Perfector of the smoking hot girl-next-door vibe, we look at how to create Jessica Alba’s glowing, romantic look.

Hair

If you’re still looking for an excuse to do something à là ombré, the summer holiday is as good an excuse as any. If you prefer not to have the dead-on line with dark at the top and light at the bottom, add some streaks to the dark part that matches the ends that you’re lightening. This creates a subtler, softer effect. Ombre maintenance is a dream – all you have to do is touch up the streaks every three months or so – no wonder it’s also known as the Recessionista hairstyle.

Create a centre parting (or side parting if you have a rounder face or angular jaw), and use a curling iron to curl large sections of dried hair from the mid-lengths to the ends for a laid-back, wavy look. If you see defined curls, the sections you’re using are too small.

Complexion

Use a semi-matte foundation like Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid, R160, on the entire face, and dab on concealer where necessary. Always use concealer after foundation to avoid caking on too much product in problem areas. Because you spread foundation and pat on concealer, you’ll get a much better result this way round as well. The newly launched CK One Mousse Concealer, R185, applies like a dream.

Lightly dust a light golden bronzer over the entire complexion, and apply a coral or peach blush like Stila Self Adjusting Coral Blush, R200, to the apples of the cheeks for a healthy-looking flush of colour.

Eyes

Give yourself a smoky eye, but imagine there was no charcoal, dark brown or black eye shadow left in the world. Use a copper shade like Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Colour Eye Shadow in Spice, R195, for the V-shape, and blend with a beige shadow. Highlight the inner corners and brow bone with an ivory shade. Line the upper and lower lashes with black liner, and finish off with mascara. If you’re heading out for a night of partying, slap on some falsies too.

Lips

A little bit of nude gloss is all that’s called for. Favourites of mine are Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector in Nude Shimmer, R180, Gosh Volume Lip Shine in Soft Coral, R120 and Catrice Lip Appeal in Juri is GAGArin, R50.

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