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How to Perfect the Art of No-Makeup Makeup

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Waking up feeling confident doesn’t happen by accident. In a perfect world, puffy eyes, skin redness, blemishes and breakouts can sometimes stand in the way. Enter no-makeup makeup, which is exactly what it sounds like: a fresh-faced, natural look in which product is practically undetectable. And with hot summer days ahead, less in the makeup department is truly more. No makeup meltdowns here.

While creating the no-makeup makeup look is relatively fuss-free, nailing it does require some technique. Below, makeup artist Geneva Fong shares some pro tips on perfecting the no-makeup makeup look.

Prep your skin

First things first, before applying any makeup, prep your skin. Fong suggests doing a quick mask, if you have time, to make the skin look more supple. If not, she advises prepping your skin with your usual skincare routine and moisturizer. Once all the products absorb into your skin, follow with a primer "to turn your skin into an optimal canvas," Fong says.

Don't forget the SPF

If you'll be spending time outside, wearing sunscreen is a must. But don’t rely on your tinted moisturizer with SPF to get the job done, says Fong. Instead, ensure sunscreen is its own separate step to ensure you have proper sun protection. And, as always, don’t forget to reapply sunscreen throughout the day as needed.

Opt for lightweight formulas

Summer isn't the ideal time for heavy formulas. Instead, Fong recommends reaching for a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer. "They'll not only feel better on the skin, but they'll look more natural versus a powder," she says. For tinted moisturizers specifically, which lend themselves to a no-makeup look, she suggests ones that have a “drippy” formulation that blends seamlessly into the skin. Another great option: Rose Inc's Skin Enhance Luminous Tinted Serum, a hydrating skin tint that delivers sheer, radiant coverage. Think of it as the no-makeup makeup look in a bottle.

"Apply light layers of your base makeup, so you don't over-apply and go for a lighter, more natural finish overall”

Use light layers

In addition to lightweight formulas, Fong notes it's also important to keep your layers light. "Apply light layers of your base makeup, so you don't over-apply and go for a lighter, more natural finish overall," she says. The same goes for your concealer. Fong recommends using cream concealer. The key, she says, is to apply it with an eyeshadow brush or fluffy concealer brush, which provides a softer touch. An added benefit: it also guards against overapplying product, preventing it from looking cakey.

Apply some highlighter

The no-makeup makeup look is all about enhancing your natural features and giving your complexion a natural glow. A little bit of your favorite highlighter can do just that. "Apply it on the high points of the face: under the brow, high points of the cheekbone and cupid's bow," Fong says.

Add some color

Although the no-makeup makeup look’s goal is to appear as minimal as possible, adding some minimal color is essential in bringing it all together. To warm up the eyes, she recommends using a soft beige eyeshadow, or mixing a bit of blush with your natural powder color. Then swipe some cream blush on the cheeks and across the nose. Finish with a tinted gloss or balm similar to your blush shade to create a harmonious overall look.

"The no-makeup makeup look is all about enhancing your natural features and giving your complexion a natural glow."

Groom brows and lashes

Brows and lashes also need some love. Fong recommends combing and brushing the brows up to make them appear fuller without needing any tint. Bonus points: The Brow Renew Enriched Clear Shaping Gel enriched with hair-strengthening ingredients can help keep the brows in place while adding volume and improving brow fullness over time. Add a couple of coats of waterproof mascara to the lashes, ideal for humid summer days.

Finish with a setting spray

To lock in the no-makeup makeup look, Fong points to a makeup setting spray that contains a film-forming ingredient like silicone to create a barrier. If you have oily skin, she suggests spraying it on the face after applying foundation and again once you finish the entire look. If you have normal to dry skin, one spritz at the end should do the trick.

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How to Perfect the Art of No-Makeup Makeup

Prep your skin

Don't forget the SPF

Opt for lightweight formulas

"Apply light layers of your base makeup, so you don't over-apply and go for a lighter, more natural finish overall”

Use light layers

Apply some highlighter

Add some color

"The no-makeup makeup look is all about enhancing your natural features and giving your complexion a natural glow."

Groom brows and lashes

Finish with a setting spray

Shop No-Makeup Makeup Essentials

Skin Enhance Luminous Tinted Serum

Skin Enhance Luminous Tinted Serum

Solar Radiance Hydrating Cream Highlighter

Solar Radiance Hydrating Cream Highlighter

Cream Blush Refillable Cheek &

Cream Blush Refillable Cheek & Lip Color

Brow Renew Enriched Clear Shaping

Brow Renew Enriched Clear Shaping Gel

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