It seems like beauty queens and celebrities have a gene that enables them to look flawless without an ounce of makeup on. But what about those who don’t wake up feeling Beyoncé-flawless? They also deserve to feel incredible even when the reality happens to be a bunch of fine lines or under-eye bags the size of lake Liaoning.
Fortunately, there’s a straightforward answer in this case, and no, it’s not Instagram filters – it’s your makeup pouch.
In as much as we, the au naturels, don’t like the idea of a mix of products on our faces, we can’t deny that makeup enhances our best features and help us appear perky even when we’re anything but. That’s why the no-makeup makeup trend will never go out of fashion. It gives off a simple yet sophisticated look, but it’s also one of the trickiest looks to pull off.
With that in mind, here are the most popular tips to help you craft the effortless ‘I woke up like this’ look!
Skin First
The key to achieving the perfect no-makeup look is having an award-worthy skincare routine. While not everyone has the radiant glow of Gal Gadot and Alicia Keys, most people know how to fake it!
Therefore, before you embark on the au naturel makeup journey, treat yourself to some skin prep. Cleanse, tone, and work on those blackheads and annoying pimples to ensure your skin has a smooth texture.
Next, reduce the fine lines and pigmentation with some Vitamin C serum or retinol. Lastly, use a hydrating face mask before applying makeup – it allows your skin to look supple and moisturized, all day, every day.
Prime Smartly
It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to hack the minimal look or the iridescent neon pop look. A primer is the best way to achieve a smooth base. Moreover, an illuminating primer not only blurs out the flaring pores but also gives you that ‘lit from within’ glow.
Don’t Forget Your SPF
One of the most underrated yet vital components of anti-aging is sunscreen. Therefore, whether you’re going for a spring red carpet look or the no-makeup makeup winter glow, protecting your skin from the UV rays is essential, and sunscreen does that for you.
Go Light on Your Coverage
If you have flawless skin, avoid the thick, full coverage foundations for this look. Instead, go for a tinted moisturizer. It not only warms up your complexion but allows some freckles and imperfections to shine through.
Nonetheless, if you want a bit more coverage, try a mousse foundation (perfect for the ‘problematic and over pigmented areas). Be sure to apply it with a sponge or a buffing brush to help keep in the dewiness.
Fine Tune the Concealer
You might be tempted to go over the top with concealer, but it can lead to a cakey and ashy finish. The best way to achieve a natural finish with a creamy concealer is to look at yourself in the eye when applying.
According to beauty bloggers, most people tend to zero in on all their imperfection, thus causing a mess when concealing. However, when you look into your eyes, you will only conceal areas within your peripheral vision.
Remember to blend it with your fingertips– the warmth of the skin makes the concealer melt right in!
Low-Key Eyeliner Hack
The best way to define your eyes for the au naturel look is by applying a black or dark brown eye pencil to your waterlines. When you’re done applying, tightly close your eyes, pushing the tint to the roots of your lashes. It helps to accentuate your natural lash line.
Afterwards, take a cotton bud and get rid of the bulk of the pencil from your waterlines, leaving the pigment at the root of your lashes. It will make your eyes look naturally outlined, with zero harsh lines.
Brush Up the Brows
Uber-natural, bushy and unruly brows have been the trend with Joan Crawford, Eugene Levy, and Solange Knowles at the helm. But for those whose eyebrows seem to be non-existent, some clear brow gel is the way to go. It’ll help make your brow look fuller without having to fill them in with your mascara or eye pencil.
Contour Like A Pro
Are you overawed by all the contouring TikTok videos? Well, you’re not alone. Before contouring became a chemistry class, things were a cakewalk- cue in the au naturel makeup look.
So, invest in a high-quality matte bronzer, gently carve it on your cheeks, chisel your jawline, and finally define your nose. Ensure that you also use a large fluffy brush for the perfect natural look.
Subtle Cheek Color
Most girls dream of having natural roseate cheeks, but subtlety is key if you’re looking to achieve the au naturel look. Blush serves as the ideal accent for your natural makeup look. It perfectly accentuates your face by giving it a healthy glow and adding some dimension to your face.
Since we all can’t achieve the Disney princess blush look, the perfect cheek color is your natural flush as it seamlessly flatters your undertones. It can range from pale pink to deep rose, mauve, warm brown, and even tangerine. There are various types of blush, but if you’ve already set your foundation with some powder, a blush with the same consistency will blend over without caking or streaking.
Ensure that you also use a large fluffy brush and sweep across your cheeks, then blend up and out for a natural finish.
Moisturize Your Lips
The simplest way to achieve a natural yet colorful lip is by exfoliating. You don’t want to go out with dry and flaky lips. Therefore, use the brown sugar, olive oil, and honey scrub to get rid of the dead skin cells and hydrate your lips.
Follow this with a tinted balm to give your lips a natural, healthy, and colorful pout.
