14 DAY TRIAL // Michelle Trachtenberg may have played a not-so-nice character in the hit TV series Gossip Girl - however, the young actress' looks have been very much a hit with the fans of the series; so much so in fact that Nick Barose, the Clarins celebrity makeup artist who was in charge with creating her Gossip Girl looks was besieged with requests to relinquish some of the secrets behind Michelle's looks. Which brings us to this article - where we'll be talking about some of the tips and tricks Barose recommends for achieving a look that's as effortlessly natural as it is in tone with the summer trends - just like Michelle's.
The first thing we're all advised to do is use a primer on a regular basis. Not only are primers designed to be imperceptible on the skin, they are also aimed to even out our complexion, illuminating and ensuring a radiant satin-smooth finish, while also offering our skin protection against free radicals and other environmental factors. Instant Light Complexion Perfector from Clarins will do the job nicely - Barose recommends mixing it with our foundation for a natural, long-lasting effect, especially if you have fair skin like Michelle. A translucent loose powder will help provide a perfect finish for your makeup.
For the eyes, you can safely go for shades of chocolate brown and bronze. On Michelle, Barose uses two types of liners - a liquid one along the upper lash line, with a second layer of eyeliner pencil blended and slightly smudged on top. Use the pencil on the lower lashes and line the inner rims of the eyes as well. Use a creamy eyeshadow in matching chestnut bronze (Clarins Soft Cream Eye Color 06 is a good idea) on the upper lid, from the lash line all the way up to the crease. Finally, add a coat of waterproof mascara, a touch of bronzing powder on the apples of your cheeks for added glow and a pale pink or apricot shade of gloss to your lips. You're all done!