How to Master the Fresh-Faced, No Makeup Look

Posted on May 28, 2012

If you’re not trying to look like you’re wearing any makeup but still want to use makeup to enhance your natural beauty, the “no makeup” makeup look is a good option for you. This look is ideal for the lazy days — anything from early morning classes to beach trips to gym moves — anytime you want a fresh face with minimal effort required.

Here’s how to do it:

Start off with a moisturized face — this will add a natural glow to your skin and keep you appearing healthy and dewey throughout the day
Take a concealer and conceal any blemishes on your face, as well as any dark circles under your eyes. Also conceal your eyelids to remove any redness since you will not be applying much shadow over top. Concealing your eyes is super important for this look because it makes you appear well-rested and awake. If your eyes still look red, try applying a nude or white eyeliner to your waterline to brighten up the eyes even more. Be gentle with this area — apply everything in light tapping motions and using your ring finger, as this is the finger that provides the least amount of pressure.
Take any pressed powder and lightly dust it over your face to set the concealer and prevent oil throughout the day. If you feel like you need extra coverage after step 2, try using a light powder foundation — I highly recommend Bare Minerals or Laura Geller. Don’t forget to put the powder over your eyelids since you applied concealer there too — eyelids crease easily!
Add a warm toned blush — this will act as both your bronzer and blush. Swipe it across your cheekbones and reach to your temples to add some definition and contouring to your face.
Add a highlight to your cheekbones using any highlighting product or a shimmery eyeshadow. I typically take a champagne shadow and use my finger to sweep it over my cheekbones. This will make you look dewey and glowing! Be sure to apply it in a backwards motion, atop the blush you just applied.
Take an eyeshadow that is 1-3 shades darker than your skin tone and lightly blend this color along your crease — this will define your eyes naturally, because the shadow will just work to enhance contours your eye already has. Add your inner corner highlight as well if you wish (see my blog post on inner corner highlights for a how to!).
Curl your lashes and apply a lengthening, rather than a volumizing, mascara. I used Clinique’s High Impact Mascara — it holds a curl, but adds a lot of length at the same time. A volumizing mascara may appear to harsh for this natural look, especially when you’re trying to look like you’re wearing minimal makeup.
Apply a tinted lip balm or a gloss and you’re ready to go! All the Burt’s Bees ones are amazing and really moisturizing.

This look can be achieved in under 4 minutes, while still appearing like you put forth some effort. Feel free to play up any other features you wish to enhance — if you love your brows, fill them in or set them in place with a brow gel to make them even better. If you have a really glowing complexion, skip the concealing and just add a bronzer! The key is to work with and amplify your natural features — enhancing those qualities that make you beautiful! Good luck!

- Dakota Doukas

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