Photo: 123rf
The no-makeup makeup look has been a staple on the runways for the past few seasons, and though it might seem effortless, it can be tricky (unless you’re born with superior genes). Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you achieve the flawless look.
1. BB Cream
Photo: Innisfree
Innisfree Long Wear BB Cream SPF30 PA++ 40ml, $30
To get glowing, effortless skin characteristic of the no-makeup makeup look, skip the foundation – liquid foundations are way too heavy, while powder foundations can give a matte, cakey finish. BB creams are your best bet, as they provide great coverage while keeping your skin looking natural. Tinted moisturisers can work as well, but most importantly, look for a product that has SPF to protect your skin.
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2. Concealer
Photo: Etude House
Etude House Big Cover Tip Concealer, $11.90
Unless you have impossibly flawless skin (#jealous), then you’ll have to join the rest of us mere mortals and choose the right concealer to cover up blemishes, pimples, redness and whatnot. A lightweight concealer will do the trick – just remember to gently use your ring finger to pat on concealer if you’re covering your dark circles, as the skin around your eyes is extremely delicate.
3. Brow Gel
Photo: Sephora
Hourglass Arch Brow Shaping Gel, $46
Your eyebrows are incredibly important as they frame your face. In fact, as long as your brows are on fleek, the rest of your face can be totally makeup-free and you’ll still look on point. With this in mind, groom your brows with a clear brow gel by brushing upwards. However, if you are not blessed like Cara Delevingne and have sparse brows, then try a tinted brow gel in a natural brown shade.
4. Eyeshadow
Photo: M.A.C Cosmetics
M.A.C Cosmetics Pro Longwear Paint Pot – Cream Eye Shadow, $40
You don’t need extravagant, shimmery colours for a no-makeup makeup look, so stick to eyeshadow shades that are close to your skin tone. Cream eyeshadows are ideal as the formula mimics the texture of your skin to give a more natural finish.
5. Mascara
Photo: Bobbi Brown Cosmetics
Bobbi Brown Everything Mascara (price unavailable)
Open up your eyes with a few swipes of mascara (though not too much of course). To keep it really natural, only apply mascara to your top eyelashes, wiggling the wand from the roots to the tips – just don’t forget to curl them beforehand. If you want to, you can also apply a pencil eyeliner to define your eyes, but choose brown over black, as black can appear too harsh and unnatural.
6. Blush
Photo: Benefit
Benefit Dandelion Dew Blush, $46
For blush, avoid powder and go for cream instead, as the latter is more similar to our skin texture. A soft baby pink or muted pink shade – without any shimmer – is perfect as it will give a dewy, radiant glow that makes it look like you’re naturally flushing. You can use either a brush or simply your fingers – focus on the apples of your cheeks and blend backwards, towards your hairline.
7. Highlight
Photo: Urban Decay
Urban Decay Liquid Aura Illuminating Mix-in Medium, $48
Just like blush, avoid powder formulas as they can look too chalky. Illuminate your face by applying a small dab of cream or liquid highlighter, on areas such as your cheekbones, nose bridge or Cupid’s bow, to get a lit-from-within glow.
8. Tinted Lip Balm
Photo: Laneige
Laneige Water Drop Tinted Lip Balm, $33
We’ve finally reached the last step of the no-makeup makeup look. Avoid lip stains, lip tints or lipsticks as they can be heavily pigmented. For a more natural-looking, barely-there hint of colour, opt for tinted lip balms instead. They do double duty by not only keeping your lips moisturised but also giving your puckers a gorgeous, natural finish.
This article was originally published in Female.