When it comes to makeup, sometimes less is more. The less, though – no-makeup makeup, that is – can be very, very hard to perfect. Although you definitely can just slap on a bit of mascara, concealer, and brow gel before running out (I do this a lot), this usually still ends up looking like makeup. Ironically, no makeup is really hard to do properly, and until a few years ago, we didn’t really have a lot of options in terms of products. Now, we’ve brands like Glossier, all of which focus on the natural look, and more recently, Beyoncé’s makeup artist Sir John revealed the secrets of the ‘boy beat’ look: The focus of the look is natural contours – you want everything to look like a natural shadow, while still adding definition to the face and eyes. Check out which no makeup makeup look you want to try!
I like to combine the whole ‘boy beat’ look with the Glossier, glowy makeup. I conceal only what is absolutely necessary, using light browns and taupes to add shape to the face, but leaving the skin as bare as possible. It’s such a fantastic look for everyday were, and looks amazing with a bold lip. As I’ve spent a lot of time perfecting the no makeup makeup look, I’ve listed my tips/tricks here (NB: this look takes time. Like, a HELL of a lot of time. It’s by no means a rushed look).
The base is what you spend the most time on, and the most products: I usually use three primers and two concealers, maybe foundation, depending on how my skin is looking. I start with a general primer – The Ordinary’s High Adherence Silicone Primer is great for oily skin, and really cheap, too – before moving onto a pore-filling primer that I use around my t-zone (the boy beat look leaves pores unfilled, so this step is definitely optional). Then, cream highlighter. Something like MAC’s Strobe Cream or Glossier’s Haloscope would work well. Anything that sinks into the skin, really: you want it to look like a natural glow rather than a shimmery highlight. This step ensures that really glossy, glowy skin. Apply this generously across the tops of the cheeks, onto the lids, and above the brow bone. Set your primers with powder if you’ve oily skin!
Next, concealer: use concealer before foundation if you’re doing no makeup makeup. This ensures that you’re not putting more product that you need. I usually conceal my nose, around my chin, and under my eyes. Have two concealers at hand – one light coverage one and one high coverage one. Blend the living daylight out of these – especially if you’re forgoing foundation, the concealers need to look seamless on the skin. If you need more coverage, press the concealer into the skin.
If you want to use foundation, use a small amount of something with a light coverage. The Ordinary Serum Foundation comes in 21 shades. This is a no makeup makeup look that is great for a natural complexion vibe. Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint also gives a gorgeous glow to the skin with minimal coverage.
Depending on your mood, add a bit of blush and/or contour at this point. With blush, a cream product works best for a no makeup makeup look. Take this up to the temples, too, for a more natural flush! Glossier’s Cloud Paint in Dusk has a natural, brown-toned colour.
I fill in my brows using Maybelline’s Brow Precise Volumizing Eyebrow Gel, and then comb through with a clear brow gel to set everything. Avoid pencil/powder if you can – ideally you just define the eyebrow hairs themselves.
Glossier’s Boy Brow works fantastically for this look, too:
In terms of the eyes, a light shadow helps emphasise the natural shadows and contours. Use something like MAC’s Paint Pot with a soft, fluffy brush. I like to go quite low with this, as I’m a fan of that hollow-eyed look. For the lashes, make sure to curl them – I spend a good few minutes doing this to make sure they stay curled. If you want to use mascara, concentrate this to the roots of the lashes – this adds some colour and definition without making it obvious you’re wearing mascara. Finish off with lip balm and you’re done! This no makeup makeup look product seals the deal on a perfect complexion!
This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.
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