I’m Meg Ann Lee, hairstylist, makeup artist, and co-owner of Moss Salon in Eau Claire.
We need to talk about the “no makeup” makeup look because the internet has convinced an entire generation of women that this look takes five minutes and three products. It does not. That is a lie on the same level as “I woke up like this.” You did not wake up like that. Beyoncé did not wake up like that. Nobody woke up like that. I received this topic request through my Instagram. You can ALWAYS send me questions or topic requests for my upcoming blog posts.
When I’m working on makeup clients, if they’re over 30, half the time someone pulls up an inspo photo of Kim Kardashian and says “I want something natural like this.” Girl. That is a full glam.. (and a little plastic surgery). Foundation, contour, highlight, lashes, lip liner, concealer all in neutral shades, and probably one to two hours in a chair. Then lighting and a professional camera. That is not natural. That is TALENT and PRACTICE. There’s a difference and it’s important to know what you’re actually asking for.
Why it’s a Trend?
It’s trending because it enhances your natural features. It doesn’t change or cover them. The “no makeup” makeup look isn’t necessarily harder than a full glam but it requires a completely different skill set. It’s about knowing exactly what goes where and how much to use so nothing looks overdone. Full glam is forgiving because you’re building layers. The “no makeup” look has nowhere to hide. Too much and you look like you’re wearing a lot of makeup. Too little and you don’t get the effect you want. The margin is small and it takes knowing your own face really well. It’s giving effortless. But the effort? It’s there. It’s just invisible. Kind of like how “clean girl aesthetic” requires approximately 47 steps to look like you did…nothing. Below are some examples of my natural makeup clients I’ve had recently.
What Steps and Products I Would Actually Use
Here’s what I’d reach for to build a “no makeup” look right now.
Skin prep first. Always. A good moisturizer and primer are doing 80% of the work. Dewy, hydrated skin IS the look so start there.
A skin tint or light coverage foundation. Not full coverage. You want your actual skin to show through. The point is to even things out, not erase your face.
Concealer only where you need it. Under the eyes, around the nose, maybe a spot or two. This is not the look where you’re concealing your entire face. The IG 2016 triangle of concealer under each eye? Not for this.
Cream blush. Not powder. Powder is going to sit on top of your skin and scream “I’m wearing blush.” Cream melts in and gives you that just-pinched, flushed-from-a-walk look. Tap it on with your fingers. Blend the edges. Done.
Brow gel. Just something to brush them up and keep them in place. No hard lines. No carved out arches. Think messy on purpose.
Brown mascara instead of black. This is the underrated move that changes EVERYTHING in a natural look. Brown defines your lashes without the harsh contrast that instantly makes it look more “done.” If you take one thing from this entire post let it be this. If you’re a lash extension girlie, ask for brown.
A lip product that matches your natural lip color. Or just a clear balm. If you’re putting on a visible lip color you’ve already done too much. The “no makeup” look lip is basically your lips but slightly more alive.
Setting spray, not powder. Powder will mattify and take away the dewy skin you just worked so hard to create. Setting spray locks everything in while keeping that fresh, skin-like finish. HOWEVER, powder will help with longevity so pick your most important thing.
Why You’re Struggling and What You Need
This look takes practice. It takes knowing your face. It takes understanding which products work with your specific skin type and texture. You’re probably not going to nail it the first time and that’s fine. The whole point of the “no makeup” look is that it’s supposed to look like you know your face so well that you barely need anything. That confidence in your own features? That’s the real product.
Everything I mentioned is linked in my No Makeup Makeup Favs so you can check out the exact products I’d use. And if you want someone to walk you through base makeup, skin prep, and foundation in person, Travis G and I are teaching Contour and Cabernet on October 16th at The Rev. Tickets at Volume One Events.
The post The “No Makeup” Makeup Look: Why It’s Not as Simple as It Looks and What I’d Actually Use appeared first on I-94 Radio.
