By Laura Regensdorf

• I don’t tend to use much foundation because I want to see the skin. Glossier’s foundation is nice and lightweight. You can also use moisturizer to sheer out a formula. And I’ve never liked concealer under the eyes. I don’t understand why we collectively decided under-eye circles are the devil.
• I like to mimic the natural shadows around the eyes to add depth — imagine taking a photograph and increasing the contrast. For the Dries Van Noten men’s show last month, I blended cream colors, using different pigments by Make Up For Ever and MAC Pro: one was a mauvy brown, another more ocher. Ilia’s cream shadow sticks and Milk’s matte bronzers and Sculpt Sticks are other solid options. You can also use a brown pencil — Lancôme makes a good one called Black Coffee — and smudge it with your fingertip.

• Dab cheap and cheerful lipstick onto the cheeks and nose — and maybe above the eyebrows. Think about how you look if you’ve been in the cold or running for the bus. What color do you flush? Depending on your skin tone, it’s reddish brown or more pink — or vividly red, which I love. The drugstore brands all have a range of colors, and the theater brand Graftobian has a very good lip palette. You want a strong pigment — you can always blend it down.

• I’m not a fan of mascara. If I use it, I’m wasteful: I tend to wipe most of it on the back of my hand before combing the wand through. If you do want subtle definition, the Canadian brand 19/99 has a quite nice option, which comes in black, taupe and brown. It lets us know the lash is there without it looking mascara-ish.

• I’ll use a Tom Ford concealer stick or a touch of Dior foundation, just where it’s needed, patting it in with my fingers or a small sponge. I feel somewhat claustrophobic with foundation on; I think a few imperfections are OK.

• A tiny bit of color on the lips and cheeks makes me look healthy. My favorite formulas are two-in-one — and always matte. A true red gives a bright pop to my [olive-toned] skin. I really like Violette_FR’s Bisou Balm. It doesn’t set right away, so you can blend it in. When I’ve been in the sun, the old-school Benetint in Rose works well.

• My hair and lashes are brown, so I just don’t think black-black mascara suits me. I do like when a makeup artist uses a lash curler on me because it opens up my eyes.

• One thing I always tell makeup artists is to not fill in the little gaps in my eyebrows. I feel like a raccoon when they’re too dark. Sometimes on set, people will tell you certain things photograph better — but the most important thing is to feel confident.

• Since I get made up for work, I prefer a simpler look in my daily life. It’s a return to self. If I want any coverage, I’ll apply a sheer foundation by Clé de Peau — but usually I skip it.
• The product I use consistently is the Tom Ford compact with highlighter and bronzer. I put the bronzer on my cheeks, temples and eyelids. The highlighter goes everywhere the light would hit: under my brows, along the high point of my cheekbones and in the inner corner of my eyes. Sometimes, I apply it to my collarbones or lips. Sheer powder keeps everything in place. Saie has a great formula that I dust on with a big brush.
• When I need a little oomph, I use a Dior Backstage eye shadow palette, which has a lot of gorgeous browns and reds. My eyes are dark green, and I like a kiss of red on the lid. I love a matte lip, so I’ll dab the shadow there, too, and then apply whatever’s left on my finger onto my cheeks and the bridge of my nose. I feel like this monochromatic glow looks the most natural.
• If I’m going out, I’ll sometimes put a bronzy color along my waterline, top and bottom. It’s a Victoria Beckham liner that has a shimmer to it.
• I use a clear brow gel to pin up my brows; it wakes up the face so much. This cheap one by Makup works amazingly well. Being blonde, I used to be told that my brows should be darker, so I’d tint them. When my brows got bleached a shade lighter for a job, I realized this tone suits me. Now I don’t fill them in, I just sculpt them.

• Victoria Beckham Beauty The Foundation Drops With TFC8, $110.
• Tower 28 Beauty BeachPlease Lip + Cheek Dewy Cream Blush, $20.
• Isamaya Sculpting Stick, $40.