Lourdes Hernandez is best described as a natural beauty.

The Madrid-born singer-songwriter, who is better known by the moniker Russian Red, is blessed with flawless skin, tanned lightly by the Spanish sunshine.

Her heart-shaped face is anchored by brown doe eyes, and, when My Paper met up with her earlier this month, there was barely a stitch of make-up on it - save for a thin swipe of sparkly blue eyeliner on her top lids.

Her pout was accented by a pastel shade of pink lipstick by cosmetics brand Max Factor.

"I'm not really into make-up in general and I prefer to keep things natural," the 27-year-old admitted in Spanish-accented English.

"I don't like (the feeling of too much make-up) because it makes me too conscious of how I look."

Hernandez, who first performed in Singapore in March as part of the Esplanade's Mosaic Music Festival, was in town for the recording of the MTV Sessions. It airs here tomorrow.

Still, her penchant for keeping things au naturale is perhaps a tad ironic, considering her memorable stage name was inspired by a shade of scarlet M.A.C lipstick.

In truth, it was that very product that turned her on to make-up during her first year of university, she revealed.

Hernandez - who started out gigging at small clubs in Madrid before releasing her debut album, I Love Your Glasses, in 2008 - explained: "I saw this pretty girl at a party wearing it and I was completely fascinated by the colour and the texture. I went out afterwards and bought it, and it was the first and only lipstick I had for a long time."

Now, she has grown to realise that while slapping on full-on foundation may not be necessary, little beauty tricks can go a long way.

Her three must-have products?

A highlighter for the undereye area, "especially if you've not been sleeping enough"; lipstick in a girlish shade like orange or coral, and mascara to make those lashes pop.

On the style front, Hernandez - who released a second album, Fuerteventura, last year, and plans to release a third next year - insisted that she is not one to follow trends.

"It depends on the season, which city I'm in and how I'm feeling on the day," she said of how she chooses what to wear.

She added that one of her favourite style icons is British model-singer Pixie Geldof, because she's "really authentic and comfortable in her own skin".

"As long as you're confident, you'll be able to pull off any style," she said.

Beauty tips from Russian Red

Keep it clean

Make sure your skin looks good even without heaps of make-up, said Lourdes Hernandez.

Care for it with a simple routine that includes cleansing, toning, moisturising and suncare.

My Paper recommends: The CyberWhite Brilliant Cells line - in particular, its night cream ($118) - from Hernandez's favourite skincare brand, Estee Lauder. Available from Estee Lauder counters at department stores like Isetan Scotts.

Go for bold

Spice up your natural look with a bold, red lip - but only on occasion, so things don't get stale.

"You have to choose the right moment (to wear bright-red lips)...you must have the right attitude too, of course," she said.

My Paper recommends: What else but M.A.C's Russian Red ($29), available from M.A.C beauty counters at stores like Sephora in ION Orchard.

Spritz it

Hernandez loves perfume, and has around seven bottles in rotation at any one time. She said that the right scent can complement an outfit or mood, and will leave you smelling absolutely delicious.

Her favourite brands include Narciso Rodriguez, Lanvin and Chloe.

My Paper recommends: Chloe by Chloe ($176 for 75ml), a romantic, long-lasting floral scent, available at leading department stores.

Health is wealth

Beauty shines from within, so maintaining healthy habits not only makes you feel better, but look better, too.

"My grandmother used to give my sister and me a lot of carrot and fruit, and she would tell us to drink a lot of water... easy things that make a difference," said Hernandez.

My Paper recommends: Just what the doctor ordered - lots of fruit and veggies, getting enough rest and drinking a lot of H20.

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