Posted by 
This post is also available in: 
English
繁體中文 (Chinese (Traditional))
5 excellent makeup products to achieve the perfect no-makeup look
TREND / 2020-07-01
We all have our reasons to use makeup. Some use it for vanity, some use it to hide pores, scars, dark under eye circles, while others use it simply for the love of it. With different reasons come different makeup products in play, like a good concealer, lip color, or a perfect eyebrow pencil. However, no amount of artful makeup can beat the allure of a fresh face no-makeup look. Over the last couple of years, this look has gotten promotion after promotion, from celebrity social media selfies to their red carpet looks, from MUA tutorials to magazine covers.
What is a no makeup look, you ask? Well, a no makeup look is basically an oxymoron and a sweet lie created with makeup. The reality though is that even this look requires actual makeup products. The good news is, for people who like to use less product on their skin and go as au naturale as possible, a perfect no-makeup look can also be achieved without a ton of product. All you have to do is find the right products that really work, so you can use them everyday.
Fact check: the no-makeup makeup look is ALL about radiant-from-within skin. The easiest way to get that would be to have enough sleep, less worry and drink more water. But let’s face it, with our fast paced lives, it ain’t as easy as it sounds. While not everyone has the amazing youthful glow Jennifer Aniston or Reese Witherspoon has, you can sure fake it!
Going against the typical magazine beauty standards, the off-duty supermodel no makeup looks are here to stay. Before you try out the bare minimum look, start by prepping your skin by cleansing it well and applying a hydrating moisturizer. Remember, the easiest way to achieve a no-makeup look is by focusing more on the skin prep. Also, the steps of product application matters more than the number or quantity of products being used. We’ve broken down this look into 6 steps as well as rounded up our favorite products to get you there quick and easy. These products will make it all seem like ‘You woke up like this’.
1. Prime Time
Before embarking on this no makeup- makeup journey, use a hydrating primer before applying any makeup. This step is essential as it makes sure your skin is supple and smooth. A pore filling primer is a good choice if you have enlarged pores, and an illuminating primer will add that “lit from within” glow and make you look extra hydrated. You can choose a primer based on how your skin feels at that time. Primers are also great for helping your makeup last longer, and there are now tons of different primers to choose from depending on your skin type and needs. One of our favorite primers for a barely-there makeup look is the Charlotte Tilbury wonder glow face primer. This favorite makes a perfect base for a glowy no-makeup makeup look. Another great choice in this category is the Helena Rubinstein Liquid Light Glow Touch Creator, that comes with a blending sponge.
2. Go light To Go Big
Full coverage foundations are a complete no for this look. Instead, go with tinted moisturizers, tinted primers, light coverage creme/gel foundations or BB and CC creams that give your skin some extra hydration. Use a buffing brush or a moist sponge to apply the product on your face so that the application is even. Allow some of your freckles, redness, and imperfections to shine through, the last thing you need is a cakey face. CC creams (aka Color Corrector) is a great pick for those who want a multitasking product that gives sheer, buildable coverage while hiding hyperpigmentation, blemishes and redness on skin. On the other hand, a BB cream (aka Beauty Balm) combines primer, moisturizer, SPF, and light coverage foundation in one formula. Originally designed to be a lightweight, hydrating alternative to foundation, many BB creams boast of skin benefitting ingredients and anti-aging properties. By Terry Cellularose Moisturizing CC Cream and Guerlain Lingerie De Peau Aqua Nude Foundation are our top picks in this category. Both the products wear very well.
3. Conceal don’t heal
Just like the base, choose a lightweight and hydrating concealer. With a no makeup look, you don’t want to cover your blemishes and dark spots as if they have healed completely. Use a sponge that is moist with warm water or blend the concealer with your fingers. The warmth of the water or your skin makes the product melt and set right in. You can also skip the base and just dab a translucent liquid in your T-zone and you're good to go. The Dior Diorsnow Bloom Perfect Brightening Perfect Moist Cushion is a great choice for dark circles. It’s nicely pigmented, contains SPF 50 and has brightening effects. Another great product is the Burberry Sheer Luminous Concealer. A little goes a long way with this one!
4. Dream of Cream everything
Dew is your friend. The no makeup look makeup is all about having a dewy finish that makes your face look natural but still glowy. Cream based makeup products are the ideal choice to make blend and sink it all in. Look for a crème bronzer, blush and eyeshadows rather than powders. Also, rather than going for a shimmery and blinding highlighter, opt for a cream with a clear base.
Cream shadows are super easy to use for a pretty, natural eye makeup look. You can literally apply them without a mirror with just your fingertips. Blend the shadow up from your lash line, fading as it gets closer to your brows. Those with oily skin should use an eyeshadow primer before applying a cream shadow. MAC cosmetics Pro Longwear Paint Pots are perfect for this makeup look. Choose an earthy or coral shade based on what works well with your skin tone and gives you the desired intensity that you are looking for.
Cream blush will diffuse into your skin with a natural look than a powder blush ever will. Try a multitasking product, like Bare Minerals i.d. BareMinerals Blush to use as your cheek and lip color–you can even swipe it on your eyelids for an extra-consistent look.
5. Light Mascara FTW
Mascara is the finishing touch that you need to make your eyes pop in just the right way without needing eyeliner. For an over the top natural look, try a clear mascara that can also double up as a brow gel. Choose a mascara formula like Bare Minerals Love Every Lash Micro Defining Mascara that gently curls, defines, and lengthens in just one swipe – without clumping or flaking.
6. Popsicle On My Lips
Remember the leftover stain on your lips after you eat a raspberry or an orange popsicle? Well, that’s exactly how you’d want your no makeup look lips to be. Luckily, there are products that give you that same look without the sticky hands (but of course, minus the tangy taste). To create a lip stain with your existing lipsticks, just apply one swipe of it and then blot off the excess with a tissue until the right amount is leftover on your lips. You can also use just a tinted lip balm sans the lipstick, like Estee Lauder Pure Colour Envy Colour Replenish Lip Balm and By Terry Baume De Rose Nutri Couleur. For lip colors, We’re obsessed with Chanel rouge Allure Liquid Powder Matte Lip Color and YSL Rouge Pur Couture Vernis à Lèvres Glossy Stain. They deliver the perfect amount of color and moisture, straight from the tube.
Want to get the barely-there makeup look? Now you know where to start. This guide to all the makeup basics you need will turn you into a makeup pro in no time and get you into the natural beauty game. Our recommendations are perfect makeup products for beginners as well as seasoned makeup lovers. Go ahead and give this look a try. Share your look on Instagram and use #IFCHICBeauty and we will feature the best looks on our profile.