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.
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).
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
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127 Member Comments
Once I have done my base, I start to feel better about the day, and then comes the colours
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During the past seven weeks while in iso I've kept makeup to the minimum, just using mascara with a touch of blush and lipstick if I go out. My skin has really benefited and is glowing. I love the natural look.
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I love mixing products
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I looked washed out without a bit of colour. I'll have to at least have a bit of lip stain or tinted lip balm.
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I like natural makeup look the most.
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There is a thin line between no-makeup makeup and "are you ok? you look sick", and that line is mascara.
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Many BH members seem to prefer the no makeup or natural makeup look, but its not for me.
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Honestly it's also all about the skin as well and how much we take care of it. Also the tip about choosing the right blush or bronzer and just using it all over... sooo true! A lot of celebs do that when you watch their natural makeup videos on youtube
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love a good clear and natural looking complexion
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Love the natural look and natural make up!!!
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I like nothing better than a natural makeup look these days and I jazzy my makeup up if I am going out on the town.
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The natural makeup look is definitely my preference these days
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It's hard, sometimes the more you apply, it works, and other times it doesn't, it all depends on my day and how i am feeling, it all shows in my skin
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I have to do my eyebrows as well; mine are fairly pale, so I like to use some coloured brow gel like ModelCo or Benefit.
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Beautiful fresh looks for hot summer days!
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I've have the Olay whip still unopened maybe time to try!
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Love a natural make up look.
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Great tips , really good article.
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You but better. The power of natural makeup looks.
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A nice BB cream is always good for a bit of coverage and colour, but still looking very natural. Or just pop on some serum and moisturiser and go bare skinned on those good skin days.
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Curl your lashes....that statement instantly makes me think of Erin on Im a Celebrity with her eyelash brush...LOL
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Love enhancing, not covering. So yes, all these steps, great. I do leave my skin glowy, not matte, but add a touch of powder here and there to reduce my super greasy "glow" to just glow xD
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I love the natural makeup look which enhances the skin rather than covers it.
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This look is amazing. She looks great-the blonde girl.
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Perfect makeup look for this time of the year
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