The no makeup-makeup look is all about looking like you’re not wearing makeup but still looking fresh, glowy and put together. It is so easy to achieve with these three simple steps. Keep reading to see how to upgrade your make up routine with minimal effort, and what the best products to use are.
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During summer, we want to look and feel bronzy, glowy, clean and fresh. It’s hard to achieve this with an extensive makeup routine. A full face of makeup looks amazing, but with the summer heat, it can quickly become cakey. How do we avoid this while still looking glowy and put together. The answer is the “no makeup-makeup” look.
What is the no makeup-makeup look?
The “no makeup-makeup” is a term that has been around for years. It’s pretty straightforward and basically means a makeup look that gives the illusion that you’re not wearing any makeup and are just naturally radiant. It can also mean not wearing a lot of products but still looking fresh.
This “technique” is perfect if you don’t have a lot of time in the mornings and want to look put together with as little effort as possible. It’s also great for the summer when most people naturally prefer to wear less products, or for people who are beginners when it comes to makeup. This simple routine can make it less intimidating to wear makeup in the summer.
I’ve curated this 3 step routine that focuses on highlighting the summer glow we naturally get during this time. But will work just as good now that summer is coming to an end. It will leave you looking bronzy and fresh, extending your summer glow. So without further ado, let’s get into it!
(P.S, pin this for safekeeping!)
Step 1: Eye Brightener
Now, this may seem a bit odd using eye brightener as 1/3 in a makeup routine, because, can it technically be classed as makeup? In my opinion, yes. Just bear with me, and trust me when I say this is a game changer.
If you put this under your eyes instead of concealer, you will get the most ethereal glow that won’t get cakey throughout the day. It’s perfect for those warm summer days, and it looks amazing. Not to mention how well it works to liven up a tired face on early mornings. My personal preference is to put this on all the high points around the eyes. Blend it out towards the cheekbones, under the eyebrows and the inner corner of your eyes. You can blend it up along the globe line towards your eyebrows so it catches the light when you move your head or close your eyes.
My current favourite is definitely Rare Beauty’s Illuminating Primer. It’s so lightweight, and works great to build upon if you decide to wear more makeup. Another popular eye brightener is the Face Glaze from iNNBEAUTY PROJECT. This one has been all over TikTok. What’s so good about it, is it’s moisturizing properties, which makes it great for the skin’s barrier.
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Step 2: Bronzer/Blush
Nothing brings more life to a face than bronzer, but what really changes the game is using a liquid or stick bronzer. There’s something about the consistency that just melts into the skin and makes it look so much more natural.
Bronzer gives depth to your face, and can really be the thing that makes you look alive when your skin is tired and dull. Some people like to put bronzer below and around the cheekbones to act as a contour, basically carving out the features of the face. Others actually prefer putting the bronzer on top of the cheekbone and all around the face where the sun would normally hit. This is a great way to utilize bronzer because it can look more natural. It also gives your complexion a gorgeous and sun-kissed look.
Some products that many swear by: Milk Makeup Cream Bronzer Stick. This one is great if you have a more oily complexion but still want the more blended, natural look. If you have dry skin, Saie Dew Bronze Liquid Bronzer might work great for you as it adds much needed moisture and life to dull complexions.
If you’re not a fan of the tan look, liquid or stick blush can really boost your complexion and give a beautiful, natural flush to your face. Even better, put some blush over your bronzer for maximum effect. One of the most popular blushes out there is Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Liquid Blush. This went crazy on social media a while back, and for good reason. All of Rare Beauty’s blushes are amazing both in color and texture. Super blendable and looks gorgeous on the skin.
Step 3: Lip gloss/Lip balm
When curating this 3 step guide, it was quite difficult to decide whether lipgloss or mascara should have this spot. After thinking about it, I realised as pretty as mascara is, it’s hard to make it look natural. You can always tell someone is wearing makeup if they have painted eyelashes, whereas glossy lips feels more demure, if you will. It can be as simple as a lip balm or a nourishing lip oil. It doesn’t necessarily have to be makeup.
Glossy lips just completes the no makeup-makeup look and makes you look put together. It’s actually more about avoiding dry lips, partly because it’s uncomfortable and because it can drag your face down a little. Therefore, a nice lip oil or lip balm is all it takes to look healthy and glossy. Here’s some inspiration: Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil covers the lips with a beautiful, glossy tint that doesn’t leave a sticky layer. It also contains cherry oil which hydrates the lips. Another option is Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer. Another non-sticky gloss that gives you soft, full shiny lips and makes you smell amazing.
Bonus Step for the No Makeup Makeup Look
We’ve gone over the three main steps for a beautiful, minimal effort makeup look. This look gives the effect of effortless, natural beauty and it is really all you need. However, if you want to step it up a little, get an eyebrow gel and set those eyebrows. It normally is enough to brush through them a little, but it can make such a difference to set them, especially if the gel is tinted. Just a little bonus tip for those of you who want to go the extra mile to look put together, but it’s absolutely not necessary, as is any of this for that matter – you are gorgeous just the way you are.
Why Use the No Makeup-Makeup Look?
Many love the feeling of spending time and effort on a full face of makeup, but it is not realistic for many to do that every day, as much as one would like. The no makeup-makeup look is a great choice for those who want to look put together and radiant without spending hours in front of the mirror. It’s also a great choice for those who feel uncomfortable wearing a lot of makeup or are just starting out!
Feel free to customise this routine to your liking, with products and techniques that work for you. And enjoy feeling confident as you enhance your already beautiful features. ‘Til next time loves!
