There’s a specific formula for achieving natural-looking makeup—here are six techniques that professional artists use to perfect it.
Whether you're experimenting with natural-looking makeup to capture the fresh and uncomplicated aesthetics inspired by the warmer seasons, or to simplify your beauty regimen during the later months of the year, it's clear that this approach offers remarkable versatility. As a beauty editor, I can wholeheartedly say that I love uncovering new methods to enhance my makeup routine without the fear of a fad fading just as I begin to invest in the products. Even before it had an official label, I was naturally drawn to timeless makeup looks daily, so trying it felt like a natural choice. If you're keen on mastering natural-looking makeup as I am, check out the six essential expert-approved tips and techniques to achieve it, followed by a look at some of my favorite recent interpretations of natural makeup from skilled makeup artists and celebrity influencers.
Natural-looking makeup accentuates your inherent face shape and features, utilizing what are generally regarded as subtle application techniques, product shades, and textures. This timeless and adaptable makeup style is often referred to as "no makeup" makeup in media and is cherished for its simplicity. Do you remember the "clean girl" beauty trend that took social media by storm last year? This easy-to-implement trend embraced natural-looking makeup while promoting lifestyle-focused aesthetics.
Makeup artist Michelle Waldron emphasizes that the secret to achieving a natural-looking makeup finish lies in excellent skincare. "A well-hydrated base allows sheer and luminous products to blend effortlessly," Waldron states. To impart glow and color to the skin, she recommends Roxanne Rizzo Bronze Glow Bronzing Mist ($40) for an evenly sun-kissed appearance. Similarly, makeup artist, esthetician, and Omayma Skin founder, Omayma Ramzy, supports this idea. "When your skin is genuinely nourished, you’ll rise halfway there without needing to use any products," she adds.
Beauty expert Jaleesa Jaikaran suggests concentrating on strategic placement rather than applying products everywhere. For instance, when starting your makeup at the center of the face, apply concealer beneath the eyes to mask any discoloration around the mouth and nose, promoting an even skin tone. Before applying any makeup, Jaikaran prefers to prep her skin with a hydrating spray, such as D'Alba White Truffle First Spray Serum ($18) and a nourishing glazing milk, like Byoma's Hydrating Milky Toner ($12). "The aim is to utilize lightweight formulas that meld into the skin without making it overly shiny," she clarifies. "I mainly focus on either a glowy or soft matte finish."
How can I achieve natural-looking makeup? Before applying makeup, Ramzy's skincare regimen includes using the Omayma Skin Active Rejuvenation Oasis Serum ($124) to enhance luminosity after cleansing, followed by the locking in of hydration with The Bedouin Elixir Facial Oil ($112). "By the time I'm done, there's this lit-from-within quality that’s almost impossible to replicate with makeup alone," she explains. For natural-looking makeup, she favors a minimalistic and architectural approach, using the Fara Homidi Essential Face Compact ($88) and layering its Shine Baume and Smooth Veil for a "raw and real" skin appearance.
For areas requiring extra attention, such as dark circles or uneven tones, Ramzy opts for the Hourglass Airbrush Concealer ($20). "It’s the sole concealer I trust completely. It’s buildable without appearing cakey, and on properly prepped skin, it virtually disappears," she adds. For a simple, just-bitten lip, Ramzy prefers Finding Ferdinand's Delicious Balm ($28). "It appears intimidatingly pigmented in the tube, but once applied, it transforms into a sheer, bitten berry wash that gives a healthy and vibrant appearance without looking overly done," she explains. To complete the look, she adds a single coat of mascara.
What is the best technique for applying my products? While natural-looking makeup may seem straightforward and effortless, makeup artists remind me that specific steps can be taken for flawless application. Ramzy begins her routine with a gua sha or facial massage to lift, sculpt, and reduce congestion in the face, spending 30 seconds on each stroke while moving upward and outward. Her crucial skincare tip? Warm facial oil by rubbing your palms together before serum application.
For this makeup style, Ramzy suggests using a limited number of products through layering, rather than a multitude of items. She believes one should never underestimate the impact the right lip color can have on a minimalist beauty look. "The Finding Ferdinand Delicious Balm is sheer enough that it never clashes with your skin, but it gives your lips that berry-stained, just-bitten quality that makes the entire look intentional," Ramzy states. "It’s the kind of product that leads people to wonder if you’re wearing anything at all—and that, to me, is the utmost compliment a no-makeup look could receive."
Jaikaran also emphasizes
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There’s a specific formula for achieving natural-looking makeup—here are six techniques that professional artists use to perfect it.
The case is concluded.
