By Mera Tabarruk
There’s no denying that a glam and bold makeup look can make us feel like we’re ready to conquer anything. But, there’s something about a simple makeup look that makes you feel clean and put together. It’s the perfect amount of makeup for every day when all you need is a quick boost to freshen yourself up.
Personally, I find myself going for the no-makeup makeup look almost every day as I work from home and only apply a slight amount of makeup when I have virtual meetings to attend. It also makes me feel like I can get through my day when I don’t look like I am half asleep!
What exactly is no-makeup makeup though? The no-makeup makeup look is makeup that you wear that slightly enhances your features in a very natural and minimal way, while it has many interpretations for everyone it’s usually a bit of brow gel, skin tint, mascara, gloss and maybe some blush too – whatever you feel like you need.
Step One – The perfect base
This first step is key to the no makeup, makeup look as your base needs to be extra hydrated and glowy to make you look refreshed and awake. Start with a good cleanse, moisturise and load up on SPF! Then follow up with a primer before you go ahead with your makeup base. Bobbi Brown’s Vitamin Enriched Face Base is an absolute gem when it comes to perfecting your base; Rich in feel yet non-greasy, it instantly hydrates and softens skin with the help of shea butter and a trio of vitamins.
If you really want to keep it simple, wear a tinted moisturiser and leave your skin at that. If you need a bit more coverage then spot conceal! As a base I have been obsessed with the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter, it actually doesn’t have a lot of coverage at all (because it’s a primer) but gives your skin a gorgeous glow and somehow evens out my skin tone.
Step Two – Bronze and Blush
Get a beautiful and natural flush with a cream blush. Cream blushes are great since you can also apply them to your lips for a boost of colour. To warm up your face, a cream bronzer will give you that effortless finish making it seem like you just came back from a tropical holiday. Cream and liquid products can help enhance your natural features a lot better than powder products!
Recently I have been enjoying the Soft Pinch Liquid Blush from Rare Beauty, they come in a range of shades and are a lightweight long-lasting liquid blush that blends and builds beautifully for a soft, healthy flush. To bronze the Milk Makeup matte bronzers are fab – simply swipe onto cheekbones, forehead, and chin, and blend with fingertips, a brush, or a sponge for a sun kissed look.
Step Three – Brows
A tip to cut down on time when you’re getting ready is to tint your brows. All you’ll really need to do after is simply brush through or tame with brow gel. Ardell Brow Tints are a great option as it’s a safe and effective tint that lasts up to two weeks. Simply mix the powder colour with the conditioning developer, apply, wait and wipe off for perfectly defined arches. Brow tinting is one of the most low-maintenance ways to make brows appear fuller and more prominent without makeup!
Once you’ve achieved the shade of your dreams, seal the deal with Ardell Clear Brow Sculpting Gel. Simply brush through and define your brows for all-day hold and conditioning – the ultimate makeup bag must-have.
Step Three – Lashes
If I had to choose one product to wear every day it would probably be mascara, it helps me look more awake as it creates depth and dimension in the eyes. Mascara can also be used as a substitute for brow gel so it’s a two in one! If you’re wanting something more subtle and not too dark, try out a brown mascara.
My current favourite mascara is the Clinique High Impact Mascara, it’s a got a thin brush that is great for lengthening your lashes instead of thickening them, which is great for a natural look. I always find myself adding two or three individual lashes on my no-makeup, makeup days as it adds an extra bit of length to my eyes by creating a fuller lash towards the end giving you that foxy-eye effect. I find myself always reaching for the double individuals from Ardell Lashes, they’re so easy to use and natural looking.
Step Four – Lips
If you applied your cream blush to your lips earlier then you might not need this last step, but if you’re wanting a gloss to finish off your look the Dior Lip Glow Oil is a must-have as it adds a slight colour to your lips but most importantly hydrates your lips for that ultimate glowy pout. The formula is a non-sticky, non-greasy oil texture that combines the mirror shine of a gloss with the comfort of intense lip care, the perfect combo!
