The no-makeup look is a major beauty trend these days, thanks to celebrities opting to go au naturel.
But this natural makeup needs more work than you think. The trick is to not look like you’re wearing any makeup at all even though you are (so that people won’t ask if you’re sick or tired when in fact you’re just barefaced). If you’re not a fan of the over-done face, the no-makeup look is something you want to master. Here’s a quick guide to looking flawless with minimal makeup.
STEP 1: Prep Your Skin
Smooth application of makeup always begins with freshly cleansed skin. To fake naturally luminous skin, always start by cleansing, toning, and moisturising your face.
Also, as skin cells are mostly made up of water, drinking lots of water helps to plump the skin from within. If you are dehydrated, your skin will feel and appear dry as well.
And whatever you do, do not ever skimp on sunscreen even if you are applying lighter makeup. Opt for lightweight, oil-free moisturiser with at least SPF 30.
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STEP 2: Build Your Base
For a natural look, skip the foundation and even out your skin tone with some sheer colour from BB cream, tone up cream, or a tinted moisturiser. Apply with your fingers (make sure they are clean!) or makeup sponges instead of brushes to create a more natural look. Then, dust translucent powder wherever necessary, particularly around the forehead, nose, and chin.
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A light-reflecting concealer applied on darker areas — such as around the nose or under the eyes — hides imperfections without caking up. But don’t overdo it with the concealer as that might just accentuate your problem areas. Instead, dab and blend over blemishes in thin layers with your fingers.
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STEP 3: Get a Natural Flush
Look for a creamy blush similar to your skin’s natural flush.
Powder pinks generally complement fairer skin tones, peachy pinks suit medium skin tones, and brownish pinks work for darker ones.
Blend some blush onto the apples of your cheeks, chin, forehead, and bridge of nose.
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For the most natural-looking flush, avoid makeup with a lot of shimmer or sparkle, which comes off as overdone. Pat the blush onto your cheeks and other areas, and then blend outward. You could also use the same cream blush on your lips.
STEP 4: Open Up those Peepers
Black mascara adds loads of drama to your eyes, so to give them a subtle boost, skip the black and go for one coat of brown after curling your lashes. If you must draw on eyeliner, smudge a little onto the outer corners of your eyes.
For your eyelids, cream eye shadows that suit your skin tone look more natural than powders. A soft, brownish shade helps to enhance the natural contours around your eyes without appearing like eye shadow.
If you have sparse brows, apply brow powder with a stiff brush to get a natural arch.
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STEP 5: Pucker Up
Complete your no-makeup look with a simple swipe of lip gloss just one shade brighter than your natural lip colour.
To get a lasting tint, dab the colour onto your lips with your fingertips instead of applying it from the tube. Concentrate the gloss in the middle of your lips and blend out.
Optional: to help your makeup stay put, spray some facial mist on your skin after you’re done. Spray periodically throughout the day to help your makeup stay fresh.
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