If Kerry Washington is on a magazine cover, it's probably going to cause some buzz. Kerry Washington covers Marie Claire for April 2015, and people are talking about it in the best way. Unlike how Washington's 2013 Lucky cover rendered her unrecognizable, this one embraces her natural beauty, with just a touch of extra sparkle, thanks to silver-y lids and frosty pink lipstick.
It's another semi-minimal makeup cover, in that the stylist and makeup artist didn't go ham with too many products, too much sculpting, and avoided trying to make Washington look completely different. Instead, the naturally stunning Scandal star rocks a look that is so incredibly easy to replicate.
I seriously crush on the clingy, long-sleeved, and textured white top and I love how Washington is confidently resting her chin on her palm, exuding quite but unmistakable strength. She is owning it, but her makeup and hair are seriously enviable.
Want to recreate this look? Well, you can, in just three easy steps. It's light on maintenance, despite the high impact of the sparkling products. This isn't your usually "no makeup" minimalism, but it's just as simple.
Ready to do Kerry x Marie Claire on your own? Here's how.
1. Electra-Fy
MAC's Electra shadow is a closely-matched, sparkly, and icy silver that you can dust all around eyes and buff out with two brushes. You will want to finish with a basic black liner and a black mascara, since you can get shimmer fallout on your lashes. A tip for girls with warm undertones: Choose a champagne or gold shadow instead, since cool silver can wash you out. ($16, maccosmetics.com)
2. Think Pink
A dusty pink lipstick in a matte texture will help you get Washington's smooch-worthy lips. NYX Cosmetic's Matte Lipstick in Temptress is a neutral pink, so it looks good on everyone. ($6, ulta.com)
3. Do You Hair In Your Sleep
Wait, what? Get waves like those overnight? Yep. All you need to do is wet your hair, add three to four thick, loose braids, throw a little heat via a blowdryer, and go to sleep. Wake up, shake it out, add a spritz of texturizing spray, and you've got KW's waves without using a bunch of heat styling appliances. Toni & Guy's Sea Salt spray is a personal fave to add some texture without the crunch. ($10.79, target.com)
Images: Marie Claire (1); Courtesy Brands
