Improving on nature: in its most basic sense, beauty is a sign of good health. Here, three glowingly natural looks—for all ages—that radiate well-being, and how to re-create them at home

Natural Health, April, 2004 by Megan O'Connell

Ever wonder why we're all so hung up on beauty--why it's important to both men and women, no matter our race or place in the world, and why people across different cultures have similar ideals? "There are evolutionary roots to beauty," explains psychologist Nancy Etcoff, a faculty member at Harvard Medical School and author of Survival of the Prettiest: The Science of Beauty. "Essentially, beauty is a biological advertisement of health." In other words, people are attracted to visible signs of good health like clear skin, shiny hair and rosy cheeks because these were the clues our ancestors used to determine whether someone would make a good mate.

These days, the natural signs of beauty are easily enhanced. The perfect-hued lipstick and blush, for example, impart a healthy glow, and the right moisturizers can keep your complexion soft. Improving on nature's gifts is anything but vanity; Etcoff explains that beautifying yourself is simply another form of self-care. "More and more, people are viewing their health and their looks as being united. It's not simply putting on makeup or getting your hair done--it's taking care of yourself and your body."

All the more reason to care for your skin's specific needs, When you find a makeup look that's just right for your age, attitude and complexion, the beauty/health connection is confirmed. Here, three experts--makeup artists Sue Devitt, Bobbi Brown and Carol Shaw--offer advice on creating a look that's right for you.

RADIANT YOUTH

Though it's impossible to hold back the clock forever, the common beauty goal for women in their late 20s: and early 30s is stalling time for another few years--and with the right makeup, enhancing the glow that already exists, explains Sue Devitt. THE BASICS Skin that's properly cared for is still in good condition now--and a sheer foundation (like the shimmering Shiseido

The Makeup Sheer Enhancer Base, $30; www.sca.shiseido.com) can only help highlight that. ON THE EYES Dab sheer colors (in shades of taupe, bronze, beige or pink) onto your eyelid, and then use your fingertip to blend upward. Try Awake Stardom Eye Gloss in Dawn ($18; sephora.com) a luminous pink in a water-based, botanical-rich formula. ON THE CHEEKS A hint of shimmer on the apples of the cheeks is just enough. Best bet: Origins Sunny Disposition Bronzing Stick ($17.50) origins.com), with protective antioxidants (to help slow down the aging process) and soothing aloe. ON THE LIPS "If you focus shimmer on your eyes or cheeks, all you need on your lips is a gloss," claims Devitt, who recommends her own essential oil-infused Sue Devitt Studio Mini Lipgloss in Ibiza, a shiny pink ($18; sephora.com).

GETTING INTO BALANCE

The face of the late 30s and early 40s--simple makeup in rich, earth tones--creates a sense of stability in what is a hectic time of life, explains Bobbi Brown. THE BASICS Opt for foundations that adjust to meet skin's changing needs (a result of fluctuating hormones), minimizing oil in areas like the T-zone while hydrating drier spots like the cheeks, says Brown, who recommends her own Oil-Free Even Finish Foundation with SPF 15 ($36; bobbibrowncosmetics.com). ON THE EYES Choose a light hue for the entire lid, a medium shade for the lower lid and a darker color as eyeliner. Try gloMinerals gloEye Shadow Trio in Copper Sheen ($27; 888-496-8007), three variations on basic brown. ON THE CHEEKS "You should own two shades of blush--one the color of your cheeks when they're flushed and another that's brighter to add a pop of color." explains Brown. Try Jane Iredale Cream to Powder for Cheeks, Eyes and Lips in Double Copper ($25; janeiredale.com), with mineral-rich shades of gold and copper in one pot. ON THE LIPS Look for hues like your own natural lip color taken up a notch, Best bet: Aveda Lip Shine in the vibrant rose hue Amaranth (; aveda.com), with moisturizing jojoba and sunflower oils.

A SENSE OF SELF

By the time we're in our late 40s and early 50s, who we are is less defined by what we look like than by the many roles we've assumed over the years: friend, colleague wife, mother, even grandmother. And a bit of color--particularly pinks and peaches--in the right places only enhances our inner glow, as well as the skin's radiance lost with time, explains Carol Shaw. THE BASICS If failing estrogen levels have left your skin parched, choose a sheer moisturizing liquid foundation like the nutrient-rich Clarins Hydrating Liquid Foundation ($35.50; gloss.com). ON THE EYES Powder shadows only accentuate wrinkles by settling into lines, which is why creamier colors (applied at the crease) are best. Try Lancome Colour Dose Eye in Tupai ($16.50; lancome-usa.com), a golden peach. ON THE CHEEKS Cream blushes (applied to the apples of the cheeks then massaged back along the cheek-bones) are moisturizing and look dewy. Shaw's pick: Lorac It Kit for lips and cheeks in Peachy Keen ($28; sephora.com), two subtle coral colors. ON THE LIPS Look for products with nourishing ingredients and/or sun protection to protect delicate lip skin. Best bet: Bare Escentuals i.d. Lipstick in cantaloupe colored Wearable Melon ($15; 800-227-3990), with hydrating rose-geranium oil.