makeup looks 7 Simple Makeup Looks For Everyday Wear

These days, beauty lovers are spoiled for choice when it comes to makeup inspiration. From trendy TikTok glam to classic ‘50s style and more, there’s a tutorial for every type of makeup look you could dream to create. 

However, not every day requires that you paint on a full face and we all need a few trusty looks that offer a well put together visage in minutes — without multiple products or complex directions. For those days when you’re looking for a pared down routine, we’re here to help with some easy makeup ideas that are beautiful and simple — but anything but basic. Keep reading for seven of our favorite makeup looks that are perfect for day-to-day wear. 

How Do I Pick My Makeup Look?

Deciding on which look you should wear on a day-to-day basis depends on a number of factors, including the occasion, the weather and most importantly, your preference. You may want to amp up your makeup for an interview if you’re wearing your hair pulled back, but you wouldn’t necessarily sport this look to go shoe shopping. So when it comes to figuring out how to pick a makeup look, you really can’t go wrong as long as you're happy with the end result.

What Do You Need for a Simple Makeup Look?

Picking the right products and tools is the counterpart to picking your makeup look. You can decide on a gorgeous look as much as you want but if you don’t have what you need to complete it, your desire is moot. And not having just one key product can be a hindrance in your look coming together the way you envisioned it. 

That being said, what you need for a simple makeup look will differ based on the look. A basic rule of thumb is to have a few key makeup essentials on hand at all times. That includes a long-wear foundation or base product made for your skin type, concealer for brightening, smudge-proof eyeliner, a mascara that gives you length and volume, bronzer for warming up your complexion and lipstick to finish your look. Be sure to also keep setting spray handy, along with a set of makeup brushes and at least one makeup sponge.

7 Everyday Makeup Looks That Are Easy to Do

Try one of the looks below when you need a simple, but stunning look that gets you through day-to-day events.

1. No Makeup, Makeup

If you’re thinking, how can I look good with basic makeup because you’re hoping to get a look that’s as close to your natural appearance, this is the choice for you. When it comes down to it, after all, no makeup look can beat the appearance of healthy, hydrated skin. 

This is exactly why no makeup, makeup (also known as the clean look) is one of our absolute favorite makeup trends. This look allows you to boast dewy skin and flushed cheeks without the need for a ton of products. 

Get the look: Use a radiant finish foundation to give your complexion an all-over gorgeous sheen — we recommend the L’Oréal Paris True Match Hyaluronic Tinted Serum. If you have oily skin and are worried about looking slick, try the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear in a Powder, matte finish. Next, accentuate your features with a pop of blush on the apples of your cheeks. Finally, add a quick swipe of mascara to your lashes for a soft but stunning finish. 

2. Sheer Smokey Eye

While we love a traditional smokey eye, this sheer take on this classic eye makeup is a great way to bring this look into the everyday. It’s the perfect balance of color and definition that’s flattering for both day and night and it’s super easy to recreate. 

Get the look: To make your smokey eye more sheer, use a warm brown shade that’s only a shade or two darker than your skin tone. Apply it all over the eyelid, blending it with your eyeliner to create a smudged effect. Top your lashes with a volumizing mascara, add your foundation and you’re ready for your day.

3. Standout Underliner

If you want to level up your eye makeup without using eyeshadow, a bold underliner will suit your needs. All you have to do is grab a pencil eyeliner in the color of your choice and fill in your lower waterline — right at the base of your lashes. Not only is bottom liner a great way to shake things up, but this look also allows you to experiment with various trends for a unique finish. 

Get the look: To get the perfect underline look, use your ring finger to gently pull down your lower lid. Use a cotton swab to remove any excess moisture (to avoid smeared eyeliner), and then slowly trace your liner along the waterline. Need an eyeliner recommendation for this look? We love the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner because it glides on smoothly and comes in standout shades like cobalt blue, teal, purple, burgundy and more.

4. Bright Lipstick With Winged Eyeliner

A standout lip color is one of the easiest ways to create an effortless everyday makeup look. Whether you love deep reds and corals or purples and pinks, the right shade can give your face the perfect wash of color without the need for much else. Pair it with a small flick of winged liner and you’ve got a makeup treasure. 

Get the look: First, grab the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner in Black and line your top lash line, adding just a short, upward flick at the end. Go back and add more liner if you want a thicker line and more defined wing at the end. Then pick up a vivid shade from the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Reds Of Worth Satin Lipstick With Saturated Color line for the perfect red. To keep your lipstick in place and prevent bleeding, reach for a lip liner that matches your lipstick. 

5. Flushed Cheeks With Matching Lips

Adding a pop of color can take your everyday makeup look from basic to brilliant in a matter of minutes. From bright pink and orange to berry shades, a blush with a burst of color will amp up your complexion and create a radiant everyday look that is sure to turn heads. Match it with your lip color for a monochromatic look that will light up your social feeds.

Get the look: Sweep your cheeks with an alluring orange shade, like the L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Lip and Cheek Tint in Ethereal Blush. This multi-use must-have is formulated with aloe for hydration and rose extracts for a bright, radiant finish. Give your lips a swipe of the juicy tint so your cheeks and your pout are two matching pairs.

6. Voluminous Top and Bottom Lashes 

A set of big and bold eyelashes can elevate your entire everyday makeup look with just one swipe of mascara. Keep it classic with black or brown formulas or take your lashes to another level by adding a colored mascara to the equation. Depending on the shade you choose, you can also complement the color of your eyes and give your lashes a fuller appearance with a colorful tint at the same time.

Get the look: For a lash boost, reach for the L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara. Its formula creates volume and length that has staying power, without smudging or clumping.

7. Colorful Eyeliner

If you can’t tell by now, one of the easiest ways to switch up your everyday makeup is to swap your usual black winged eyeliner for a colorful flick or opt to line your waterline with a vibrant shade. Not only will doing so allow you to play with a variety of quick looks, but it lets you get in on the colored eyeliner trend. 

Get the look: Use the aforementioned L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner to enhance your lash line, or the Le Liner Signature Easy-Glide Mechanical Waterproof Eyeliner, if you want a more ink-like glide that will last all day and offer precise, intense color.

Next: 21 Makeup Terms All Beauty Enthusiasts Should Know

Edited by: Shalwah Evans, Photography: Chaunte Vaughn, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Associate Creative Producer: Becca Solovay, Digital Tech: Katy Andrascik, Photo Assistant: Sam Kang, Makeup Artist: Jonet Williamson, Hairstylist: Akihisa Yamaguchi, Wardrobe Stylist: Melina Kemph, Wardrobe Assistant: Kayla Martinez, Model: Adrianne Kiara

1. No Makeup, Makeup

When it comes down to it, no makeup look can beat the appearance of healthy, hydrated skin. This is exactly why no makeup, makeup (also known as the “clean look”) is one of our absolute favorite makeup trends. This look focuses on the beauty from within and allows you to boast dewy skin and flushed cheeks without the need for a ton of makeup. 

Get the look: Use a radiant finish foundation to give your complexion a gorgeous sheen — we recommend the L’Oréal Paris True Match Hyaluronic Tinted Serum (if you have oily skin and are worried about looking slick, try the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear in a Powder, matte finish). Next, accentuate your features with a subtle sweep of bronzer and a pop of blush on the apples of your cheeks. Finally, add a quick swipe of mascara to your lashes for a soft but stunning finish. 

2. Sheer Smokey Eye

While we love a traditional smokey eye, this sheer take on this classic eye makeup is a great way to bring this look into the everyday. It’s the perfect balance of color and definition that’s flattering for both day and night and it’s super easy to recreate. 

Get the look: To make your smokey eye more sheer, use a warm brown shade that’s only a shade or two darker than your skin tone. Apply it all over the eyelid, blending it with your eyeliner to create a smudged effect. 

3. Bright Lipstick

A standout lip color is one of the easiest ways to create an effortless everyday makeup look. Whether you love deep reds and corals or purples and pinks, the right shade can give your face the perfect wash of color without the need for much else. 

Get the look: Pick up a vivid shade from the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Reds Of Worth Satin Lipstick With Saturated Color line for the perfect red. To keep your lipstick in place and prevent bleeding, reach for a lip liner that matches your lipstick. Then, starting at the center of your lip, swipe the color on and work toward the outer edges of your mouth. 

Repeat on your upper lip, making sure to follow the contour of your pout. Place a tissue between your lips and press them together to remove excess color. This will keep your bright lip hue from accidentally transferring to your teeth.

4. Underliner

If you want to level up your eye makeup without using eyeshadow, a bold underliner will suit your needs. All you have to do is grab a pencil eyeliner in the color of your choice and fill in your lower waterline — right at the base of your lashes. Not only is bottom liner a great way to shake things up, but this look also allows you to experiment with various trends for a unique finish. 

Get the look: To get the perfect underline look, use your ring finger to gently pull down your lower lid. Use a cotton swab to remove any excess moisture (to avoid smeared eyeliner), and then slowly trace your liner along the waterline. Keep swiping until you’ve achieved your desired intensity. 

5. Flushed Cheeks 

Adding a pop of color can take your everyday makeup look from basic to brilliant in a matter of minutes. From bright pink and orange to berry shades, a blush with a burst of color will amp up your complexion and create a radiant everyday look that is sure to turn heads.

Get the look: Sweep your cheeks with a bright orange shade, like the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Makeup Radiant Satin Blush with Camellia Oil in Marigold. This creamy, satin blush applies effortlessly without caking or drying and instantly gives your cheeks a healthy, radiant glow.

6. Colorful Eyeliner

One easy way to switch up your everyday makeup is to swap your usual black winged eyeliner for a colorful flick or opt to line your waterline with a vibrant shade. Not only will doing so allow you to play with a variety of quick looks, but colored eyeliner is super popular right now. 

Get the look: Try using the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner, which has a creamy, waterproof formula that will last all day and offer precise, intense color. Some shades to consider for a fresh look are purple, cobalt blue, teal, and green.

7. Voluminous Lashes 

A set of big and bold eyelashes can elevate your entire everyday makeup look with just one swipe. Keep it classic with  black or brown formulas or take your lashes to another level by adding a colored mascara to the equation. Depending on the shade you choose, you can also complement the color of your eyes and give your lashes a fuller appearance with a colorful tint at the same time.

Get the look: For a lash boost, reach for the L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Washable Bold Eye Mascara. Its formula creates volume without clumping, and it comes in four colorful shades for when you want to add some drama to your look.   

Next: 21 Makeup Terms All Beauty Enthusiasts Should Know

Edited by: Shannon Stubbs, Photo Credit: Chaunte Vaughn