The “No Makeup” Makeup Look

10 of my favorite hacks for effortless beauty

I LOVE doing this routine when I want a fresh-faced look, an “I might have woken up like this,” look, and especially when I’m short on time. When it comes to products, brands, and tools, it often comes down to preference. These are just some of my favs I use to give myself an enhanced natural look.

1. Skin!
   The first and most important step is not makeup at all, but your skin! Starting with a healthy and clean palette for your makeup will make all the difference- stay hydrated and moisturized to maintain your natural glow.
   
   
2. Prep & Prime
   Next, you’ll want to prime your skin. This will help you achieve a smoother base. You can also get a primer that is made for any specific goals you have like hydrating or poreless finish. I prefer an illuminating primer to give me a more defined “glow from within” and for this I used the Benefit Pearl Primer.

3. Lightweight concealer or corrector
   Skip concealer for this look, unless you have blemishes (or in my case, dark circles) you want to cover. I didn’t use any concealer for this, but I did use the Urban Decay Naked Skin Color Correcting Fluid in pink. It’s way sheerer and lightweight than my daily concealer but still brightens my under eyes just enough to look natural. Apply a small amount and press into skin with a damp beauty sponge. The Morphe Sponges are my favorite, and the mini sponge is great for pressing into the corner of my eyes.

4. Sheer coverage
   For foundation, opt for a light coverage option that will give your skin some added hydration. I love the Bare Minerals Tinted Hydrating Gel but for some people that is too sheer. I used the Tarte Foundcealer for this look because I love the lightweight feel and the natural finish it gives. (Both of these have SPF- a must when I’m picking products)
   I used a small amount of product and applied it with a fluffy foundation brush using circular motions all over my face. It will look streaky, that’s okay! I went over this with a damp beauty sponge, patting the product and blending it over my jawline and into my hairline. This soaks up any extra product and gives a natural, seamless finish.

5. Peachy glow
   Skip the bronzer for the natural look and head straight to blush! Using a cream blush will be easier to blend and have a more dewy finish. I used the Glossier Cloud Paint in colors Beam and Dusk mixed together for a nude/peachy tone. Apply with a fluffy foundation brush, starting at your natural contour and working up. Blend onto your temples and apples of the cheeks. Add a bit to the bridge of the nose for a sunkissed look.
   Again, pat over the product with a damp beauty sponge to blend seamlessly and soak up any excess.

6. Cancel the oil
   Using a translucent powder is totally optional! I used a small amount for right under my eyes and around my nostrils (my oily areas) to prevent any product from moving.

7. Hydrated and healthy finish
   For added glow, go over your temples and cheekbones with a skin-toned or clear highlighter. Don’t use so much that it looks like a highlighter, but just enough to look dewy. I used a tiny bit of the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector and applied it with a damp sponge.

8. Bushy brows
   For your brows, use a tinted brow gel to brush the hairs up and out. My favorite is the Ulta Brow Tint to give your brows a naturally full finish. If you’re like me and have sparse blonde eyebrows, you may want to go in with a brow pencil. Use hair-like strokes to fill in any missing spots. I used the Colourpop Brow Boss Pencil– the formula is so buildable so you can create the perfect natural brow.

9. Enhance your eyes
   Curl your lashes and lightly use a brown or black mascara to add definition to the eyes. I skipped using it on my lower lashes since they’re blonde and that would not look natural on me, but the choice is yours!

10. Dewy finish & set
    Finish by misting your face with your favorite setting spray. For this look especially, I love the Anastasia Dewy Set. It smells amazing and makes your makeup come together with a radiant finish. The formula is clear but gives you the perfect dewy “glow from within”

This look takes me about 10-15 minutes, depending on how long I stare at my brows trying to figure out why they’re sisters, not twins. I’ll usually just let my lips do their thing, but if they’re dry or looking pale I’ll use a tinted chapstick for a natural and healthy light pink color.

How do you feel about the no-makeup makeup look? Any hacks you can’t live without?