or simply get a lower lash mascara like Clinique’s Bottom Lash Mascara ($39).

 

ALSO READ: 7 TIMES THE VICTORIA’S SECRET MODELS SHOWED THEY WERE EMPOWERING FOR FEMALES

 

My lips but better rosiness

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For the lips, you’ll want some natural pinkish colour and a little shine, but stay away from full-on lipsticks in opaque colours and textures that can look too painted on. Think #MLBB (my lips but better) shades.

We suggest a coloured lip balm like Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment in Rose ($36) and top off with a lip gloss like Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Hi-Shine Lip Lacquer Lipgloss ($46).

Pick hues that are close to your natural lip colour, just a shade or two pinker or peachier.



ALSO READ: 5 lip glosses to rock this season's shiny lip trend