Routines

The Perfect Routine for a No-Makeup Makeup Look

There are so many different ways to approach makeup. Some days you might go for a full coverage, heavy glam look—while others you might prefer to skip makeup altogether.

And then there are those days that you want something in between. You might want a natural look that is less involved than a full face of makeup, but also makes you feel polished and pulled together. A look that lets your skin breathe and allows your natural glow to shine through—while still evening out your skin tone, offering coverage, and highlighting your best features.

And for those days, there’s only one look you need to think about—and that’s a no-makeup makeup routine.

But what, exactly, does a no-makeup makeup routine look like? Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about this look, including minimalist makeup tips, dewy skin secrets, how to use makeup strategically for enhancing natural features, and the simple makeup steps you need to create the perfect no-makeup makeup look:

What is a no-makeup makeup routine?

First things first. Before we jump into how to do no-makeup makeup, let’s quickly touch on what a no-makeup makeup routine actually is.

As the name implies, this routine is all about using lightweight makeup products to create a natural look—like you’re not wearing any makeup at all.

The focus for the no-makeup makeup look is the complexion. Consider it a skin-first makeup approach. The process starts with skincare (following flawless skin tips is a must!). Once the face is properly hydrated and primed, it’s about using lightweight complexion products. A light concealer and/or tinted moisturizer can even out the skin and provide some coverage without being heavy. The end goal is for your skin to look like skin!

In addition to complexion products, this low-maintenance beauty routine includes a few other makeup products. For example, blush and eyebrow gel can help achieve the natural but polished look. We’ll walk through the steps of this effortless beauty routine in a minute, but first let’s recap. The key elements of a no-makeup makeup routine include:

A glowing skin regimen
A soft makeup application, including lightweight complexion products
Dewy, creamy products that blend into the skin
Soft brow shaping
Well-defined but natural brows
Natural lash look
Beautiful lashes, soft, well-defined brows

Barely there makeup guide: How to achieve the no-makeup makeup look

Looking for a fresh face tutorial to learn how to master the no-makeup makeup look? Then this everyday makeup guide is for you!

Here’s how to achieve that barely there makeup look:

STEP 1: ALL ABOUT EYES

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STEP 2: SPOTLIGHT ON SKIN

Clean, hydrated, dewy skin is the perfect foundation for any natural makeup look. Start with a serum that contains hyaluronic acid (which binds moisture to the skin). Follow it up with a gel moisturizer, which will hydrate the skin without feeling too heavy or greasy.

STEP 3: FORGET FOUNDATION

Steer clear of thick, full coverage foundations for this look. Instead, opt for a tinted sunscreen to help hide imperfections and protect your skin from UV rays. Apply with hands or a beauty sponge for ultimate dewiness, and don’t forget your neck!

STEP 4: BRUSH UP BROWS

The 90’s are long gone. These days bushy brows are not only accepted; they’re encouraged! To achieve this look, choose a clear or tinted brow gel, like our Hi-Def Brow Gel, and brush through brows in short, upward strokes. Layer as needed for color to achieve hold. Your brows will love this long-lasting formula that nourishes as you wear.

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Hi-Def Brow Gel

STEP 5: FAKE A FLUSH

Reach for a neutral cream blush to bring some life to the skin and give yourself a natural-looking glow. Apply to your cheekbones, nose, forehead, and lips and blend with fingers. To nail the look, apply where your face naturally flushes after exercise and use that as your guide.

STEP 6: FINISH WITH A LIP

To complete your no-makeup makeup look, finish off with a lip. The key here is to choose a subtle lip product. You want to enhance the natural beauty of your lips—not look like you’re wearing a ton of color. Start with a lip exfoliator to smooth out the lips, then top with a hydrating lip treatment that has just a hint of sheer color (for example, a sheer berry or nude).

Why people love a no-makeup makeup routine

Now that you know what a no-makeup makeup look is, let’s jump into why people love it so much.

Some of the biggest draws of a no-makeup makeup routine include:

It’s fast. Not everyone has—or wants to spend—a ton of time getting ready. This natural look comes together quickly. Once you master the steps, you can achieve this look in less than 10 minutes!
The technique is doable. There are many makeup looks that require advanced techniques to pull off (as anyone that has tried to blend eyeshadow knows well). But the technique for a no-makeup makeup routine is simple—and the application is easy to master.
It looks natural. While makeup can be a great form of expression, not everyone wants to look like they’re wearing makeup. The no-makeup makeup approach allows people to let their natural beauty shine through—while still getting the benefits of makeup (like covering blemishes or redness).
It feels good. This look uses lightweight makeup products sparingly. This gives the skin a chance to breathe. For many people, less makeup feels better than a heavier foundation look.
It’s versatile. Another major benefit of the no-makeup makeup look is that it’s extremely versatile. Running errands? Going to work? Hitting an event? You can rock this subtle glam routine look for all of them.

Tips and tricks for a flawless look

Want some more tips and tricks to achieve the perfect no-makeup makeup look? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Start by exfoliating. As mentioned, this look is all about the skin. And if you want your skin to look and feel its best, exfoliating is a must. Exfoliation eliminates the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. Not only does this make your skin smoother (which allows for better makeup application), but it can also help your other products penetrate the skin more effectively. This will help optimize the results of your skincare routine.
Use a dewy setting spray. Want to achieve that fresh faced, dewy skin look and make sure your no-makeup makeup look lasts all day? Finish things off with a dewy finish setting spray. This product will lock in your makeup all day—without mattifying or drying out the skin.
Understand how to amp things up. The no-makeup makeup routine is a great look for everyday wear. But if you want to amp things up a bit—for example, if you’re going out for the evening and want to go a bit more glam—there’s no need to start from scratch! Smudge a cream eyeshadow along your lash line, put on another coat of mascara, and add a bolder lip color and voila! Your no-makeup makeup look transforms into a makeup look!

Use Makeup to Embrace Your Natural Beauty

If you love natural beauty, there’s never a bad time to master the no-makeup makeup look—and now that you know the exact steps to achieve flawless, glowing skin and a makeup look that allows your natural beauty to shine through, all that’s left to do? Get out there and create the perfect no-makeup makeup look for you!