How to Do No Makeup Makeup Without Looking Flat or Washed Out
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Whilst some makeup lovers crave a full face of makeup and don’t care who knows it, others don’t actually want anyone to notice they’re wearing it at all. And if you’re one of them then kudos to you.
But whilst wanting to look barefaced, yet still craving a flawless, polished finish may seem a little far-fetched, hey, anything’s possible with makeup!
So, if you love that ‘no makeup makeup’ look but can’t seem to quite get the hang of it, keep reading for my tried and tested step-by-step guide that’s sure to have everyone fooled.
As a beauty editor and makeup and skincare consultant for 18 years, I’ve had countless readers and clients searching for a no-makeup makeup look, meaning I’ve had a bit of practice finding the products that deliver just that.
Here is my expert-approved bare-faced(ish) step-by-step.
Image – Ángela Rober/Stocksy
How to get the ‘no makeup makeup’ look
Step 1 – Prep your skin
Naturally glowy, even skin starts with your morning skincare regime. Make sure your skin is cleansed and hydrated with a serum and moisturiser containing SPF. If you prefer using a targeted SPF, I recommend applying Ultra Violette Queen Screen SPF 50+ (£38 on the Ultra Violette website) as it is super glowy and acts as an effective makeup primer too.
You could even mix the Ultra Violette Queen Screen Super Glow Bronzing Drops SPF 50 (£33 on the Ultra Violette website) in with it and leave it at that, for a fresh, sun-kissed skin tone.
Step 2 – Use a tinted base
Next, use a sheer tinted liquid base – this will help even up your skin tone whilst being sheer enough for others not to notice you’re wearing makeup. For this to be 100% foolproof, you need to make sure the shade of your base is an exact match for your skin tone.
To find your perfect shade, apply some to your jawline. If it disappears into your skin seamlessly, then it’s the right shade for you. If you can see the difference between your skin and the product blended into your skin, then it’s either too light or dark.
The base I would recommend for naked (and yet, not so naked) skin is Trinny London BFF De-Stress (£39 on the Trinny London UK website/$50 on the Trinny London US website) which is sheerer and more lightweight than a tinted cream. It gives a good glow too.
If you want something slightly thicker in texture, go for Bareminerals Complexion Rescue (£33 on the Bare Minerals UK website/$39 on the Bare Minerals US website) which gives an equally natural finish only with a little more coverage.
If you’re on a budget, Garnier Vitamin C Daily UV Brightening Fluid Sheer Glow SPF 50 (£12.99 on the Boots UK website) is brilliant. The only downfall here is that there aren’t many shades to choose from.
Step 3 – Warm up your skin tone
It’s rare that someone has a completely even skin tone, and it’s always nice to give natural skin some warmth. So use a subtle bronzing cream to give it a bit more depth and some barely-there contouring.
Chanel Les Beiges Bronzing Cream (£48 on the Chanel UK website/$60 on the Chanel US website) is excellent but expensive. This is justified, though, because the pot is huge so it will really last (I can vouch for this, and I use it every single day).
The trick with this product is to not press too hard as you swish your brush around the pot. If you do, you will add too much bronzer to the bristles which will give you a heavy finish. Swishing it lightly and only once will give you natural, sun-kissed results.
Apply it to the apples of your cheeks then up to the top end of your forehead and down your nose. Finally, blend it slightly with a foundation brush if it looks too obvious.
Image – Live That Glow
Step 4 – Lift your lashes
Whilst mascara comes down to personal taste, I think a little goes a long way as it helps to define and open your eyes a little. Apply the mascara end of Ruby Hammer Mascara & Brow Duo (£28 on the Ruby Hammer website) to the tips of your lashes.
This is a really lightweight mascara that doesn’t clump or make your lashes look heavy. You can go closer to the lash roots if you want to but just applying it to the ends will look more natural and give lashes a subtle lift.
Alternatively, you could just curl your eyelashes with an eyelash curler and leave them bare. In this instance, I’d recommend still running a black or brown eyeliner pencil along your top waterline and into the lash roots a little. Drawing a line here isn’t noticeable but subtly defines your eyes.
Step 5 – Give your lips a plump
A clear lip balm does the trick to hydrate and plump up your lips without the need for a lip liner or lipstick. You would need more on your lips if the rest of your makeup was heavier, to balance everything out. However, this kind of product finishes off a natural look perfectly.
If you want to take it up a notch, choose a tinted lip balm like the Hello Sunday Tinted Lip Balm (£10 on the Boots UK website) in The Rose One which is a really gorgeous natural pink. You can use your finger to dilute it a little and make it less shiny so that it’s more of a creamy stain.
Personally, I love Trinny London Lip Glow in Maddie (£18 on the Trinny London UK website/$22 on the Trinny London US website) which leaves a natural peachy hue. If I want to look a bit more natural, I blot it with my hand (it’s too sticky for a tissue) or leave it glossy for a pretty, plumped finish.
The takeaway
A ‘no-makeup makeup’ look is easy to achieve when you’ve got the right products to hand. With my edit, you’ll have everyone fooled that you’re even more of a natural beauty than everyone already thought.
Don’t forget to prep the skin properly before you start – after all, well looked after skin is 50% of the hard work done already. A tinted, lightweight face base in the right shade will leave your skin glowy and more even, but equally it won’t mask your face and make it obvious that you’re wearing makeup.
Go easy on the bronzer, just use it to warm your skin up a little, coat the tips of your lashes in a lightweight mascara and opt for a plumping balm – slightly tinted or clear – to give your lips a natural-looking lift.
No makeup babe, eat your heart out!
Get Glowing!
