How to get perfect no-makeup makeup in 5 minutes
If we had it our way…..
we’d roll out of bed with a natural flush in our cheeks, bright under eyes with no bags, skin clearer than a California sky on the most cloudless day, a million dollars, a beach babe who gets up early to make you breakfast before sneaking back in to cuddle….. Sorry, where were we? Right. But, to wrongly quote Beyonce…. We do NOT wake up like this.
Luckily, you can easily get that hell-yeah-I-got-ten-hours-of-sleep-and-a-secret-oxygen-facial glow, even though it may take 5 minutes instead of zero. We got the tea on the best products and pro-level application secrets from Toronto-based makeup artist and beauty writer Khera Alexander. Breakfast-making beach babe not included….. unfortunately….. but go snag one for yourself, you fresh-faced beauty!
Skin:
Hydrated skin in an absolute must-have for no-makeup makeup! Try a primer that gives the skin a dewy finish that will help your makeup look natural once you’ve applied it. Ideally, you’ll want one that is moisturising without making skin look shiny.
Try this:
Foundation & Concealer:
Foundation and concealer are technically optional, (I mean, if you’ve got it, flaunt it) but they’ll give you a beautiful, bright, all-over dewy radiance. Khera recommends trying a water-based foundation for creating a barely-there makeup look— they’re hydrating, have a realistic skin-like finish, and can stay on your skin for hours without looking patchy. Pro-tip: Use a brush to buff it into your skin — beauty sponges will absorb too much of the product.
For concealer, you’re going to want something with fuller coverage that’s also hydrating (are you starting to sense a theme yet??) and won’t accentuate any texture under the eyes or look too matte.
Try this:
Maybelline New York Fit Me Concealer
Brows:
Fill ‘er up…. I mean, in. For Khera, full, brushed brows scream no-makeup makeup. “Brow pencils that are really thin are my favorite because you can be really precise with your placement. I love using pomade-esque products on people with really full brows, and I like adding volume and depth to brows that are more sparse by combing the brow hairs upwards as well.” Look for brow products that come with a spoolie as well, as they’re great for creating fluffy, brushed-up brows.
Try this:
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze
Eyes:
When it comes to giving the eyes the perfect barely there look, all you need is a good mascara and maybe a little eyeliner. Fortunately…. we just launched both of those things, wow crazy timing, right….
Blush & Bronzer:
This duo is essential for adding a bit of color to your now-smooth, glowy canvas. “Gel blushes and bronzers are so easy to use that they can make creating a natural makeup look really simple,” says Khera. “You can apply gel blush with your fingers or a brush, buffing it into your skin or dabbing it across your cheeks. Don’t forget to add a tiny bit on your nose or temples; it helps create more of a natural flush to your skin.”
Try this:
LYS Higher Standard Satin Matte Cream Blush
Lips:
According to Khera, a rich gloss with a high shine is perfect for anyone that likes a barely-there makeup look but doesn’t mind glossy lips. Either apply a full coat of gloss or just tap a little on with your finger.
Try this:
FENTY Beauty Gloss Bomb Cream Color Drip Lip Cream
Now, my beauty lovers, don’t forget to check the recycling info if you drop a little purchase. Also, wear a seatbelt. Drink up. Party on!
