How to Master No-Makeup Makeup in 5 Steps

Mastering that perfect no-makeup makeup look is just about every gal’s dream accomplishment when it comes beauty. Achieving this barely there look, however, can be challenging. It’s easy to go overboard when attempting a no-makeup makeup look, which basically defeats the entire purpose. In order to get the look right, we tapped NYC-based makeup artist Kasey Spickard to get his natural-makeup tips..

STEP 1: Make Sure Your Skin Is Prepped

The key to no-makeup makeup is perfect skin prep, says Spickard. “You want to hydrate and illuminate the skin as much as possible beforehand,” he says. Start with an eye cream and hydrating moisturizer, and then apply a gripping primer like the IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Oil Free Makeup Primer. 

STEP 2: Spot Treat Your Complexion

Instead of laying on a foundation all over the face, spot treating your complexion is the ultimate way to nail down a no-makeup makeup look. “Use a fluffy eyeshadow brush to buff foundation into any areas that have discoloration or blemishes to even out the complexion,” says Spickard. The NYX Professional Makeup Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Concealer is one of our favorites for this because it has buildable coverage, comes in 24 shades and glides on the skin seamlessly. “Less is more, so you want to use a half-pea-sized amount of product,” he adds.

STEP 3: Keep the Eye Warm

No-makeup makeup also involves a warm, subtle eye. Use a brow gel like the Urban Decay Brow Finish Waterproof Brow Gel to add some dimension to the brows, and stick with nude, taupe or brown eyeshadows. “Take a warm brown shade and buff that into the outer corner and lower lash line, and finish with a coat or two of mascara,” says Spickard.

STEP 4: Subtle Contour Blush and Bronze

For subtle definition, apply a contour shade onto the hollows of the cheeks, forehead and jawline. Feel free to add a touch of bronzer where the sun would naturally bronze you and apply a little blush. Spickard’s trick here is to use cream blush when going for a no-makeup makeup look. “It will give you a natural flush while melting into the skin,” he says. “The Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek Stick in Werk is my favorite.” Apply this with a stiff blending brush and tap it onto the cheeks lightly.

STEP 5: Finish With a Gloss

To wrap up your no-makeup makeup look, finish with a subtly tinted lip gloss. The Jouer Sheer Pigment Lip Gloss is a go-to for Spickard because it gives just the right hint of color with a touch of sparkle.

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