As told to me by legendary makeup artist Sam Fine, “going nude takes more work, not less.” It’s true, but with the right makeup and these easy tips, you can achieve a professional look in little to no time. Spring’s nudes are a little more earthy than the cooler months, as they combine warmth and sensuality. 

DO-IT-YOURSELF: First, even your tone by applying your liquid or cream to powder foundation using a foundation brush. Your fingers also work well for application, but the brush gives better coverage. Work to really give your complexion one flawless tone. 

Apply concealer to your lids to wash out any varying hues, allowing your nude shadow to remain true.  Sheer bronzers also make for beautiful eye shadows and look incredible in the area just under brows.   

Use a big blush brush to apply your bronzer/blush and really do a good job of sweeping the shade until it melts into your skin. You want just the slightest shimmer and the most delicate flush. 

Smear on a thin coating of concealer on your lips to get the truest nude from your gloss, lipstick or lip tint. Finish by dusting your face with translucent powder. 

See how the look works for all tones: 

FAIR TO LIGHT: Corrine Bailey Rae

Color palette: 

Face: Vanilla | Motives For Lala Color Perfection Quad in Medium 

Eyes: Matte Peach | bareMinerals READY Eyeshadow 2.0 in The Top Shelf

Cheeks: Dewy Bronze | Maybelline Fit Me Blush in Deep Nude

Lips: Flush | Napoleon Perdis Lip Lacquer in Ambrosia Gold

MEDIUM: Model Jasmine Tookes

Color palette: 

Face: Buttery Brown | COVERGIRL Queen Collection Natural Hue Compact Foundation

Eyes: Caramel | Cargo Cosmetics Eyeshadow in Monte Carlo

Cheeks: Copper Blush | Physician’s Formula Cashmere Wear Ultra Smoothing Bronzer

Lips: Mocha | NYX Sheer Tube Gloss in Shangri-La

DARK: Gabrielle Union

Color palette:  

Face: Chocolate | Milani Cream to Powder Foundation in Spiced Brown 

Eyes: Almond | Stila Eye Shadow in Twig

Cheeks: Rust | MAC Cosmetics Powder Blush in Raisin

Lips: Satin gloss | Bobbi Brown Treatment Lip Shine SPF 15 in Brownie Nude

—Kimberly Walker