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STYLE
Beauty
How to rock no-makeup makeup
Love that effortless, glowing look without the hassle? We’ve got you covered! Time to channel your inner Hailey Bieber and master the art of barely-there glam with these easy peasy tips. Whether you're headed to class, brunch with the squad, or just vibing, here’s how to get that glam-but-chill look that’ll have everyone thinking you just roll out of bed looking this fab.
Step 1: Start with the base-ics
Say goodbye to cakey foundations and hello to fresh, dewy skin. The key to no-makeup makeup is healthy, radiant skin so begin by prepping with a hydrating primer or lightweight moisturizer. Want a lil' more coverage? Go for a sheer BB cream or tinted moisturizer—because we’re all about that natural glow, not covering it up.
If you're looking to amp up the dewiness, try mixing a drop of liquid highlighter into your moisturizer. If you're battling redness or uneven tone, a color-correcting primer could also help give you an even base without piling on foundation.
Saie Glowy Super Gel Lightweight Dewy Multipurpose Illuminator, $28, sephora.com | Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 Sunscreen with Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide, $38, sephora.com
Step 2: Use only a touch of concealer
A little concealer goes a long way! Instead of applying it everywhere, focus on the areas where you really need it—like under your eyes, around your nose, or on any blemishes. Blend it well with your fingertips or a damp beauty sponge for a seamless finish. The trick is to keep it light and let your skin peek through.
If you struggle with dark circles or discoloration, try using a peach-toned corrector under your concealer to neutralize the area before applying your main product. It's all about spot-treating instead of full-coverage to keep things natural.
Step 3: Soft, natural brows FTW
Keep your brows looking defined but *natural*. Lightly fill in any gaps with a pencil (pro tip: choose one a shade lighter than your brows for the softest look), then fluff them up with a clear or tinted gel. Feathery, effortless brows = all the compliments.
REFY Brow Sculpt Shape and Hold Gel with Lamination Effect, $24, sephora.com | Benefit Cosmetics Precisely, My Brow Pencil Waterproof Eyebrow Definer, $26, sephora.com
Step 4: Embrace the magic of clear mascara
Clear mascara is your new BFF for those no-makeup days (BTW, for a two-in-one beauty hack, clear mascara is also perf for taming those unruly brows!). It gives your lashes a little lift without the drama of black formulas. If you prefer a bit more impact, go for a brown mascara to so your lashes look long and fluttery while still keepin’ it subtle. Trust us, it’s a game-changer.
If you have naturally long lashes, you might even want to skip mascara altogether and just give your lashes a curl with an eyelash curler for a naturally wide-eyed look.
Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara, $8.49, ulta.com | Glossier Lash Slick Lift and Lengthening Mascara, $20, sephora.com
Step 5: Cream blush + highlighter = glowy perfection
For that natural, rosy look, cream blush is a must. Dab a small amount on the apples of your cheeks and blend upwards for the perf pink tint. You could also opt for a multitasking lip and cheek product to simplify your routine even more.
Add a touch of cream highlighter on the high points of your face (think cheekbones, brow bone, and the tip of your nose) to give your skin that finishing glowy touch.
Our blush crush right now? Def the Rhode Pocket Blush.
MERIT Flush Balm Cream Blush, $30, sephora.com | Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Stay Vulnerable Melting Cream Blush, $22, sephora.com
Step 6: Keep it simple with the lips
Lipstick? Nah. Your lip game should be simple yet chic so opt for a tinted lip balm or sheer gloss in a nude or pink shade. Plus, tinted lip balms often contain SPF, giving you that added layer of protection while keeping your lips looking lush. Or, if you’re feeling extra low-key, go for a clear gloss to add a little shine.
If you want to get fancy, you could even exfoliate your lips first for a smooth, plump finish—DIY sugar scrubs are perfect for this.
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm for Hydration & Shine, $24, sephora.com | Tower 28 Beauty ShineOn Lip Jelly Hydrating Non-Sticky Lip Gloss, $16, sephora.com
And there you have it! With these simple steps, you’ll be mastering the *I-just-woke-up-this-cute* look in no time—no bedhead required. Now go ahead, rock that effortless glow and let your natural beauty do all the talking.
Looking for more makeup inspo? We've got you covered:
💄 4 trendy makeup products to snag this fall
💄 Our fave tinted moisturizers for every budget
💄 The beginner's guide to lipstick
Nailed your no-makeup makeup look? We wanna see it. Tag us on IG @girlslifemag!
Slider image: @emmanuellek_
Top image: @haileybieber
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