Simply Sexy Saturday: Minimal Makeup & Glowing Skin like Yara Shahidi

We decided to bring Simply Sexy Saturday back, because as Prince said, “Sexy never left.” Our inspo for SSS are celebs who manage to pull off looking ever-so-casual with minimal makeup, and of course, amazing skin.

Yara Shahidi has an amazing face — the eyes, the lips, the nose, the jaw — and gorgeous skin to boot. Not all of us have her DNA, but we sure as heck can fake it. This sizzling look of Yara with her naturally her curly hair pinned up, is one that can be achieved with minimal makeup and tools.

Let’s start with skin prep. We already know that Yara is a fan of ELEMIS Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads , as is our editor-in-chief. This gentle exfoliation before applying any makeup makes the finish smoother and of course you use much less makeup.

1. Tinted Moisturizer rather than foundation

Rather than applying a thick layer of foundation, try a tinted moisturizer with three-in-one benefits. Not only does a tinted moisturizer give your needed moisture for your skin, but also a hint of color with SPF production. Bonus benefit is that the color is forgiving and you only have to apply with your fingers.

We love Smashbox Halo Healthy Glow Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 25 with Hyaluronic Acid $38 (read our 5 Bling review)

An all-in-one, SPF primer-infused tinted moisturizer with lightweight, natural-looking dewy coverage that hydrates skin for up to 24 hours.

2. Sheer creamy blush rather than powdered blush or bronzer

Use a sheer creamy blush to add a demure pop of color on your cheekbones. Again, the only tools you need are your fingertips! You can even dab on your eyelids to wake up your eyes.

We love Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush $22

(read our 5 Bling review)

A light-as-air, non-greasy cream blush that instantly melts into skin for a wash of color and natural-looking flush in 10 easy-to-use, sheer shades. This blush is easy to use and impossible to overdo in a lineup of shades designed to enhance every complexion with a youthful glow. The sweat- and water-resistant formula smooths over skin without feeling sticky or greasy and is sheer, buildable, and melts into skin.

3. Simple Eye Drama

Create a little drama with a kitten eye (the baby cat eye) and load up on mascara. Because as you know, the eyes have it…The two new additions to the Lancôme family are just what you need for easy application and long wear.

We love new Lancôme Idôle Ultra-Precise Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner $22

(review coming!)

This liquid eyeliner has up to 24 hours of waterproof wear and a satin-black color that lasts all day without smudging or fading. The flexible, slim tip provides ultimate control for a seamless and smooth one-stroke application, making it the perfect felt-tip eyeliner for beginners.

Finish eyes with Lancôme Lash Idôle Lash-Lifting & Volumizing Waterproof Mascara $27 (review coming!)

This volumizing waterproof mascara provides lifted, fanned out-volume and renders an intense eye-opening effect. It is a clump-free mascara that lasts for up to 24 hours while being easy to remove. This mascara was tested under ophthalmological control and is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

4. Finish with  lip balm that doubles as a lip treatment.

We love fresh Sugar Lip Balm Sunscreen SPF 15 $24

The original, award-winning Sugar Lip Balms let you easily customize your look—swipe once for a hint of hue or more for buildable color. These bestsellers are infused with nourishing oils and moisture-preserving sugar to deliver nonstop hydration plus sunscreen.

5. Finishing touches –add a spritz of fragrance and some shine to your hair, and you are Simply Sexy Saturday.

We love Floral Street Sunflower Pop Eau De Parfum in Sunflowers $84

(read our 5 Bling review)

We love OGX Frizz-Free + Keratin Smoothing Oil Miracle Gloss Spray $8.99

Strengthen, smooth and shine strands in one easy step with OGX Frizz-Free + Keratin Smoothing Oil Miracle Gloss Spray. This 5-in-1 product gives your hair a fresh look while saving time and money.