So how do you nail this “no-makeup look”? We tapped the experts for the easiest step-by-step guide. That might mean incorporating a hydrating toner into the rotation, sure, but you also want to keep your base bouncy and lightweight. To do so, mix a few pumps of serum or moisturizer with your foundation or BB cream for an extra-sheer application so you can blur any imperfections, but let your natural skin texture breathe. On the eye cream front, makeup artist Alexandra Compton, product development manager at clean beauty retailer Credo, recommends snagging one formulated with caffeine. “This will immediately help to rehydrate, brighten and reduce any puffiness under the eyes,” she says. As for concealer, Aunique is partial to a purple color corrector to instantly brighten dark circles. Pro tip: Apply it in the inner corner of your under-eye first (where people tend to have the most discoloration), sheer it out, then follow with a regular concealer on top to set. “That gives you instant brightness,” Aunique adds. Next, simply apply your concealer only where you need it most (breakouts, hyperpigmentation, and the like). Concealer is also the “no-makeup look” version of a highlighter: “Extend your concealer slightly over the tops of the cheekbones for a very natural, subtle highlight,” says Compton. If you don’t have a multiple on-hand, no sweat: Aunique recommends a creamy nude or peach-toned lipstick on the cheeks for some subtle color (clean, natural options are typically loaded with good-for-you ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, so it should be A-OK to tap one into the apples of your cheeks). If mascara’s not your thing, simply reach for a clear option after curling those flutters: A clear mascara can provide definition and fullness (and condition your lashes, while you’re at it) without a touch of pigment.
To keep it natural, brush up those hairs with a dry spoolie to your desired shape. Check out any gaps or sparse areas, then fill in just those spots with your brow pencil or crayon. No need to outline the brow with any harsh lines—just draw in wisps of hair where you need to make them appear full. Then set with a swipe of brow gel (whether tinted or clear), and you’re good to go.
