How to Master the No Makeup Makeup Look!

How to Master the No Makeup Makeup Look!

by | Nov 18, 2015 | Throwback

I’ve been watching some TV lately.  Nothing out of control (because really, when do I have the time), but a little OTH and Jane the Virgin here and there.  And I’ve noticed something.  The characters I find the prettiest aren’t really all that made up.
Okay, yes.  I know they have some serious cosmetology magic happening in their trailers, making the no makeup makeup look seem so effortless.  But what it made me realize was that it really doesn’t take much to go from dear god don’t look at me to okay, this is acceptable.

I hate that I even feel like I need this disclaimer, but obviously makeup is in no way a requirement.  I hope we’re all adult enough to accept the reality that most of us just prefer to wear a little to make us feel more put together and presentable.

And truth be told I love makeup.  But most days, it’s not something I make time to fuss with.  I don’t want to look like the walking dead, but also don’t want to spend a ton of time every day.

every day makeup products
With that said, I started pulling back on my makeup.  I’ve been dealing with some skin issues lately I have some skin issues (hello, adult acne), and I wanted to see if I pulled back if it would actually help my skin.  Seemed sort of like a no-brainer, and it’s definitely been helping.  

The trick to the no-makeup makeup look is to really pamper your skin!  

I’m still using the Clinique Acne Solutions, and it’s still working for me (for the most part).  It doesn’t leave my skin perfect, and I still get flare ups, but it’s been consistently good for me.  I’m hoping to try out the Rodan & Fields UnBlemish soon (holler at Kristin if you need a consultant).  
I moisturize with just a standard moisturizer.  Sometimes I opt for coconut oil if I’m dealing with some pesky dry skin.  For eye cream, I’ve been using Bobbi Brown Extra Eye Repair, and it’s some heavy duty stuff.  I let my moisturizers soak in for about 10 minutes before I move on to makeup.  That’s a good time to work on your hair.

five minute face

The point of the no makeup makeup look for me is to highlight my strongest features without it being obvious.

First up, the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser.  This is new for me.  I hate the packaging, love the product.  I apply it in the typical triangle under my eyes, bringing what’s left down my nose and hitting my eyelids.  I have two scars on my cheeks from cystic breakouts that this ends up covering, too.

Next, I dust the Rimmel Stay Matte powder all over my face.  I use translucent, but for some reason it ends up making everything look a little softer, and it seems to have some coverage which doesn’t make any sense to me, but hey…I’m not complaining.

I hit my cheeks with just a bit of the Nyx blush.  Pinched is a great touch of color that also has a bit of a highlighting quality to it.  It adds a nice flush to the skin without looking like makeup.

The Naked Basics Palette has a few jobs.  I mix Naked 2 & Faint together and tackle my brows lightly.  I take a flat eyeliner brush and pick up some crave for my tight line.  This is a great way to add depth to your eyes without actually seeing the liner.  I take that same liner brush and dip it into Faint.  I very gently tap it under my bottom lashes.  Again, a great way to line the eyes without it seeming so obvious.

I forgot to photograph mascara, but you know you should always use mascara, right?  That’s a probably a no-brainer. Just use what works for you.  I like the Covergirl Clump Crusher.  Two light coats on top lashes, one light coat on bottom lashes.

Finish up with a soft gloss.  You can also opt for a soft, matte lipstick.

Bada bing! Bada boom!
And you’re out the door
in five minutes!