While bright-red lipstick, party brows and glitter eyeshadow might be having a moment on Instagram, when it comes to red carpet beauty and everyday style, natural makeup looks reign supreme. The look, which is often referred to as “no-makeup makeup,” requires less product and time to achieve than a full-on glam look but is still gorgeous for any occasion. Plus, it’s easy to do with just a few essentials like a lightweight foundation and neutral palette, a luminous blush, mascara for long lashes and a clear lip gloss.
To get this gorg natural makeup look, start by prepping your skin with a lightweight moisturizer and a primer for smooth, even coverage. Then, apply your preferred foundation in a shade that matches your skin tone or is one or two shades lighter for a glowy finish. Next, use a concealer to mask any blemishes and give the illusion of more natural-looking skin. For the eyes, a soft nude eyeshadow palette, like the LAWLESS Mini The Little One Eyeshadow Palette, is perfect for this look. You can also add some definition to the eyes by using a shade of eyeshadow that is one or two shades darker than your eyelid color in your crease and windshield-wipe it over your lower lash line, too. If you want to make your lashes appear more long and full, coat them with a clear or light brown mascara.
You can also accentuate your natural eyebrows with a little bit of highlighter, as seen on Zendaya Coleman. To achieve the look, simply apply a shimmery neutral eyeshadow in a slightly lighter hue than your lips, and sweep it onto the inner corners of your eyes to open up the appearance of your eyes. For a more dramatic look, add a touch of black eyeliner to the outer corner of your eyes.
Finally, don’t forget to finish off your natural makeup look with a luminous, subtle blush and a transparent or nude lip gloss. For a blush that is soft and pretty, try a natural cream blush, like the Il Makiage Mineral Blush ($36) in Lady Marmalade. For a sheer nude gloss, pick a soft pink or coral shade that is just a little bit lighter than your lips.
The best thing about this look is that it can easily be transitioned from day to night. To take the natural makeup look into evening, add a pop of color to your lips with a nude lipstick or tinted lip balm in a shade that complements your skin tone. Then, sweep on a little more eyeshadow and a touch of mascara for longer lashes to complete the look.
Natural makeup looks are perfect for bridesmaids and wedding guests who want to stay fresh and pretty without wearing too much makeup. They’re also a great way to look gorgeous for your next big event, whether it’s a birthday or anniversary party. You can easily add a bit of drama by adding some black eyeliner and dark mascara to your look, as seen on Lana Condor.