Achieving that flawless, barely-there glow is like a magic trick for your face – minimal, fresh, and effortlessly put together. The no-makeup makeup look is all about enhancing your natural beauty with just a hint of coverage and glow. Here’s how to do it right:
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1. Start with Skincare
Before you even reach for your makeup, prepping your skin is key. Hydrated skin gives that natural radiance, so make sure you’re using a moisturizer suited to your skin type. Adding a touch of face oil can create a healthy, dewy base that’s perfect for this look.
Pro tip: A hydrating primer can blur imperfections and give a smooth canvas, so you’re already halfway to flawless.
2. Even Out with Lightweight Coverage
Opt for a tinted moisturizer or BB cream instead of a full-coverage foundation. The idea is to even out your skin tone without hiding your natural texture. Apply with your fingers to warm up the product and let it melt seamlessly into your skin.
Byrdie’s Pick: Look for products with a subtle glow and a hint of SPF for that extra layer of protection like the IT COSMETICS CC+ glow lightweight foundation
Related: How to do Makeup without Foundation (Tips + Tutorial)
3. Conceal Only Where Needed
Instead of layering on concealer all over, just dab it where you have specific concerns—think under the eyes, around the nose, and on any blemishes. A lightweight, hydrating formula will keep things looking fresh, not cakey.
Pro tip: Tap, don’t rub. Tapping the concealer with your ring finger keeps it natural-looking and ensures you don’t disturb the product underneath.
Related: How to Fake a face-lift with makeup: Face-lift Concealer Hack Tutorial
4. Add Subtle Color to Cheeks
A cream or liquid blush like this one is your best friend for this look.
Choose soft pinks, peaches, or even a touch of coral for a natural, flushed effect. Apply to the apples of your cheeks and blend towards your temples. It should look like you’re blushing, not wearing blush.
Related: How to Apply Liquid Blush: 5 Different ways!
5. Define Your Brows – But Keep It Natural
The no-makeup look calls for a soft brow. Use a brow gel or a light brow pencil to fill in any sparse areas and brush your brows upwards. Stick with shades that closely match your natural brow color.
Note: Look for brow products with a micro-brush or precision tip for a barely-there effect that lasts all day.
6. Keep the Eyes Simple and Soft
A swipe of a warm neutral eyeshadow or a dab of bronzer over the lids adds a little definition without looking “done.” Skip the eyeliner, and go straight to mascara – just one light coat to lift and define your lashes.
Pro tip: Use a lash curler before applying mascara to open up your eyes for that bright, awake look.
Related: Eyeliner vs Mascara: Differences & Tips (A Complete Guide)
7. Finish with a Tinted Lip Balm
Your lip color should look like your lips but better. A tinted balm or gloss with a hint of pink, berry, or nude does the trick. Bonus points for hydrating formulas that keep your lips looking plump and juicy.
Related: Glossy lips: Best tips to get Perfect Glossy lips + Full Guide
Final Thoughts
The no-makeup makeup look is about embracing natural beauty and feeling comfortable in your skin. It’s perfect for those days when you want to feel effortlessly chic and confident with minimal effort.
Remember, the goal is to look like you, just a little more polished and glowy.
