How to Achieve Perfect No-Makeup Makeup Look (that actually looks like skin)
Effortless, fresh-faced beauty is on-trend this year. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, just imagine the girls from Glossier ads, with their perfect second day hair, groomed eyebrows, a little bit of shimmer on the cheeks, and a swipe of tinted lip balm, that sort of thing. As for me, I always look super tired when I have no makeup on, thanks to my ultra fair, paper-thin skin, and naturally pale lips. I have no problem going out bare-faced, but I also have to accept the fact that those closest to me will be wondering if I am feeling alright. Even so, I really love the trend, and today I wanted to share with you the products I personally use to achieve it.
The main thing about this particular no-makeup makeup look is the overall impression of natural skin health. Which means that the face should look balanced [neither matte nor overly shiny], brows groomed without looking unnatural, and the lip color that can be any color as long as it’s on the sheer side. I also saw variations of this look with bold bright lips, which looked super pretty too, but mine is more on the no-makeup end.
FACE:
Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation Serum ($60 for 1 oz) – This liquid sheer skin tint comes in one shade that is suitable for all skin tones. Don’t be alarmed if it appears too dark or too light compared to your natural skin tone, the tint sheers out beautifully, and light-reflecting particles help even out the appearance of skin discolorations without looking like makeup. The fragrance-free formula also contains anti-aging ingredients [neuropeptides, DMAE, date fruit extract] and physical SPF30 [Titanium Dioxide] to protect the skin from sun damage.
Perricone MD No Makeup Concealer ($35 for 0.3 oz) – The concealer comes in three shades, the one I’m using is Light, but Fair and Medium are also available. The reason I chose Light is because the tint is yellow-based, and Fair is more pink-based, which would stand out on my skin too much. Like the foundation, it sheers out on the skin and becomes an invisible layer. The concealer contains physical SPF35 [Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide], and anti-aging ingredients [Vitamin C, neuropeptides], and it is also fragrance-free.
BROWS:
100% Pure Green Tea Fiber Brow Builder ($22 for 0.16 oz) has been my go-to brow product for a few months now, and I am about to finish the tube unfortunately. For an all-natural formula, this is a bomb product! If you are a fan of benefit Gimme Brow, this is the perfect dupe, and it stays on through humidity.
PIXI Brow Tamer ($10 for 0.19 fl oz) – I use this clear gel to set the brows in place. It’s a pretty straightforward product, and it helps my brows keep their shape throughout the day. Even though the 100% Pure brow gel doesn’t come off easily, the hairs can get a little messed up, and this gel prevents that from happening. My friend uses it as a clear mascara.
LASHES:
Wander Beauty Unlashed Mascara ($24 for 0.32 oz) – I didn’t even do a full swipe on my lashes, just quickly patted the ends so the full length shows. My tips are so wispy, they’re nearly see-through. This mascara always makes my lashes look natural even with 2-3 coats though.
LIPS:
Mineral Fusion Lipstick Butter ($10.99 for 0.4 oz) makes my pale lips look like they actually have color, and it wears like a lip balm! I am wearing Ripe in this photo, but I actually own these in three shades and love all of them about the same. The formula is EWG-certified and adheres to some of the strictest standards of purity. Considering how much lipstick we end up accidentally ingesting throughout our lives, I think having a natural non-toxic option is great.
Swatches from Top to Bottom: Mineral Fusion Lipstick Butter in Ripe, Perricone MD No Makeup Concealer in Light, Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation Serum.
And that’s it, I didn’t use any other products. The dewy glow is just my moisturizer peeking from under the Perricone MD serum/foundation. I skipped the blush, the eyeshadows, and the eyeliner all together for the most natural ‘no-makeup makeup’ look.
What are your go-to products for achieving a no-makeup makeup look? Is that even something you do at all? Let me know in the comments below!
