Trends come and go, but the ‘no-makeup’ look is here to stay—and it’s easy to see why! This effortless style focuses on enhancing your natural features and celebrating what you already have.
Picture this: gorgeously flushed cheeks, sparkling eyes, just-bitten lips, beautiful brows, and real skin—freckles, fine lines, texture, and all! Plus, the ‘no-makeup’ look means less time getting ready in the morning (win!), fewer products to tote around for touch-ups, and simple techniques that don’t require a three-hour tutorial. It’s all about looking fresh, effortless, and natural. So whether you’re aiming to simplify your routine or just want a new style, our easy ‘no-makeup’ guide and beauty essentials list is the perfect starting point.
Skin Prep is Key
Before reaching for any makeup, you need to prep your canvas—your skin. The ‘no-makeup’ look puts the spotlight on your complexion, so exfoliate and moisturize to ensure your skin is smooth and supple. A good cleanse followed by a gentle exfoliant is the best place so start. I prefer to do this in the shower – it is the messier part of your facial prep so containing this in the shower where it is easily rinsed off is my go to. I am loving the Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub exfoliator at the moment. This Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub is a spa-quality exfoliator that mimics the effects of professional microdermabrasion. It effectively removes dead surface skin cells while revitalizing and renewing uneven and aging skin. The scrub smooths the appearance of wrinkles and buffs away dead skin, leaving your complexion feeling refreshed and renewed. Infused with a refreshing Citrus Oil blend, it softens the skin, delivering a re-energized, glowing look. I tend to jump between this and the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant With Glycolic Acid Chamomile & Green Tea, which is also a mess-free overnight option. It is a Leave-On Gentle Exfoliator For Wrinkles, Fine Lines & Discolouration which is Fragrance & Paraben-free. Like a toner or mask, it sweeps away dullness and unevenness (like dead skin cells).
Next, apply a serum and moisturizer with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides to plump and hydrate your skin. Cerave Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Face with Vitamin B5 and Ceramides is a lightweight Hydrating Face Serum with a smooth, gel texture which helps skin appear more hydrated and smoother. For the ultimate hydration boost, I love d’Alba Italian White Truffle First Aromatic Spray Serum, a super hydrating antioxidant serum face mist which deeply hydrates and firms the skin….and yes, it feels as exquisite as is sounds!
Give your skin a few minutes to absorb these goodies before applying sun protection if you’re sporting this look during the day. Choose an SPF that suits your skin type – we recommend La Roche-Posay Sunscreen Lotion, an ultra-light, water resistant fluid with SPF 50+. We always recommend the highest SPF available, especially if you have mature skin. We were delighted to come across this gem, with a beautifully light emulsion – perfect for the face under your moisturizer and make-up WITH the highest protection available on the market.
I must say, I am not a fan of a combined moisturiser with an SPF – I have tried many and I have always felt that those with a higher SPF are lacking the moisturising qualities I need for my skin to feel properly hydrated (along with adding a bulky feel); and those that do have great moisturising qualities that I love, lack in an adequate SPF rating. This is why I prefer to use them separately. It does add an extra step to my summer skincare routine; however it is worth protecting my skin from sun damage and unnecessary ageing.
Finish off with a super hydrating, yet light daytime moisturiser. Nothing too heavy as you do not want to end up with a shiny fresh faced look – we are after a beautiful, radiating glow. There are so many amazing moisturisers on the market; and honestly, I do own a few from all my testing and experimentation; but I do love La Roche-Posay. From face moisturizers and cleansers to skincare kits for various concerns, La Roche-Posay’s range of facial skincare products delivers essential ingredients to manage your skin, brighten dull complexions, clear unwanted breakouts, and improve overall skin texture. I really love La Roche-Posay Face Moisturiser | Effaclar Matte Anti-Shine Moisturiser – a great combination with their La Roche-Posay Sunscreen Lotion which I have recommended above. For this fresh-faced, natural / minimal make-up look, these two products from La Roche-Posay just work so well together. I use both of these together for my summer facial routine and I have been for the last couple of summers, and am so happy with them. I do have combination skin and this product just knows how to deal with this. I must admit, my fresh-faced, minimal make-up look is reserved for the summer months; but in the winter I opt for a little more coverage (yet still basic) for my everyday go-to and I do use a cream based moisturiser rather than a moisturiser with a lotion consistency.
If you have some extra time, consider incorporating a high-tech skin device, like a microcurrent tool or an LED face mask, to give your skin a spa-like glow.
Ace Your Base
For ‘no-makeup makeup,’ you want everything to be light and layered, applying only what your skin needs. A hydrating primer will keep your skin comfortable all day, while an illuminating primer adds extra radiance if you prefer more sheen. Don’t be afraid to mix and match—use a mattifying primer on the T-zone where you’re prone to oiliness, and a hydrating or illuminating primer on your cheeks.
This might be enough for some, but if you need more coverage, remember the ‘no-makeup makeup’ look is not about full coverage. Swap your foundation for a next-gen tinted moisturizer, tinted serum, or tinted oil that evens out your skin tone and blurs imperfections while letting your cute freckles shine through. For areas needing more coverage, like a pesky pimple or redness around the nose, use a touch of concealer applied lightly.
Give Your Cheeks a Glow-Up
A cream blush is your best bet for a natural glow—save the powder blush for another time. Pat it onto your cheeks and blend to diffuse the edges, creating a natural flush. A top makeup artist tip from our MECCA experts: layer a cream cheek color under your tinted moisturizer for the illusion of flushed, healthy cheeks!
Next, it’s time to highlight. Aim to brighten and lift subtly with a creamy illuminator. Dab a tiny amount along your cheekbones, eyelids, and Cupid’s bow—then blend, blend, blend.
Make Your Arches Golden
Brush up your brows with a slick of gel (tinted or clear) to keep hairs in place. If you need more definition, skip the brow pencil and use a brow powder to add color and shape while maintaining a soft, natural effect.
Hold the Mascara
It might seem daunting, but ditching mascara is what makes this a true ‘no-makeup makeup’ look! Instead, focus on creating length and definition by curling and combing your lashes with a clean mascara wand or spoolie. If you’re not confident about skipping mascara entirely, use a single, light stroke on your top lashes only. Opt for a soft brown instead of black, or use a clear gel mascara to give the illusion of longer, lush eyelashes without the color. If your lashes are fair, use light brown rather than clear.
Finish the rest of your eye look with a cream shadow in a neutral tone and blend out, enhancing the natural shape of your eyes with a subtle wash of color. Keep your eyeliner minimal; try tightlining (waterlining) with tiny dots of gel liner to fill in the gaps between each lash for the illusion of fuller lashes without going overboard.
Perfect Your Pout
Complete your look with a soft wash of color on your lips using a tinted balm, stain, tint, or sheer lipstick. Pro tip: apply lipstick with your ring finger for a blotted finish that blends beautifully with your natural lip tone. Another option is to pair a natural-looking lip liner with a subtle gloss or clear balm, making your lips appear slightly fuller.
Enjoy the fresh, effortless beauty of the ‘no-makeup makeup’ look and embrace your natural features with confidence!
