There are some days where a full-on smokey eye or red lipstick just isn’t quite your thing, and that’s when a pared-back beauty look comes in handy. A natural makeup look — also known as a “no-makeup” beauty look — is all about creating a subtle and flattering glow with hydrating and glowing skin, and it’s super easy to master. Whether you want to rock a fresh-faced appearance for a casual brunch or a formal event, this makeup style will suit any occasion.
A natural-looking makeup look can be achieved with a mix of products, from foundations and blushes to eyeshadow and lip color. It’s typically lighter coverage, cream-based makeup that enhances your features with a radiant finish, and it usually looks more like your skin than makeup. It can be a bit tricky to achieve a flawless natural-looking finish, so it’s important to use the right products and apply your makeup with a light hand.
Using cream-based or liquid makeup formulas helps with achieving a natural look, as these types of products blend in better with your skin than powders. A damp beauty sponge will also help you get a smooth and seamless finish. Avoid foundations with heavy coverage, as this can create a fake and cakey look.
If you want to go a step further in achieving a natural makeup look, opt for a translucent powder. It won’t leave your face looking shiny, and it will keep the rest of your makeup intact throughout the day.
To keep your skin looking hydrated, try using a tinted moisturizer with SPF. It will provide the moisture your skin needs and add a light hint of color. To give your complexion a healthy glow, you can even use a illuminator to help accentuate your cheekbones and jawline.
The eyes are often the focal point in a natural makeup look, and you can use a variety of colors to create a more dimensional effect. You can use a soft bronzey brown shadow, like the one on Kim Kardashian West, or you can choose a shimmery gold shade. You can also go for a more sultry look by using a darker black eyeliner or a smokey eyeshadow.
You can also use a blush that complements your complexion, like the rosy pink on Olivia Munn. She’s wearing RMS Beauty’s Lip2Cheek ($36), but you can easily find a similar option with a slightly different color.
If you want to make your lips pop, you can use a nude gloss or a shimmery balm. Just like Lana Condor, you can even go for a frosty pink option if you’re feeling bolder.
To finish off the look, use a soft lip color like the one on Cameron Diaz. Try a nude lipstick with a hint of color, or go for a bubblegum-pink shade if you’re going for a more youthful vibe.
To define your brows in a more natural way, you can try a soft pencil or a gel with fibers. You can also use a highlighter to accent the arch of your brows and brighten up your whole face.