Your Complete Guide to Achieving the No-Makeup Makeup Look

What is No-Makeup Makeup?

While it might not look like it at first glance, there is a difference between a natural, no-makeup makeup look and being “au naturel.” The point of the minimalist beauty routine is to accentuate the skin you’re in. 

“No-makeup makeup is makeup that you wear that just slightly enhances your features in a very natural and minimal way,” says makeup artist Lindsay Katsuk. “No-makeup makeup has many different interpretations, but for me, it’s highlighting what’s already there. For people who want to ‘look like themselves but polished,’ no-makeup makeup is the way to go.”

But First, Skincare: What Causes Textured Skin?

Chances are you’ve got textured skin—most of us do. Pores, scars, and bumps all contribute to uneven skin texture, but there are some skincare changes that might help you get a smooth, clean canvas that’s perfect for applying makeup. 

Textured skin can be caused by excess dead skin cells that build up on the surface of the skin, making your skin feel rough or bumpy. That feeling may also come as a result of skin conditions like eczema and dry skin, or it may come naturally with aging and chronic sun exposure (especially without sunscreen). Before you treat textured skin, analyze your skin and try to pinpoint the underlying cause, and tap in an expert if needed. Remember, things like smoking, harsh skincare products, and even environmental factors can contribute to skin concerns too. 

Regularly sloughing off those dead skin cells with exfoliation can help keep skin smooth and clear, but like any skincare treatment, overdoing it can cause serious skin damage and leave you worse off than before. It’s best to build a personalized treatment plan with your dermatologist, particularly if you have any skin conditions like dry skin, rosacea, or eczema. 

Your Step-by-Step Guide to a No-Makeup Makeup Look

1. Skincare Is a First-Step Must

Flawless makeup starts with a good skincare routine, and the same goes for no-makeup makeup. "In my opinion, skincare is the most important step for any makeup look,” says Roqué. “Having fresh, hydrated skin prevents makeup from looking too cakey and unnatural.” Having a good regimen (that you stick to daily) will keep your skin looking healthy without needing to add too much makeup. Make sure you’re checking these off your list to guarantee your glow:

• Exfoliate: For Katsuk, exfoliation is a must: “We want to ensure that the skin is exfoliated, which I will lightly do with a cotton pad and micellar water, and then keep it properly hydrated depending on your skin type.” Peña, MUA and founder of Leland Francis skincare, echoes this step, adding, “You also don’t want to forget the lips. If they’re flakey, carefully exfoliate. Then hydrate with a moisturizing lip balm.”

• Hydrate Well: When it comes to skin prep for no-makeup makeup, Roqué suggests using a hydrating facial spray. We love the KOSAS Collagen Spray-On Serum, which is packed with vegan collagen and probiotic serums to help hydrate, soothe, and visibly firm skin. 

• Apply Your Skincare: After you're applied a facial mist for hydration, Roqué suggests going in with your moisturizer. Dry skin types can handle rich moisturizers with heavy hitting hydrators (like ceramides, shea butter, and squalane). Oily skin types should opt for lighter moisturizers—here are a few of our favorite moisturizers for oily skin.

2. Finish Your Skin Prep With Sunscreen

We've said it before, and we'll say it again: Never. Skimp. On. SPF. Even Roqué agrees that sunscreen is one of the most important steps in your skincare routine—it’s critical for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. For the best protection, dermatologists recommend reaching for a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Our pick: SUPERGOOP! Unseen Sunscreen, which provides broad spectrum protection to shield your skin from the sun's damaging rays.

Want to save yourself a few steps? There are also tons of great beauty products made with SPF, so you can take care of your skin even if you forget the sunscreen. Try combining two skincare steps into one by using a moisturizer with SPF. We love the PERRICONE MD Cold Plasma Plus+ Moisturizer SPF 35. In addition to shielding your skin from the sun, it also protects your skin from free radical damage and promotes youthful-looking skin. It dries sheer, so it’s perfect to layer under a natural makeup look.

3. Primer Is Optional—Sort Of

Primer is a polarizing makeup product. Some swear by it to give makeup staying power, and others find it completely optional. For no-makeup makeup looks, or makeup with minimal foundation, Katsuk finds color-correcting primers especially helpful. “I usually do some color correcting, which you can do at home with targeted primers to bring down some redness, to control oil, and to add a bit of glow if your skin is very dry,” she says.

Roqué tends to steer away from primers for more natural makeup looks. "Primer isn’t important unless you would like a little help with controlling oil," she shares. If your skin isn't oily, then your skincare prep should serve as the perfect foundation for the rest of your no-makeup makeup products. If you do have oily skin and want to mattify your complexion, we suggest a shine-control primer for oily skin.

4. Choose Cream and Liquid Products for a Natural Glow

“I prefer cream products, personally,” says Katsuk. “I think they have the most natural and glowing finish. Creams also tend to blend into each other beautifully. For example, when applying a little bit of cream blush to a cream foundation, it blends seamlessly and looks very natural.” Cream and liquid blushes also help enhance your natural features a bit better than powder products (which can mask them), and they’re also easier to use. We love the ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Blurring Serum Blush in Baby Pink, which blurs skin texture with a nourishing niacinamide and pomegranate peel extract formula. 

Roqué agrees, "For makeup, I like to stick to cream and liquid makeup products, and focus on enhancing natural features." Hoping to achieve the glowiest skin around? We suggest trying jelly makeup products. They're similar to creams and liquids, though do a much better job at helping you achieve a dewy look that really highlights your natural skin.

5. Go Easy on Foundation

This part is all about personal preference. Some people like to skip foundation with this look, while others opt for a lighter, dewy foundation. Roqué notes that foundation is optional for a no-makeup makeup routine, although you can absolutely apply some if you're hoping to start off with a flawless complexion. "Foundation isn’t necessary, but it doesn’t hurt to apply a light layer to even out skin tone," she says.

If you’re wearing foundation, Katsuk says less is more. “Work in very light layers—this is crucial. Building up coverage is much easier than taking it down. This way you can use the least amount of product to ensure the most natural appearance, while still getting coverage you want. Also, start applying where you feel you need coverage the most. Work in light layers, but concentrate it in those areas.”

If you do go this route, Peña advises, “Choose a foundation that matches your face and a concealer that is a single shade lighter than your foundation. Light-to-medium coverage works best for a no-makeup look. Be sure your foundation is not full-coverage or matte.” 

Once the foundation is applied, Peña suggests using a brush “to apply foundation in areas where coverage is needed. Press in with fingers or sponge, melting foundation into skin. Don’t apply foundation to the ridge of your nose as this is the telltale sign of full-coverage foundation.” 

6. Consider Foundation Alternatives

Your go-to foundation isn't all you can use—here are some alternatives if you still want some coverage but don't want to use anything too heavy. 

• BB cream (aka beauty balm) is a great pick for those who want a multitasking product that gives sheer, buildable coverage. This product typically combines primer, moisturizer, SPF, and light coverage in one formula. 

• CC cream stands for color corrector, and is designed to help with blotchiness, redness, hyperpigmentation, blemishes, dark spots—basically helping with anything “color” related.

• Tinted moisturizer was originally designed to be a hydrating alternative to foundation, but many tinted moisturizers now boast additional skincare benefits, like anti-aging properties and fuller coverage. We love the PURLISSE BEAUTY Sheer Glow Vitamin C Tinted Moisturizer to cover imperfections seamlessly and leave your skin feeling and looking oh-so-glowy.

7. Add Concealer Only Where You Need It

Just like foundation, concealer isn’t always critical for this look. We like to think of it as an as-needed product to use if you have to cover up dark circles or blemishes. KULFI BEAUTY’s Main Match Hydrating Concealer is a great choice because it’s buildable and crease-free, so you’ll end up with a radiant, skin-like finish. (We even tried it ourselves to put its hydrating formula to the test.) For other options, check out our guide to the best under-eye concealers.

After you’ve applied your concealer, Peña says to step back and look for creases. If they’re present, press in the concealer again. Then use a powder puff to press and set concealer under eye, followed by using a brush or puff to press powder into T-zone. 

8. Boost Your Allover Glow

Just because you’re going for a natural look doesn’t mean you can’t have a little shimmer. While a traditional highlighter is totally an option, we prefer brightening illuminators for that your-skin-but-better natural look. Illuminators give a subtle lit-from-within glow to your whole face, rather than highlighting specific features, and can even be mixed in with your face makeup for all-over radiance. Check out our complete guide for more info on the difference between highlighter and illuminator. 

When it comes to getting a no-makeup makeup look, we love the KEVYN AUCOIN Lighting Stick. Its luxurious, creamy formula effortlessly blends out when applying and instantly reflects light, making it ideal for more natural makeup looks. We recommend warming up this highlighter on the back of your hand (or with your finger) before applying. Then, add the product to the high points of your face (and even your body) for a subtle glowing effect. 

9. Rethink Eyeshadow

Roqué reveals that she doesn't use much eye makeup for no-makeup makeup looks. Instead, she likes to swipe a little cream bronzer on for a more subtle and natural pigment. “If you want to add something to the lid, bronzer looks the most natural,” she tells us. “For a no-makeup makeup look, I always recommend staying very subtle with eyeshadow.” RARE BEAUTY’s All of the Above Weightless Eyeshadow Stick in Copper makes swiping on a flattering yet natural shade super easy.

Peña suggests using eyeshadows that closely resemble the color of your eyelid, or a sheer-light reflecting shimmer on the lid. We love the range of neutrals in both shimmer and matte finishes in the NATASHA DENONA Rose & Wood Eyeshadow Palette.

Want to define your eyes a bit? “A good mascara is a great help for that,” adds Katsuk. “But, if you still want a bit of definition, I would line your lid with an eyeshadow. Not a liner. We don’t want any harsh lines for a natural look. Keep it soft and subtle just to define the lash line.” 

10. Add Blush to Your Cheeks and Lips

Blush is a great way to add warmth to your complexion, and cream blush will diffuse and blend into your skin more naturally than a traditional powder will. “For cheeks, I love, love, love combo products,” says Katsuk. “I love to use cream blushes on the eyes as well, and a lot of brands are making products that you can use on the cheeks, eyes, and lips. This is a really beautiful way to create a natural flush to the face and keep it simple.” As far as application goes, Roqué recommends starting off lighter and building from there. "When applying blush, start off light, and then build it up if you need to. If you apply too much, go back in with a little bit of your foundation and blend it out.”

Aside from making your cheeks appear a little rosier, Roqué notes that blush can even be used on your lips for a pop of color. This blendable LUCKY CHICK Multi Lip & Cheek Stick is the perfect choice for all-over color.

11. Show Your Natural Brows Love

An often overlooked step, Roqué stresses the importance of grooming your brows. "Don’t forget to brush up your brows," she says. "Brushing up the brows makes the biggest difference for no-makeup makeup looks."

Any sort of brow gel or generic hair gel will work to keep your brows in place all day long. Just swipe the spoolie wand up and outward to smooth and shape your arches. The ONE/SIZE Browkiki Brow Gel is a fantastic tinted option for those who want to add fullness to their eyebrows, though you can also set your eyebrows with a clear gel like the WINGME COSMETICS Clear Brow Gel. See our fluffy eyebrow tutorial for a more in-depth explanation. 

12. Apply Mascara (If You’d Like)

Mascara is the finishing touch to make eyes pop in just the right way. Choose from a volumizing or lengthening mascara to make your lash line seem defined without needing eyeliner. A cult-classic Ipster fave: LAVAA BEAUTY No Chill Mascara. Use the black shade for a more pronounced look, or go with the brown shade for a more natural effect. For more tips to hack your mascara game, check out our guide to lifting your lashes without extra products. 

That said, Roqué mentions that mascara isn't super necessary to use for a no-makeup makeup look. It's all up to your preference. You can even do something as simple as brushing your eyelashes out with a clean spoolie and calling it a day.

13. Apply Lip Liner and Lipstick (or Gloss)

Depending on just how no-makeup-y you want to appear, you may opt for a clear or lightly tinted gloss, or a subtle lip shade. If you opt for the latter, Peña suggests using a liner that matches closely to your natural lip color. Then take a creamy, non-matte lipstick and blot-apply to the lips. We recommend the KIMCHI CHIC BEAUTY Your Unicorn Mouth Lip Liner for a silky liner, followed up with one of the KOSAS Weightless Lip Color cream lipsticks. The end result? A pout that’s smooth and soft. 

Tips For Making Your Natural Makeup Last All Day

Now that you've worked through all the steps, it's time to keep your no-makeup makeup look in place. Just because a minimalist glam takes less time and fewer products to achieve doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice wear time. Round out your natural makeup routine with our subtle makeup tips. 

• Consider Using a Primer

Even if you’re not planning to use foundation—and especially if you’re using sheer or radiant products—consider using a primer before applying cosmetics. Not only will this keep your makeup from slipping and sliding, but it can also help your skin look effortlessly even and radiant. 

Using a blurring primer, like the YENSA BEAUTY Essential Glow Primer, can smooth uneven texture (just like your favorite Instagram filter!). Hydrating primers add an extra layer of moisture, making them great for those with dry and flaky skin or those who want a super-dewy look. Meanwhile, a lightweight shine-control primer can control oil production, keeping makeup from moving even without using powder. We recommend the Coastal Chic JAZMINE BEAUTY Primer for a non-greasy look that holds.  

• Use a Setting Spray 

Roqué tells us that a setting spray is the best way to complete a natural makeup look, since using powder can cause your makeup to appear cakey. Instead, you want a dewy, radiant complexion, so stick with a setting spray to achieve that. We even rounded up the very best setting sprays for every type of skin concern, so you're sure to find one that suits your needs. A dependable classic is the OFRA COSMETICS Makeup Fixer. 

For an extra-fresh-faced look, finish things off with a dewy setting spray. It’ll lock in your makeup all day without mattifying or drying out the skin.

• Avoid Touching Your Face

Listen, we’re all guilty of touching or picking at our face during the day. Those bad habits, however, can mess up your makeup and even cause breakouts. Try to avoid touching your face or resting your phone against your cheeks, since doing so will inadvertently wipe off your makeup and make it look patchy. 

• Don’t Be Afraid of Touch-Ups

Even if you’re using a primer and setting spray, your makeup can fade throughout the day. You might find your lip liner worn off after a delicious lunch, or find your mascara flaking and smudging after a day of squinting at a computer screen. Don’t worry—a quick touch-up can refresh your makeup without disrupting what you’ve got on. 

Still, you don’t want to slap on makeup right away. If you have oily skin, lightly dab away the excess oil with a tissue or oil-blotting papers, and if you have dry skin, address any flaky areas with a tiny amount of moisturizer and let it absorb. Then, use a makeup sponge or foundation brush to smooth out your foundation and blush. We recommend using a gentle buffing motion, making sure to smooth things as you go but not rubbing off all of your makeup. 

If the coverage from your foundation or concealer has worn off over blemishes or other imperfections, lightly reapply over those areas, making sure to avoid your blush. Double-check the corners of your nose, where products can accumulate. You can also apply more blush or highlighter, but only do this if absolutely needed. Both products grab more easily on existing makeup, and your glam may look a little less natural with the addition of extra products. 

Amp things up by adding an extra coat of mascara. Avoid clumps by wiggling your wand as you apply, and adding only what you need to. Finish off your touched-up makeup with a few spritzes of setting spray. 

Touching up your makeup gives your glam a little boost, making it great for when you’re taking your look from everyday to evening. Just remember that the more products you add on, the less natural your makeup might look. 

Final Thoughts

The no-makeup makeup look is perfect for everyday, or when you want to let your natural features shine through. It’s also a great option for those who don’t want to use that many products or spend too much time on their makeup. If this sounds like you, consider adopting a minimalist beauty routine. 

Though it might not take as long as your traditional glam, everyday natural makeup still requires good skin prep. Textured skin should be addressed before applying cosmetics, whether you’re touching base with your dermatologist or building your exfoliating routine. Makeup products can be kept to a minimum, however, and cosmetics like primer, foundation, concealer, and more are totally optional. The fewer products you apply, the more natural your makeup will appear, though you can also switch out powder formulas for cream and liquid ones for a lit-from-within look. 

Check out our natural makeup tutorial for a full breakdown. We’ve also got you covered with more application tips and product recommendations here. We guess you could say effortless makeup looks come naturally to us!