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Olivia Culpo is a natural beauty who has, in the past, had her visage obscured by over-the-top makeup—particularly during her time as Miss Universe. “Looking back on those photos, I don’t even know who that person is, because it was just too much,” says the pageant queen turned influencer. “I’m not a huge fan of changing what your face looks like. I like the idea of enhancing your things that make you different…working with the canvas that you have.” For her part, Culpo has mastered her canvas, indulging in a well-curated 40-step beauty routine with an end result that skews pretty and personalized rather than exaggerated.
First comes skin care, a 12-part undertaking that begins with Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser—which Culpo favors for its moisturizing feel—20 minutes under an LED light mask from Déesse, and a masking moment with Glamglow. Next, a cocktail of serums and creams is broken up by two-minute applications of Crest Whitening Emulsions, a teeth whitener that requires no downtime or rinsing. Then comes the makeup.
“I always say that makeup is kind of like cooking: If you like to cook, you’re going to be a good cook. If you like makeup, and putting on makeup and the process of it, you’re going to become good at makeup,” says Culpo. “It’s kind of just putting in the time and really finding the fun in it—because it is creativity.” Though products may abound, Culpo’s application is all about precision, with MAC Strobe Cream serving as a starting point for a duet of concealers and a touch of foundation pressed only into the day’s “problem areas.” Brushings of Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow—the same product in a slightly darker shade also functioning as eye shadow—gelled and subtly penciled brows, and several combined blush shades swirled over smiling cheeks affords Culpo a warm, seasonless look.
A bit of Patrick Starrr One/Size liquid liner—“I always put my liner on the outer, like, sixth of the eye; I don’t start from the inner corner,” Culpo explains—curled lashes, and expertly placed highlighter make for a bit of characteristic glam. An ample application of Dior Lip Glow topped with a berried tint acts as a finishing touch. When it comes to her hair, a simple zhuzh will do. The lesson? Whether your above-neck regimen consists of four or 40 products, taking the time to find what works for you is the key to a signature look.
