7 easy steps for natural-looking makeup

When it comes to daily makeup, most of us just want one thing: to look like we woke up like this.

That fresh-faced, glowing-from-within, ‘did you just get a facial?’, FACE. You know the one.

Luckily, natural-looking makeup has been long sought after and we’ve been around long enough to have picked up some of the best tips for achieving a no-makeup makeup look. 

Which, tbh, is more skin care than makeup.

So get ready to go (basically) bare, if you dare…

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Step 1. Gently exfoliate

Dead skin = dead giveaway. Any makeup applied atop a dry or rough skin texture will only accentuate it. To gain a smoother, glowing base right from the get go, start with a gentle chemical exfoliation to reveal your freshest skin. Try Alpha-H Liquid Gold the night before, or for a quick morning boost, we love Murad’s Hydro-Glow Aqua Peel ($8, sephora.com.au), which can be used for the next step too...

Step 2. Add a big dollop moisturiser or oil

Follow your exfoliation with a big hit of hydration. For a dewier finish, we’d recommend an oil like Ipsum Best Skin Nourishing Face Oil (all-natural and sinks in like a dream) or for those who prefer a more lightweight cream that disappears like air, Olay Regenerist Whip is a real winner. 

@jourdandunn

Step 3. Massage

When applying your chosen source of hydration, really massage it in to increase blood flow and awaken the skin. Lymphatic drainage is a great technique worth learning and will decrease any puffiness too. 

Step 4. Mirco-conceal

Using a concealer the same shade as your skin tone, strategically conceal any areas of concern using as little product as possible. If this is under the eyes, go for something illuminating like Rimmel Wake Me Up Anti Fatigue Concealer or for blemishes and discolouration, try MAC Studio Finish Concealer. Blend well into the skin for undetectable coverage. Or if you prefer all-over coverage, try one of these radiant CC creams for a no-makeup finish. 

Step 5. Keep it monochromatic

For the eyes, lips and cheeks, try finding a sheer wash of colour that accentuates each of these features and use it all over. This could be a rosy pink, terracotta or plum, depending on your skin tone. Even better if you can use the same product for all three eg. Bobbi Brown’s Pot Rouge or Nudestix Nudies Matte All Over Face Colour ($52, sephora.com.au). 

@patrickta

Step 6. Curl your lashes

An essential step for brighter eyes using little makeup. And if you really don’t want to go sans mascara, try focusing your application at the root of the lashes, wriggling the wand back and forth, for natural volume. We love Max Factor False Lash Effect for a natural, fluttery look.  

Step 7. Dust away any shine

Rather than applying a mattifying or setting powder all over, use a small fluffly brush to only target the areas that need it, such as the forehead and chin. This way your face will keep its natural glow, but you won’t look like a greaseball come 3pm. Try La Mav® Mattifying Powder. 

*This article has been updated since its original publication date

Do you like natural looking makeup? What's your best tip for a fresh-faced look?