Photo: See Plus
Exploring the roots of no-makeup makeup
The idea of no-makeup makeup or a “natural” look isn’t exactly new — actresses like Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren were known for their faces radiating health and vitality, even when seemingly makeup-free — but the conscious creation of a “no-makeup makeup” aesthetic is a relatively recent phenomenon.
The rise of social media, particularly platforms like Instagram, is often said to have popularised the look, as influencers and celebrities began showcasing a “wake up” look that subtly enhanced their facial features without the use of heavy makeup. This sparked a movement to embrace natural beauty and prioritise healthy skin over heavy make-up.
Emily Ratajkowski has “natural charm”
No Makeup Makeup Concept and Main Features
The main characteristics of no-makeup makeup are:
- Perfect Fresh Skin: This is the foundation of your overall look, and while a good skincare routine is essential, you can also use lightweight moisturizing products like tinted moisturizers, BB creams, and CC creams to achieve a natural, even tone.
- Minimal Concealer: No product is full coverage: I strategically use a small amount of light concealer to cover blemishes, redness, and dark circles, but I apply it sparingly and blend it seamlessly to avoid a cakey look.
- Natural Blush: Just a little blush will give you a subtle, natural flush. Choose a sheer, cream or liquid shade that matches your skin tone.
- Defined Eyebrows: Naturally shaped eyebrows help define and add dimension to your face. Use an eyebrow pencil or powder in a colour that matches your natural hair colour to fill in any sparse areas and create a natural shape.
- Enhanced Eyes (Optional): While the emphasis is on natural beauty, some choose to subtly accentuate their eyes – this could involve a light smudge of brown eyeliner along the waterline, a dab of neutral eyeshadow to add depth, or a swipe of lengthening mascara to accentuate lashes.
- Naturally Shiny Lips: Ditch the loud lipstick and opt for a sheer lip balm, tinted lip oil, or a glossy nude lipstick to keep your lips moisturized and add a hint of shine.
Photo: Katziana Endruszkiewicz
Popular no-makeup makeup tips
Are you ready to achieve natural beauty with a no-makeup look? Here’s a step-by-step guide.
Step 2 – Even out skin tone: For a natural, even base, use a tinted moisturizer, BB Cream, or CC Cream that matches your skin tone perfectly. Apply a small amount with your fingertips, a damp Beauty Blender, or a foundation brush and blend well.
Step 3 – Strategically hide: Use a concealer that’s one shade lighter than your foundation on specific areas like blemishes, dark circles, redness, etc. Apply a small amount and blend outwards with a damp makeup sponge or small concealer brush for a seamless finish.
Step 4 – Define the eyebrows: Use an eyebrow pencil or powder in a color that matches your natural hair color to fill in any thin areas of your brows. Use light, feathery strokes to mimic the natural growth pattern of your brows. Brush your brows with a spoolie to blend the product and soften the look.
Step 5 – Accentuate the eyes (optional): This step is completely optional, depending on your preference. If you want to subtly accentuate your eyes, tightline the waterline of your upper lashes with a brown eyeliner pencil. You can also add depth to the crease of your lashes with a light coat of neutral eyeshadow in a matte or shimmery finish. Finish with a coat of lengthening mascara, focusing on the upper lashes.
Step 6 – A touch of reddish: Apply a dab of cream or liquid blush in a shade that matches your skin tone (powder blushes don’t blend naturally with your skin) to your cheekbones. Blend the cream blush towards your temples to give your skin a natural flush.
- What makeup products should you choose?
- What makeup products should you choose?
The no-makeup makeup look is achieved by creating a natural, radiant base, which calls for lighter makeup products with subtle action, buildable texture and natural finish.
Cream or liquid blushers can also help here, as they provide a more natural flush than powder blushes. The idea is to replicate the healthy, natural flush you get from a brisk walk. The same goes for your lips: choose a sheer lip gloss or balm in a natural shade.
To sum up…
Source: January Girl – www.lizbreygel.com
