Summer is the perfect time to try the no-makeup look. Having a fresh face while still glowing is the way to go and what better way to let your natural beauty shine through. Plus your face feels lighter allowing your skin to breathe. Inspired by the Too Faced Natural Face Radiance Palette that contains everything you need for a natural, totally fresh glow, this no makeup-makeup look has light neutral eyes, glowing cheeks and natural lips. So embrace a natural subtle glow.
Step one: Apply a BB cream, tinted moisturizer or sheer foundation. I always start with clean and moisturized face and after about 5-10 minutes I apply a hydrating and/or illuminating primer. After letting the primer absorbs into the sink for a few minutes, I jump right in using a light hydrating base with a bit of a natural dewy look and that is where the bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream comes in. This isn’t shiny or too heavy and will not melt away in the summer heat. It looks natural on the skin and more even in tone and provides a light coverage, with a beautiful subtle glow.
Step two: Brighten up and conceal any blemishes and dark circles with the brightener and concealer in the Too Faced Natural Face Radiance Palette. These are great because they provide good coverage and I can use both for under eyes and on blemishes. For setting powder, I’ve been religiously using the Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder in Translucent and I just love this! It minimizes my pores and cuts shine on my nose but gives a smooth, radiant look everywhere else. It is very finely milled, and goes on invisibly. Remember, real skin is never matte so finish by only powdering areas that get oily throughout the day.
Step three: Create a natural flush on the cheeks. I usually skip contouring and bronzers all together because what you really need is just a natural flush like I mentioned. But if you wanted to lightly warm up the face a bit, the bronzing veil in the Too Faced Natural Face Radiance Palette is ideal to create a soft sun-kissed glow. Apply the cream blush from the same palette and the Luminizer; as they give a beautiful fresh radiant glow. Highlighting accentuates your best features, and it also keeps your skin looking dewy instead of matte and dry.
Step four: Spritz your face with a facial mist like MAC Fix+, to tone down any cakiness and to keep your skin looking dewy and fresh.
Step five: Go with a light neutral eye. Browns always appear more natural on the eye lids compared to black because it looks subtle. Define your eyes by lining them using brown eye liner. I like using NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner to the top lash line and top waterline as this makes lashes look longer and fuller. Using the same Too Faced palette, apply the Luminizer in the inner corners of your eyes to open them. Next I use my recent mascara love from the drugstore and that’s the Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara. One coat will separate lashes, add length and some volume for a wide-eyed effect. It also washes off easily at the end of the day.
Step six: The Brows. For easy natural brows, I like to fill them in with Benefit Gimme Brow! It has fibers so it makes your brows appear fuller and also helps with adding a touch of color to the brows.
Step seven: And finally, the lips. I don’t like my lips feeling dry so I like something that also provides some hydration to my lips. I think I look best with a bit of subtle color on the lips. For a subtle pop of color and shine, I like using Maybelline Color Elixir Lip Color in Celestial Coral; it provides a hint of pinky coral color and makes your lips look so juicy and shiny. It’s a great lipstick topper but I also like wearing it on its own.
Now let your hair up or down and we’re all done!
What are your favorite products for “no makeup” makeup days? Share with us!