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Girl Next Door Makeup Looks

How to do a girl next door evening face

Nowadays when you think "girl next door" images of Kendra, Holly and Bridget come to mind. But long before Hefner had his beyond-bleached bunnies, this term was meant to describe that enviably natural, fresh-faced look that belonged to the prettiest girl in your neighborhood when you were growing up (we're guessing that might have been you all along). Try on girl next door makeup in our virtual makeup studio.

The best Hollywood examples of the girl next door include Jennifer Garner, Meg Ryan (before the lip-plumping fiasco) and Julia Roberts. Here are a few tips for recreating girl next door makeup in the original (read: more natural) sense of the word. This look imparts instant youth for our mature readers, and is also a perfect makeup look for high school gals who simply want to look their best.

If your skin is normal to oily, opt for a powder foundation (we like Givenchy Matissime and Powder FX with SPF 10). Powder foundation will give you the most natural finish and prevent shine during the day. Apply it with a damp makeup sponge for a heavier finish, or use a fluffy blush brush for lighter coverage. If your skin is dry, try a tinted moisturizer for the same kind of sheer, pretty look. Spot-conceal under eye circles and blemishes with a yellow-based concealer. Finish with a touch of apricot or peach blush, applied to the apples of the cheeks for a youthful high school-like flush. The right blush is key to the girl next door look. You'll know it when you find it because it will perk up your face instantly.

On those pretty peepers, skip dark eye shadows in lieu of a light palette: shimmering white, taupe, even baby pink will illuminate the eyes. Make your eyeliner look as natural as possible by applying it at the very base of the roots (on the underside of the lid) using a flathead eyeliner brush and wet powder shadow in brown, not black (unless your hair is black). Finish with three coats of mascara.

On lips, strive for a natural look that's totally kissable and enticing to the average boy next door. Create the illusion of bee-stung lips by exfoliating your lips with your usual facial exfoliating beads and apply lip moisturizer using gentle pinching motions all around the lips and upper lip where lines are likely to form as you age. Skip the lipliner and apply a shimmering apricot or mango colored lipstick with your fingertip. Finish with a dab of golden gloss in the center of your lower lip. Hello girl next door. --Stephanie Simons

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