There’s a particular equation for achieving natural-looking makeup—8 techniques that professional artists use to perfect the method.
Whether you experiment with natural-looking makeup to embrace the fresh, uncomplicated styles inspired by the warmer months or to simplify your beauty routine for the latter half of the year, it's clear that this approach is one of the most adaptable methods for makeup application. As a beauty editor, I find great pleasure in discovering new ways to enhance my makeup routine without the concern of beauty trends becoming outdated right when I invest in the products to try them. Even before it had an official title, I was drawn to timeless makeup daily, so trying it made perfect sense. If you're eager to master the art of natural-looking makeup like I am, continue reading for six expert-approved tips and tricks on how to achieve it, and then explore my favorite recent interpretations of this trend by makeup artists and beauty-savvy celebrities.
Natural-looking makeup enhances your inherent features and facial shape using what are often seen as subtle application techniques, shades, and textures. Such looks are timeless and versatile, frequently referred to in the media as "no makeup" makeup and cherished for their simplicity. Do you recall the "clean girl" beauty inspiration that swept across social media in recent years? This easily replicable trend celebrated natural-looking makeup while embracing lifestyle-oriented aesthetics.
Makeup artist Michelle Waldron emphasizes that great skincare is crucial for achieving natural-looking makeup. "A hydrated canvas allows sheer and glowy products to blend effortlessly," Waldron states. Makeup artist, esthetician, and founder of Omayma Skin, Omayma Ramzy, supports this view. "When your skin is truly nourished, you'll find yourself halfway there in the morning without needing to apply any products," she adds. Beauty expert Jaleesa Jaikaran advises focusing on strategic application rather than placing product everywhere. For instance, when starting your makeup from the center of the face, apply concealer under the eyes to cover any discoloration around the mouth and nose for a balanced skin tone. Before applying any makeup, Jaikaran prefers prepping her skin with a hydrating mist (we recommend Aestura Atobarrier365 Cream Mist, £18) and a nourishing glazing milk like Byoma's Hydrating Milky Toner (£12). "The aim is to use lightweight formulas that meld into the skin without causing excessive shine," she explains. "I typically focus on a glowy appearance or a soft matte finish."
Continue reading for an in-depth look at eight natural-looking makeup styles that have caught my eye, leading to numerous screenshots and shopping splurges.
1. Fresh and Dewy
Celebrity makeup artist and beauty director David Razzano’s take on natural-looking makeup stands out in my mind due to its dewy base. He characterized it as a “skin sheen” in an Instagram post, revealing that Westman Atelier's Vital Skincare Complexion Drops ($68) and Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer ($39) were used to achieve the light-reflecting effect.
2. Blurred Lips
Model and beauty founder Hailey Bieber recently showcased this effortlessly chic look on Instagram. The blurred-lips effect can be achieved with a creamy lip liner for understated definition and a pigmented lip tint with a low shine. Rhode's Peptide Lip Shape in Press (£24) and Peptide Lip Tint in Toast (£20) can provide this just-bitten lip effect within seconds.
3. Warm Tones
One of my favorite looks by Hung Vanngo for actress Laura Harrier is this warm and beautifully bronzed style. It's easy to see how the rich, chocolatey tones of her lips and cheeks complement the golden bronzer applied to the high points of her face. Consider using a pearlescent highlighter paired with a pink-toned blush to recreate this.
4. Naturally Flushed
Makeup artist Judi Gabbay is known for her soft glam looks, but I adore this streamline moment for model Kennidy Hunter. Gabbay described the look as “island girl glam” on Instagram, showcasing peachy gold hues for naturally flushed cheeks, created using Patrick Ta’s Major Headline Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo (£37), featuring the shades She's the Moment and She's So L.A.
5. Subtly Sun-Kissed
Bronzed makeup doesn't have to follow trends too closely. Some of the most sophisticated bronzed looks I've seen recently focus on enhancing dimension and sculpted features without overdoing color. Lori Harvey shared a photo of her sun-kissed makeup in February, and I’m eager to replicate it for my next dinner outing.
6. Lightly Smoky
Smoky eyes aren't just for nighttime. This subtle yet smoky look created for model Barbara Palvin by celebrity makeup artist Tobi Henney merges sensuality with a clean, natural style. The look combines brown eyeliner, defined lashes, and just-bitten pink lips.
7. Glossy Touches
Combining skinny brown with a fresh, dewy base is the epitome of modern chic.
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There’s a particular equation for achieving natural-looking makeup—8 techniques that professional artists use to perfect the method.
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