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Trend to try: low-key glam

Advertorial: The trick to looking more youthful on those special occasions

By Carli Alman

Beauty Crew Editor / May 26 2017

The last few years has seen glowing complexions and natural and effortless beauty reign supreme. And while it’s easy to assume that ‘your skin but better’ is best suited to weekends, workdays, and casual events, there’s a growing trend of embracing a more understated look for special occasions.

It’s also a clever way to look more youthful, as heavy makeup can actually enhance wrinkles and make you look older.

The trick to mastering low-key glam? Laying down a base that’ll smooth the skin and give you the coverage you need without looking too heavy. And if you can find a foundation that pulls double-duty and has anti-ageing benefits, even better. For lightweight coverage that’ll even out your skin tone while working to gradually hydrate and firm, try COVERGIRL + Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation. It has the added benefit of niacinimade and vitamins B and E, as well as green tea extract, to help firm and hydrate skin, improving the look of any wrinkles and unevenness.

Once you’ve nailed your natural-yet-flawless foundation, it’s all about a few tweaks to up the ante on the glam factor. Take the lead from these Hollywood celebs.

Sofia Vergara

While Sofia does super-glam so well, this natural, rosy look is heaven. Simply-lined eyes paired with flushed cheeks and an almost-red lip is all you need to add a touch of glamour in a flash.

Jennifer Aniston

Always one to sport a natural look, Jennifer Aniston is basically the queen of low-key glam. Follow her lead and lightly dust an illuminating blush on the apples of your cheeks and across your cheekbones to add warmth and radiance to your skin. Finish with a pink or clear gloss and you’re done!

Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth’s thick, defined lashes and neutral lip is a great way to give your look some extra drama without going too far. For a more intense finish, you could always finish with a bold lip.

Katie Holmes

For something a little more edgy, but still pretty, try Katie Holmes’ slightly smudged, lived-in eyeliner, defined brows and touch of pink on the lips and cheeks.

Jessica Biel

Jessica Biel is living proof that you can still look gorgeous when you go uber minimal. Glowing skin, the lightest touch of mascara and hint-of-pink lips is great for any occasion. To add more warmth and radiance, try a cream blush on your cheeks and highlighter on your cheekbones.

Michelle Williams

Embody femininity and edginess by taking your cues from Michelle Williams and this gorgeous red carpet look. Precisely lined eyes and rosy pink lips make for a perfect pair when you’re trying to keep things subtle.

Jessica Chastain

If you’re into eyeshadow, a smoky eye is the perfect way to dress up a glowing complexion. Keep the tones neutral (browns, taupes, and golds) like Jessica Chastain here if you want a softer finish, but if you want to go all out, opt for blacks, greys, and even navies.

Love how Sofia Vergara does her makeup? Here's how to copy her copper-inspired Golden Globes beauty look.