Sometimes I go through various make-up phases where I love ultra glam moments, but with the summer here (hey boo!), I have opted for a more toned down, subtle slay. In fact, I’ve been rocking with this look since spring, so I wanted to finally share.

Honesty moment: I started a new job a few months ago in fund management, which has been a ridiculously steep learning curve. I may have already shared this tidbit of information on the blog. Not only did I get a new job, but I am also juggling a professional enrichment program which is also time consuming and commands a lot of work. I say all of this to say that my blogging and creative outlets like, make-up, have had to take a back seat to this newness in my life. Hats off to fellow bloggers who stay consistent with content like tutorials, which involve a ton of hours filming, editing and uploading new material. It’s definitely not easy.

I particularly wanted to share this look because I know a few people, friends and acquaintances alike, who don’t wear a lot of make-up for reasons that include: not wanting to, not having the time, energy, patience or those who simply don’t know how. Instagram is a great place to showcase the range of dope make-up artists. I see so much brilliant work, but I must admit that it scares some friends of mine who are afraid of looking too '“dramatic” and I totally understand it. If you don’t wear make-up regularly, just a little bit can look like a lot. I hope to be able to show those who are intimidated by makeup to pick up a beauty blender or brush and get to work. You can look rather “natural” and refreshed with more subdued tones so this is my remix to the natural beat.

These photos (aside from the plants and flowers) are all self-portraits, taken in portrait mode, on self timer and/or wireless remote, with a tripod on my iPhone Xs. Check out the succulents above. There is so much insane detail. I’m learning more and more about taking beautiful raw images and soft edits that can make a photo pop. I suppose the theme here is less is more and that includes face beats. The images were taken on one of my inspiration outing days. This landscape is right outside my office. Everyday for lunch I would walk around the campus (I work at a University) and see so much nature, right in the peak of spring’s super bloom and made mental notes for my faux-toshoots. When you pay attention to your surroundings, they surely can become a place of inspiration and creativity.

Of course my time spent taking these images was met with insects trying to take me out. I had to fend off bees, gnats and a huge japanese beetle that refused to let me be great.

Below is a make-up tutorial of my remixed natural beat, perfect for summer!

Makeup deets: 

@smashbox photo finish primer

@maybelline superstay foundation 335 coconut & @nyxcosmetics can’t stop won’t stop in mocha

@blackradiancebeauty true complexion medium to dark contour palette

@narsissist creamy concealer in amande 

@maccosmetics highlighter 

@stilacosmetics shimmer & glow liquid eyeshadow

@ardellbeauty double up wispies

@anastasiabeverlyhills dipbrow in dark brown & cream contour palette in deep

 @sachacosmeticsofficial buttercup setting powder 

@lauramercier translucent in medium deep