WEARING ‘NO MAKEUP’

There’s nothing like a makeup look that shimmers in the sunlight and flaunts our artistry with strategically placed jewels in the corner of our eyes. The most extensive makeup can transform us into entirely different people (or even a doll), resulting in editorialized moments and photo ops.

Sometimes we want something a little more subtle and less daring, though. Sometimes we don’t have time for a full look because we rolled out of bed and can’t spend an hour staring at our eyes in the mirror perfecting our eyeshadow crease. Whatever the case, we need the antithesis of the long, dragged-out routines — we need “no makeup” makeup.

The prototype of this phenomenon was wholly embraced back in bohemian 1970s with makeup looks devoid of heavy foundations, but it wasn’t until recent years that influencers pushed the “no makeup” or “bare faced” look. Typically, it features products meant to look like our skin but better and cosmetics that enhance our natural features. This could manifest into freckle pens, brown eyeshadows in lieu of bright flicks of eyeliner or lip oils.

It all starts with the products we choose. Although a dewy base using primers and tinted moisturizers are crucial to achieving “no makeup,” the three products that make or break this look are blush, lipstick and highlighter. If we use too much or the wrong shade, it can switch from natural to something that looks painted on within a second.

First, choose a highlighter that accentuates the cheekbones without drawing too much attention to glaring brilliance. The perfect way to strike a natural balance is through a sheer stick highlighter, which will add just enough shine and glisten. Pick a shade that fits your skin tone since we want our natural beauty to show through the makeup.

Next, grab a blush shade that makes you look slightly flushed or sun kissed. Blush is hyper specific to each person’s skin tone and eye color, but many people choose pink blush shades or use bronzer in place of brush for a natural look. Make sure to blend it out with a brush or beauty blender for a seamless overlap between the blushed and highlighted cheeks.

Lipstick is the best part of most makeup routines, and this is not an exception. This is also the most difficult part of the “no makeup” look because lipsticks usually tie together the creative looks dripping in opulence, so it’s important to grab a lip product that won’t clash. A look like this requires a color that is close to the lips, so the best way to go is a soft red shade blended to avoid harsh lines. Add gloss on top.

The “no makeup” look works for everything, which makes it one of the most fun trends to follow. It never goes out of style, so get ready to dazzle everyone and have people come up to say you look gorgeous, all while puzzled about whether or not you’re even wearing makeup.

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PAT MCGRATH

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LAURA MERCIER

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