A natural makeup look is a staple for everyone. Whether you want to tone down your go-to red lipstick or are looking for an everyday five-minute routine, we’ve got a tutorial that has all the tips and tricks you need to nail this pared-back beauty style. Here, celebrity makeup artist Erika La’Rocca shares her secrets to creating a naturally polished beauty look that’ll fool even your most skeptical friends into thinking you just rolled out of bed.
The secret to a natural makeup look is all in the base. Skip the powder formulas and use a damp sponge to apply your foundation for a glowing and smooth finish. A light-handed touch of bronzer or contour helps define the face but isn’t overdone, and a clear or tinted lip balm keeps your skin hydrated and fresh-faced.
If you’re going for a more sultry effect, add a hint of shimmer to your eyes by choosing neutral shadows with a bit of shine like the ones in the LAWLESS Mini The Little One Eyeshadow Palette ($30) that are slightly warmer than your natural skin tone. Sweep them across your lids and crease, using windshield-wiper motions to blend as you go. For the finishing touch, add a soft highlight to the inner corners of your eyes for a wide-awake look.
For a softer blush look, opt for cream blushes with no glitter or shimmer. A swipe of the RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek ($36) on the apples of your cheeks, as seen on Olivia Munn, will give you a subtle glow that mimics your natural flush. If you’re looking for more color, a rosy pink shade like the one seen on Emma Watson is a good pick to complement tans.
To finish the look, keep brows well-groomed and natural in shape. If you have sparse brows, fill them in lightly and set with a clear or tinted gel. If you have bushier brows, leave them fuller but with clean edges.
A natural-looking glow is the key to a perfect natural makeup look, but it’s not always easy to achieve. Start by prepping the skin with a hydrating mask before applying any makeup, and if you’re wearing a cream foundation like the L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24-Hour Foundation in Matte ($26), spray a setting mist over it to ensure it won’t fade throughout the day. Next, choose a lightweight concealer to cover any dark circles or blemishes, and blend with a sponge or your fingertip. You can also opt for a sheer blush or tinted lip product if you prefer a softer look.