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THE VIOLET FILES
FILED UNDER
ORIGINAL LOOK
Makeup Artist Robin Black mandates that proper skin prep is the most essential step in the no-makeup makeup look.
Robin Black is a professional makeup artist, a skilled photographer, and the founder of Beauty is Boring. As a contributor to The Violet Files, she creates exclusive, one-of-a-kind looks for her column, The Black List.

Radiant skin, defined cheekbones, groomed brows, and a perfectly subtle lip is the all-grown-up version of the naked face. The key to creating such a look, however, is a skin-prep routine that offers the desired glowing and polished effect. —R.B. 
Model: Shiya @ HMM 
Makeup: Robin Black  
Hair: Amber Duarte

the polished
nude

Koh Gen Do - Maifanshi Aqua Foundation 113
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This formula delivers a seamless, luminous finish. Using a foundation brush, apply the makeup to the center of your face and work your way to the outer edges. 
Koh Gen Do
Maifanshi Aqua Foundation
113
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Bobbi Brown - Creamy Concealer Kit Natural
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Use Bobbi Brown’s Concealer Blending Brush to dot the warmer color over the darkest part of your under eye region, and blend by tapping gently with your ring finger. With the same brush, apply the yellow-based shade over any blemishes or discoloration, then blend.
Bobbi Brown
Creamy Concealer Kit
Natural
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RMS Beauty - Buriti Bronzer
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Create subtle drama by blending a small amount of this creamy bronzer under your cheekbones, on the sides of your nose, on your temples, and under your jaw.
RMS Beauty
Buriti Bronzer
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RMS Beauty - Living Luminizer
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Add a pearl-like finish to all the high points of your face with this gorgeous shimmering cream. You can use your fingers, but you’ll achieve a more precise application and blend with the Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate Brush.
RMS Beauty
Living Luminizer
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Hourglass - Calligraphy Liquid Eye Liner 08 Ebony
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Gently line the base of your lashes with this precision felt tip pen. If you have trouble getting between the lashes, try pressing them upward and lining them from underneath.    
Hourglass
Calligraphy Liquid Eye Liner
08 Ebony
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Tom Ford - Extreme Mascara Ravenous Black
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A single coat of this very black mascara on the upper lashes adds definition without looking too obvious—and it doesn’t ever smudge! 
Tom Ford
Extreme Mascara
Ravenous Black
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Hourglass - Femme Nude Lip Stylo No. 1
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These opaque, satin finish crayons are a simple option for a perfect, nude lip. They come in six different shades, so you’ll be sure to find one that looks right with your complexion.
Hourglass
Femme Nude Lip Stylo
No. 1
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Sisley-Paris - Floral Spray Mist
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For a finishing touch, lightly mist this beautifully scented hydrating spray over your face to set your makeup and add to your glow.
Sisley-Paris
Floral Spray Mist
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LINE EYES IN
VIOLET

See more looks by makeup artist Robin Black.