The No Makeup Makeup Masterclass
BY JENNY JUNG
Master the skills behind the artform that is the no makeup makeup look.
15 DEC - 2022
It takes a lot of effort to look effortless.
Believe it or not, the no makeup makeup look is one of the most difficult looks to master. It is also one of the most commonly requested makeup looks because of its undetectable and youthful quality.
Precision is absolutely key when enhancing your natural features, as the artform relies on replicating the real textures of our skin, brows, lashes and lips. But once you have the routine down pat, it is so easy to slap on whenever you need to look fresh, awake and effortless.
These are my favourite tips and products for those who are looking for a genuine feel to their beauty routine.
True No-Makeup Makeup by @surratt.
Elevated No-Makeup Makeup by @kevynaucoin.
Tip 1: The Best Spot Concealer
I know, you’ve heard it all before - “Spot conceal for the most seamless no makeup makeup effect!”
Although this technique has been long authenticated and verified by the masters of makeup, we don’t hear enough about the kind of concealer we should be using for this step.
A liquid concealer just won’t cut it. It simply does not have the right texture, longevity or coverage to do this step any justice. What you are looking for is a cream formula that is usually in the form of a pot concealer.
Specifically, the Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer is the concealer that you are looking for. This is an ultra high coverage, long lasting and tacky formula that does not spread around, separate or disappear during the day.
Take a precise lip or eyeliner brush and dab on to any areas of concern. Fight your urge to blend immediately on application. Allowing this concealer to dry will amplify the Sensual Skin Enhancer so that you won’t have to layer it over and over again. Next, Slightly dab with the lightest pressure of your ring finger.
The smallest amount will go a long way under the eyes and around the nose, too. Just remember that this formula is incredibly potent - a little goes a long way.
The Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer is an underrated product that is completely unique to the brand. Whether you are trying to disguise dark spots, pimples, acne scars or moles - the Sensual Skin Enhancer can do it all.
Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer, $58 NZD.
Tip 2: No Makeup Blush
The Perricone MD No Makeup Makeup range is absolutely perfect for this edit. Today, I wanted to highlight the No Makeup Blush in particular due to its lightweight, water-colour blush effect.
I’m sure you’ve seen videos of the Daniel Sandler Water-Colour Blush that has been incredibly popular these days. From what I can gather, these blushes have a fluid water-colour-paint-esque texture with a dry down that is non-sticky yet glowy. I am dying to get my hands on them ASAP! Until then, I believe that the Perricone MD No Makeup Blush will do the trick for now.
After you have given this product a good shake, apply the product to a clean surface before you pick it up on a sponge or brush to buff onto the cheeks. Feel free to be liberal as it absorbs into the complexion like skincare and leaves an uber natural flush to the cheeks. It has a semi cheek tint vibe that is still creamy so you won’t have that panic when blending.
Check out the No Makeup Bronzer by Perricone MD, too! Similar in texture, this serum bronzer is shimmer-free and absorbs into the skin with ultimate ease.
Perricone MD No Makeup Makeup Blush, $59 NZD.
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Blush
Since the Perricone MD No Makeup Blush only comes in one shade, we thought to include the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Blush too. This formula is captured in 14 delicious shades of pinks, mauves, browns and maroons.
Keep in mind that this blush has a quick drying formula. This is due to the water colour effect that allows this blush to retain luminosity and radiance without the sticky factor.
The Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Blush has a sheer translucency that is perfect for the no-makeup makeup look! However, don’t assume that this product isn’t pigmented. When using the deeper shades of cranberries and burgundies, this blush packs a punch of pigmentation.
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Blush, $48 NZD.
Tip 3: How To Achieve An Authentic Glow
When executing the no makeup makeup look, the goal is to replicate the natural skin texture with just a few enhancements. This means no shimmery products! The MECCA MAX Off-Duty Glass Skin Cream Highlighter Stick is the perfect product to amp up the glow factor in a naturally glowy way.
A truly translucent formula - the Off-Duty Glass Skin Highlighter Stick is safe to use no matter your skin tone. Using your fingers, warm up the product before lightly tapping on to the high plains of your face. By using your fingers rather than applying directly, you are mitigating the risks of disturbing the base that has been so meticulously laid down.
For $20, this product is an absolute steal that is also high performing and well suited for all skin types. If you have combo or oily skin - just use less and take advantage of your natural skin texture!
Check out the rest of the Off-Duty Blush and Contour Sticks for an affordable yet highly blendable cream formula that has the perfect natural finish - not too dewy and not too matte.
MECCA MAX Off-Duty Glass Skin Cream Highlighter Stick, $20 NZD.
Hydrating Lip Tint
If you don’t already own a few hydrating tinted lip products, I highly encourage you to invest in this formula. By using a lightweight tinted lippie, your lips will look healthy and juicy without throwing off the balance of a no makeup makeup look.
The Rom&nd Juicy Lasting Tint in the shade Pomelo Skin was practically created for this look. It’s the perfect “my lips but better” shade that is ever so slightly peachy. Unlike many other lip tints on the market, the Juicy Lasting Tint is never patchy or drying. Instead, it coats your lips in a lovely natural shine while depositing an amount of colour that is easily adjustable.
Rom&nd Juicy Lasting Tint, Pomelo Skin, $18 NZD.
Tip 5: Tinted Brow Gel
A tinted brow gel is going to add volume to your brows in a way that is feathery and naturally enhancing.
My current favourite brow gel is the Surratt Expressioniste Brow Pomade in Deep Brown. However, it also comes in the shades Light Brown and Black! As the name suggests, this product is more of a waxy pomade that isn’t as wet or heavy like a traditional brow gel. The lightweight texture holds your brows in place without feeling stiff or crunchy.
Surratt Expressioniste Brow Pomade, $35 USD.
Tip 6: How To Make Mascara Look Natural
Firstly, if you are blonde or brunette - opt for a brown mascara. Brown mascaras are surprisingly defining and absolutely gorgeous for those no makeup makeup days. A black mascara on lighter complexions/hair colours may stand out too much and throw this look off-balance. Check out the Perricone MD No Makeup Mascara for a great brown mascara option. It’s a deep chestnut shade that doesn’t make your lashes look dusty.
Secondly, once your lashes are curled and perky, blink into the mascara bristles and lightly wiggle into the roots of your lashes near the lash line. By keeping the ends of your eyelashes free of any potential clumps, this trick defines the eyes without ruining the illusion.
Perricone MD No Makeup Mascara, $59 NZD.
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