THE NO MAKE UP MAKE UP RESET
Whether you’ve dabbled in the no makeup, makeup trend or not, this look has been taking over our FYPs for a while. And why shouldn’t it? Calling for minimal effort for maximum radiant results, it’s categorised by ultra-lightweight formulas that mimic skin and elevate your natural features. But how to achieve the coveted no-makeup, makeup look? From understanding what textures to use to learning which are the best no makeup, makeup essentials, here at Cult Beauty, we’ve created the ultimate guide so you can effortlessly glow and go.
In This Article:
WHAT IS NO-MAKEUP, MAKEUP
The no-makeup makeup look isn’t just a trend that’s appeared on our FYP’s in the last couple of years, it’s actually been decades in the making. Rooted in the idea of enhancing rather than masking, the look celebrates skin that glows, lips that look just-kissed and features that feel effortlessly polished. It began as a subtle philosophy among makeup artists and beauty insiders who wanted their clients to look fresh-faced and natural, even on camera or under stage lights. Over the years, this approach evolved into a full-fledged movement: lightweight foundations and tints, barely-there concealers, soft creams for blush and bronze and sheer highlighters all work together to blur and illuminate the skin. Today, the no-makeup makeup look isn’t just a technique but a method that is defining the way we embrace our natural beauty.
HOW TO ACHIEVE A NO MAKEUP, MAKEUP LOOK
SKIN PREP IS KEY
Before you dabble in concealers and foundations, the essential first step to achieving the no-makeup, makeup look is skin prep. Start with ensuring your current skin care routine is working for your skin type and make sure that your complexion is suitably hydrated... before you layer on any makeup. We recommend investing in a toner post-cleanse to help maximise the absorptions of the rest of your skincare and to help gently exfoliate away any texture.
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A LIGHT AS AIR BASE
A featherlight base is the name of the game when considering a no-makeup, makeup look. Working to subtly even out your skin tone without it losing its natural sheen, a tinted moisturiser is what we would recommend you start with. Alternatively, you can mix your favourite foundation with your moisturiser to sheer out the finish. Next, spot conceal. Instead of applying layers of thick concealer, apply your concealer with a light hand over the exact area you need (under your eyes, over dark spots and directly on blemishes), then blend out with a small, fluffy brush or your fingertips.
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CREAMS OVER POWDERS
Once your base is done, it’s time to add a pop of colour and some subtle definition. The ideal no-makeup, makeup look relies on a gentle, diffused flush of colour to mimic the way skin looks after it’s been out in the sun. The best way to achieve this is by using the ‘W’ blush technique (where you use your liquid or cream blusher to draw 4 dots that form a W shape across your face, then blend it out.) For bronzer, alternate this with your blusher to avoid too much product layering and only focus on the temples of the face for a more natural sign off. For a traditional no-makeup, makeup look, you can forgo contouring completely, but if your love to chisel your features, use a light hand and target the contour to just under your cheekbones. Don't forget to properly blend out so that it looks unnoticeable.
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AMP UP THE GLOW
With dewy, hydrated skin the main feature of the no-makeup, makeup look, apply your cream or liquid highlighter before your blush for a ‘lit-from-within' glow. Apply to the high points of the face, tip of the nose and on the cupid's brow and tap, blend and buff into skin.
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DIFFUSE THE LIP
For the pout, you should lean into your natural lip shade and either elevate it with a lip liner or use a gentle, plumping lip gloss, lip oil or lip stain. The no-makeup, makeup look relies on a glazed, diffused lip so when you do line your pout, rub lips together to diffuse the colour of your liner, then apply your gloss, balm or oil on top.
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SOFT BROWS AND LASHES
Bold and dramatic lashes and brows aren’t in the no-makeup, makeup arsenal. Think: light lash definition and soft laminated brows. We suggest using brown mascaras with a thinner wand to build definition without adding too much volume on your eyelashes. You can use a clean spoolie after every coat to help separate your lash hairs without adding more product (and therefore prevent your lashes looking too heavy). For the brows, a clear eyebrow gel is ideal and a tiny brow pencil to fill in any gaps will give you a your-brows-but-better sign off, without causing them to look too “done”.
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REVIVE THE FRECKLES
As skin should be the star of the show, reviving (or adding) freckles is a great way to make your complexion look more natural. Whether you’re faking them or elevating ones you already have, our ultimate guide to faux freckles will show you exactly how to bring them to life.
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NO MAKEUP, MAKEUP FAQs
Is it healthier to not wear makeup?
Whether wearing makeup is ‘healthier’ really depends on your reasons for using it and how often you wear it. Going makeup-free can lower the risk of clogged pores, acne, and irritation. However, many modern formulas are non-comedogenic, enriched with skincare benefits, and rigorously tested for safety and everyday use
Do models wear no makeup?
Professional models wear makeup or go without it depending on the situation. On the runway or during photoshoots, they are almost always wearing makeup— even if the finish looks ‘natural,’ there’s typically some level of product involved. Off-duty, some models may skip makeup altogether, but more often than not, they’ll wear something minimal like a skin tint, a swipe of mascara, or just a touch of lip gloss.
What to wear instead of foundation?
If you don’t like wearing foundation, there are a load of other options available instead. For a natural, breathable finish, try a tinted moisturiser or a BB or CC cream. If you want skin protection and light coverage, try a tinted sunscreen. For targeted coverage without using too much product, use your concealer... strategically.
Now that you know the steps to achieve the perfect no-makeup makeup look, the final touch is a spritz of setting mist before you head out the door
Rina is Cult Beauty’s Midweight SEO Copywriter and has always had a passion for beauty and skin care (rich moisturisers are her obsession). What started as a love for The Body Shop and their famed Born Lippy lip balms (in ‘Watermelon’ of course!), she is now more interested in finding products with proven effectiveness instead of broken promises. A loud and proud VIEVE fan, Rina owns nearly every item of the range and recommends the brand to anyone who will listen... When she’s not intently reading ingredient lists, you can find her either immersed in multiple true crime podcasts or a fantasy romance novel, with an *extra* hot cappuccino in hand.
