The no-makeup makeup look is a completely achievable beauty trend perfect for busy girls on-the-go. The goal is to use minimal products in order to attain a dewy, natural face. Makeup retailers like Milk Makeup and Glossier are notorious for selling amazing products that help create the no-makeup makeup look, but you can use a variety of brands to create your own spin on the trend.
The no-makeup makeup look is ideal for all the college students out there that like looking put-together, but don’t necessarily have a ton of time in the morning, or ones that just want a totally Instagram-worthy skincare selfie.
Skip the foundation and go with something lighter.
When it comes to no-makeup makeup, foundation can sometimes appear cakey or heavy throughout the day. Instead of grabbing your favorite full-coverage face products, opt for something lighter and more natural, like a tinted moisturizer or BB cream (short for beauty or blemish balms, BB creams are a combination between foundation and moisturizer). These products allow for your natural skin texture to peek through but still cover up dark circles and blemishes.
There are a ton of different choices out on the market with a variety of price tags, but the best part is that you don’t have to look very far for your new fave. BB creams and tinted moisturizers are sold everywhere including Sephora, Ulta, Target and even Walmart. If you’re looking for a high-end option, check out Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer. Maybelline’s Dream Fresh BB Cream is an awesome alternative for a college budget.
Bye to sculpted brows.
The no-makeup makeup look is all about achieving that effortless, cool-girl vibe, so it might be time to push your eyebrow pomade aside and bring on the brow gel. Clear or tinted brow gel (depending on the thickness and color of your eyebrows) is the perfect product to brush through the hair. Use a spoolie brush to blend the pigment out and make sure there aren’t any clumps, and you’re good to go!
Katie Short, a recent SUNY Oswego graduate, prefers to use either a pencil or gel for her brow look. “I like that I can control how dark they look,” she said. Colourpop recently came out with their Brow Boss Gel, and not only is this a highly effective product, but it retails for only $6!
Use your bronzer as eye shadow.
It might sound weird, but hear me out: Bronzer can totally be a multipurpose product, regardless if it’s powder, cream or liquid. Sweep a bit of product to accentuate your cheekbones without sculpting too heavily, then grab a fluffy blending brush and throw some on your eyelids and into your crease. The warm undertones of the bronzer will leave you looking more awake and put-together without requiring too much effort.
Jordyn Robison, a sophomore at SUNY Oswego, is a huge fan of using a light brown shadow in her crease when she’s doing natural makeup. “I like the depth it gives without being too flashy,” she said. “It’s super quick, too.” Check out Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer, which comes in three colors: milk chocolate, chocolate soleil and dark chocolate.
Related: 5 Ways to Blush Contour Like A Pro
Tone down your look with brown mascara.
While black mascara is the universal color to coat your lashes, pick up a tube of brown mascara for your no-makeup makeup look. Apply just enough to your upper and lower lashes to accentuate the length and voila – you’ve achieved the perfect natural eye look! Brown mascara is a great product to have in your makeup collection because it opens your eyes, helping you look awake and ready for the day, without appearing too intense.
Dior sells their world-famous Diorshow Mascara in brown, while Revlon’s Volumazing Mascara has a seriously amazing formula.
Don’t skip out on the blush and highlight.
Blush and highlight might actually be the most crucial part of achieving the perfect no-makeup makeup look. Using a pearly highlight on the high points of your cheeks and the bridge of your nose is the best way to top your natural makeup. I recommend Maybelline’s Strobing Stick, especially since the cream formula enhances the effortless vibes.
When it comes to blush, opt for something light. Applying just a bit of pink or peach pigment to the apples of your cheeks is a guaranteed win. While powdered products get the job done, cream blush gives you a beautiful flushed look. Using the warmth of your fingertips, pat some of the creamy formula onto your cheeks and then blend it out. Cream blushes bring some life back into your face, plus the texture is perfect for dry skin types. Check out Milk Makeup’s Lip + Cheek product or E.L.F. Cosmetic’s Cream Blush Palette.
Top it off with a face mist or spray.
To finish off your gorgeous no-makeup makeup look, set your face with a mist or spray. Not only will this ensure that your makeup stays on much longer, but it’ll leave you looking dewy and hydrated. Kailey Brown, a freshman at SUNY Oswego, recommends Mario Badescu’s Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater. It smells amazing, plus it’s a total pick-me-up for your skin. Its gentle formula makes your skin feel totally refreshed.
The best part about the no-makeup makeup look is that it’s completely achievable, regardless of what products you decide to use. The goal is to emphasize your natural features, so how could you not look absolutely gorgeous?
Share your look with me on Instagram at @m.elissaleee!
