How To Do a Selfie-Worthy No-Makeup Makeup Look

There’s a time and place for full glam, but we’d argue that a well-executed no-makeup makeup look suits nearly any occasion. Done properly, the natural makeup look allows you to look like the very best version of yourself. It’s also fairly easy to achieve—even for beginners—so long as you have the right products at your disposal. 

Here, we’ll explain how to create a natural no-makeup makeup look that accentuates your natural beauty. You’ll also discover some of our favorite skincare and no-makeup makeup products to craft your fresh-faced glow. Keep scrolling for the full tutorial. 

What Is Considered a No-Makeup Makeup Look?

No-makeup makeup can be broadly defined as any makeup look that appears undetectable—or, in other words, like you’re not wearing any makeup at all. Of course, it’s an illusion: Creating the look involves applying some makeup to even out your skin tone, illuminate your features, and give your skin a healthy-looking glow. There are different approaches to creating natural-looking makeup, but typically, the process involves a few key products, including foundation, bronzer or blush (or both), brown mascara, and lip gloss. Well-groomed brows are also an important element of the no-makeup look—you want to look put together, but still like yourself. 

How To Get a No-Makeup Makeup Look 

While no-makeup makeup, at its best, looks effortless, it does take a few steps to nail. Here’s what you’ll want to do to create the illusion of a makeup-free makeup look. 

Step 1. Moisturize and apply SPF

The key to a flawless-looking complexion lies in proper skin prep. Since no-makeup makeup is largely focused on healthy, dewy-looking skin, there’s no better way to prep than with a solid skincare 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 helps fade 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 Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily UV Lotion for its lightweight formula and invisible finish (no need to worry about a white cast). 

Step 2. Prime your skin

After finishing your skincare routine, wait about ten minutes to give your products a chance to absorb. Once they do, apply a 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, which helps blur the appearance of pores and smooths the skin. If you have a different skin concern you’d like to target, the Prime Lab line also includes a matte setter, a redness eraser, and a dullness reducer. 

Step 3. Apply foundation

The real starting point of any no-makeup makeup look is natural-looking, glowing skin, which can be achieved with a natural or dewy-finish foundation. We love the L’Oréal Paris True Match Hyaluronic Tinted Serum, which offers sheer, lightweight coverage and feels hydrating on the skin. If you’d prefer something with a bit more coverage, try the L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Foundation—the buildable, medium-coverage formula offers a precise color match with a natural-looking skin-like finish. 

Step 4. Dab on concealer 

Next, dab a lightweight concealer like the L’Oréal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer onto any areas that might need extra coverage, like under your eyes or around your nose. Be sure to blend it well for a seamless finish. 

Step 5. Add bronzer 

When you’re looking to achieve the illusion of no makeup with makeup, a bit of bronzer can go a long way. Grab a fluffy brush along with a matte bronzer, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Bronzer in a hue a shade or two darker than your natural skin tone. Sweep the brush over the powder, then tap off any excess and lightly dust the pigment along your cheekbones, blending up toward your temples. You can also apply a bit of bronzer to the center of your forehead along your hairline and onto the bridge of your nose for a natural-looking sun-kissed effect. Just take care to use a light hand and blend the pigment well to soften any harsh lines. 

Step 6. Fake a natural flush

As with bronzer, a little bit of blush can make a big difference in the outcome of your no-makeup makeup look. We suggest using a buildable liquid blush, such as the L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Liquid Blush. The collection features six natural-looking shades—opt for one of the dewy shades if you’d prefer a more natural look or one of the glowy shades for a more radiant finish. Whichever you opt for, we suggest starting with one dot per cheek and blending it out. From there, you can add more color, if you wish. 

Step 7. Illuminate your features 

Natural skin is neither perfectly matte nor overly dewy—instead, it boasts a soft, healthy-looking glow. You can create a similar effect with a liquid highlighter, such as the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer. Pick up a shade slightly lighter than your skin tone and dab it onto the parts of your face the light would naturally hit, such as your Cupid’s bow, browbones, and the tops of your cheekbones. Use your fingers to blend out the hydrating formula for an illuminated finish sans any unwanted shine or sparkle. 

Step 8. Define your lids and lashes

Eyeshadow isn’t always an element of no-makeup makeup, but we think a bit of nude eyeshadow makes for a chic, cohesive look. When choosing your shadow, we recommend sticking with a soft, neutral shade. The L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick collection has several suitable shades to choose from, in both matte and shimmery finishes. 

Whether you embrace or skip eyeshadow, we suggest finishing off the eyes with a coat of volumizing mascara, like the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Panorama Washable Mascara in Black Brown.

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 a slightly imperfect finish look will help tie together your no makeup look.

Step 10. Swipe on sheer lip gloss

To maintain that bare-faced look, smooth on a hydrating lipstick with a sheer wash of color, like the L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Balm-in-Lipstick. The lightweight formula helps nourish and smooth the lips while leaving behind a buildable luminous tint for the perfect your-lips-but-better look.

Step 11. Spritz on setting spray

While you may be rocking a no-makeup makeup look, we’re guessing you don’t want your makeup to budge throughout the day. Complete your routine by misting your face with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist to help lock in your look for up to 36 (!) hours.

Next up: What Order Should You Apply Your Makeup Products In?

Photo Courtesy of L'Oréal Paris