For all the teenage girls who’ve had parental confrontations over the use of makeup, there’s some good news – this summer, the natural look is in. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use makeup; it just means that the makeup you do use should enhance your natural features. So, maybe your parents won’t be so livid!
“Go for the glow this summer! With a sun-kissed complexion, not much else is needed,” says Sephora beauty adviser Theresa George. The first step is to figure out what is your skin type. Do you have combination skin? Oily? Dry? Big pores? Is your skin prone to scarring?

“It’s beneficial to start with a healthy skin care routine, one that is easy to adhere to,” Los Angeles makeup artist Rodoklia Papanikalow says. “It is of vital importance to cleanse your skin properly. Clogged pores can cause breakouts and irritate teenage skin that is already dealing with the stress of hormonal changes.”

Clinique has skin care sets with cleansers, toners and moisturizers for around $35. Neutrogena markets a skin-care line for women of color that also combats skin discoloration.

“Never, ever sleep with your makeup on,” Papanikalow says. This could lead to breakouts, not to mention premature aging.

Many young South Asians suffer from acne due to overactive oil glands. A good way to combat this problem is to use Proactiv ($40). For problems such as hyperpigmentation from acne scarring, or the irregular darkening of the skin, try Philosophy’s Pigment of Your Imagination ($30).

A simple way to cope with oily skin is to use oil-absorbing sheets. These convenient palm-sized papers are a great way to lift the oil off your face, without having to apply any powder. Simply press the sheet gently onto your face and repeat wherever oily. A great, inexpensive pack is sold at The Body Shop (3 sheets for $10). For oil glands on overdrive, try Korres Lemon Anti-Shine Gel ($23).

Protecting your skin from UV rays is equally important. “Never step out without an SPF of at least 15 on your face,” Papanikalow emphasizes. “Free radicals and UV rays are constantly bombarding your skin, whether it’s sunny or not. Look for products that also include antioxidants, which combat the free radicals. The high school years are the best time to learn to defend yourself.”

A teenage girl who has healthy skin should use minimal lightweight makeup, beauty expert Veronica Dettman says. “A tinted SPF moisturizer is an optimal way to hydrate, protect and perfect in one easy step,” she adds, recommending Cover Girl products.

Those with sensitive skin might find increased benefit from high-end products such as MD Skincare All in One Tinted Moisturizer ($40) or Juice Beauty’s SPF 30 Tinted Moisturizer ($29). The latter has a sheer mineral tint for those who don’t want any added color.

A wonderful new product is the lip and cheek stain, such as Tarte’s Cheek Stain in Flush ($28) which resembles the color of a freshly-bitten raspberry – and smells like one, too. This handy water-based gel stick is fabulous to dab onto cheeks, lips and even over the eyelids. The colors are apparently meant to mimic the flush of a child who has been running.

 “When it comes to makeup, remember to blend, blend, blend; no lines should be visible,” Dettman says. “Your cheeks should look like you just lightly pinched them.”

The bronzer is another great tool – and it works well on darker skin types. George recommends applying bronzing powder or gel lightly to the areas of the face where the sun’s rays naturally leave their mark – the chin, cheeks, forehead and the bridge of the nose. She recommends Urban Decay Baked Bronzing Powder ($20) or Sephora All Over Skin Bronzing Powder ($12).

Skip the lip liner and lipstick. Accentuate the natural color of your lips with clear gloss for daytime. For a night out, try one with sparkles. Sephora’s Super Shimmer Lip Gloss ($10) is nice – a little goes a long way.
 
Hair frames your face, and a great frame can transform you into a work of art. South Asian women are blessed with luxurious, thick hair. Maintaining your hair may seem daunting, but with a little effort it will become a breeze and well worth the effort. “Your hair’s oils are essential for its health, so use a shampoo that gently cleanses, or your hair will become dry and the ends will split,” Dettman says. Lather, in a circular motion, only at the roots and rinse.

Use a conditioner to enhance your hair’s look and manageability. Massage a generous amount onto the ends of your hair and a dime size onto the remainder of hair, Dettman says. Those with oily or fine hair need only apply the conditioner to the ends.

The last step is a frizz-control product – such as John Frieda’s Frizz-Ease – which works for those who blow dry as well as those who skip the dryer.

For those who would like to try a hair oil to nurture their tresses, one option is Rampirth Brahmi oil, which is readily available at most Indian groceries and, at $5, is quite a steal. The oil will protect the ends of your hair from styling damage. Pour a small amount onto your palms and warm it by rubbing your hands together. Only apply the oil to the ends of your hair, otherwise it will weigh your hair down and make it look greasy.

Papanikalow says she sees a lot of over-tweezed eyebrows and cautions, “Don’t pluck your eyebrows if you don’t need to. They will get much thinner as you age, so to over-pluck now could really hurt them in the long run.” Instead, she says, simply spritz a little hair spray on the end of an eyebrow brush and just brush the hairs neatly into place. “There is no need, when you are 16, to look like you are 40,” Dettman says. “Enjoy being your age.”

Those who can’t find the skin care product or makeup that suits them right away, shouldn’t despair. Finding what suits you best is often a process of trial and error, Dettman says.

Unfortunately, sometimes the best products for you may be the most expensive. While Cover Girl is quite inexpensive, Clinique products are priced in a middle range and brands such as Stila and Lancome are more expensive. The pricier products usually have higher quality ingredients, which translate into finer particles for longer, more natural wear.

The last tip is to remember to care for your mind, body and spirit. Use a fruit-scented body wash and spray to uplift your spirits and prepare you for your day. Remember to drink your eight glasses of water or dehydration could cause lackluster skin. Develop an exercise regimen and stick with it, not only to keep fit, but to feel healthy.

“Your body is your temple and represents to others how you feel about yourself,” says Gaia Goldstein, a motivational speaker from New York. “If you treat yourself well, you will feel confident and people will see that in you and, in turn, take you seriously."