The idea of “no makeup makeup” is… well… it’s ridiculous, on the surface.
Applying makeup designed to make you look like you’re not wearing makeup. You may as well just… not wear makeup? Right?
It’s an understandable response and could probably be used to brush off the trend, but this one is certainly here to stay.
It’s been embraced by brands and products are being designed to accompany it: it’s not going anywhere. So how do you make it work?
Face
There are a variety of tricks you can use to keep yourself feeling beautiful such as those featured here, and the first step is always going to be your base.
This is especially true if you have conditions as rosacea or acne, which make the idea of going bare-skin to the world seem a bit scary.
Thankfully, that’s not what you have to do to achieve this look. Use your foundation and concealer as normal to create a base you feel comfortable with.
Draw the line here, though. If you want to use blusher or bronzer, then the whole idea would be to keep it very sparse indeed.
As for contouring or strobing, if you’re going for this look, then these products need to stay firmly in your makeup bag.
Eyes
For obvious reasons, bright and daring eyeshadow is out.
However, you can use neutral shades to contour the eye; a dark brown over the rim underneath the eye socket for depth and a lighter color towards the corner of the eye.
Eyeliner shouldn’t be applied onto the lids; instead, apply it to the upper waterline. This will make your lashes look fuller without the obvious look of drawn-on eyeliner.
Pencil is best for this job – and it can tickle, so make sure you practice a few times to get it right!
Finally, mascara. If your eyelashes are already dark, then use coconut oil or a petroleum jelly product to add length and separation before using an eyelash curler.
If you have pale lashes, consider dye. Mascara is an option, but stay away from anything that makes lashes too big or fluttery – understated is the key.
Lips
Finally, the lips. Say goodbye to your deep red shades and your bright summery pinks, opting instead for neutrals.
Finding a lip liner that is as close as possible to your lips is a great way to enhance and define your lip line without adding color.
Add a little lip balm to the top and the finished effect is flawless without being too obvious.
If you do want to use lipstick itself, then keep it neutral in tone.
Matte is the best finish for this look. If you don’t want to buy a new set of lipsticks just to keep up, then you can mattify any lipstick by dusting over it with standard setting powder.
Eyebrows
Use a pencil as close to your natural color as possible.
Rather than creating a shape that you then fill in, use thin strokes to add individual hairs to fill out your existing brows.
You may not end up with the defined, curved arch that we all covet – but with this look, that’s a bonus.
