How to Do a Selfie-Worthy No Makeup, Makeup Look in 11 Steps

No-makeup makeup might as well be an art form because looking like you’re not wearing makeup when you are, in fact, wearing makeup is not easy to achieve. Sure, the end result looks pretty minimal, but the process to get there requires a bit of work and a variety of different products, including foundation, concealer, blush and more. 

No-makeup makeup is always trending in some form, so learning how to master it isn’t a bad idea. Keep scrolling for an easy no-makeup makeup tutorial, plus all the skin care and makeup products you’ll need to achieve your minimal beauty look. 

How to Get a No-Makeup Makeup Look 

Starting with skin care, here’s how to achieve a natural makeup look in 11 simple steps. 

Step 1. Moisturize and Apply SPF

The key to a flawless-looking, luminous complexion lies in how you prep your skin. Since no makeup, makeup is skin focused, there’s no better way to prep than with a solid skin care routine. Start by cleansing your face and applying your facial serum of choice. If you need a recommendation, we love the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum, a hydrating serum that plumps the skin and fades fine lines over time.  

After patting in your serum, reach for a lightweight moisturizer like the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Micro Hyaluronic Acid + Ceramides Line-Plumping Water Cream to lock everything in place. Finally, don’t forget to apply SPF — we like the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Invisible UV Fluid for its lightweight formula that doesn’t leave a white cast on any skin tone. 

Step 2. Prime Your Complexion

After your skin is prepped, you can apply makeup primer to create a smooth base for your foundation and extend your makeup wear time. Try the L’Oréal Paris Prime Lab Up to 24H Pore Minimizer, or check out the dullness reducer, matte setter or redness eraser from the Prime Lab line. 

If you want a glowy base, layer the L’Oréal Paris Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer under your foundation for a lit-from-within glow. 

Step 3. Apply Foundation

The real starting point of any no-makeup makeup look is natural-looking, glowing skin, which can be achieved by using foundation, like the L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Foundation or the L’Oréal Paris True Match Hyaluronic Tinted Serum. Both contain hyaluronic acid to keep the skin plump and hydrated and have a natural finish. 

Step 4. Dab on Concealer 

Next, use concealer like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer up to 24H Full Coverage in any areas that might need extra coverage, like under your eyes, around your nose, or any blemishes you might have. 

Step 5. Add Some Bronzy Color

Just because you’re rocking a no-makeup makeup look doesn’t mean your face has to look flat. The key is to use all your normal makeup products with the lightest hand. Reach for a matte bronzer like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Bronzer and a fluffy brush. Apply it to the hollows of your cheeks, along the outer edge of your jawline and forehead (in a ‘3’ motion) and down the sides of your nose.

Step 6. Brighten Your Cheeks

Blush looks natural when you choose a neutral shade and keep a light hand. To achieve the appearance of perfectly pinched cheeks, use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Blush in Daring Rosewood.

Step 7. Craft a Subtle Glow 

Natural skin looks slightly glowy, not wet or blinding with shimmer. To stick with the dewy, natural look, reach for the L’Oréal Paris Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer. Use your finger to pat the highlighter onto your cheekbones for a skin-like luminosity. 

Step 8. Define Your Eyes and Lashes

If you want to include eyeshadow in your no-makeup makeup routine, go for shades with a matte finish like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Matte Chill. Whether you embrace or skip eyeshadow, we suggest finishing off the eyes with a coat of volumizing mascara, like the L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Instant Lift Washable Mascara. 

Step 9. Groom Your Brows

To stay true to the natural look, a little grooming is all you need to do for your brows. You have a couple of options here — you can keep it super natural with an eyebrow mascara, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Volumizing 24H Wear Brow Mascara, or you can give your arches a little more definition with the L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Definer Waterproof Eyebrow Mechanical Pencil. Whichever you choose, just be sure to brush your eyebrows up afterward, as that slightly disheveled look will tie together your no makeup look.

Step 10. Apply a Layer of Sheer Lipstick

To maintain that bare-faced look, use a hydrating lippie with a sheer wash of color like the L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Balm-in-Lipstick with Pomegranate Extract. It’ll enhance your natural lip color to create the perfect your-lips-but-better look.

Step 11. Spritz on Setting Spray

While you may be wearing a no-makeup makeup look, you don’t want your makeup to budge throughout the day. Spritz your face with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray and Set Makeup Oil-Free Setting Spray to finish and set your makeup.

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Photographer: Nelson Huang, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Producer: Becca Solovay, Beauty Content Director: Shalwah Evans, Visual Designer: Sarah Duvivier, Wardrobe Stylist: Alexis Badiyi, Wardrobe Assistant: Jazmine Alzado, Makeup Artist: Jonet Williamson, Hair Stylist: Akihisa Yamaguchi, Digi Tech: Jacky Jiang, Photo Assistant: Tyler Andrews, Model: Erin Williams