How to Get the “No Makeup-Makeup” Look

Maximalism is calling. Bold looks, bright colors, and dramatic accents are back in beauty. And while it may be fun to experiment with trends—or even timeless statement looks like the occasional red lip—one of the more exhilarating things about getting older is leaning into your own style. The older I get, the less pressured I feel to participate in trends. Instead, I spend my time curating my routine with the right products and the right steps. And now, as I focus on a skin-focused approach to beauty, I am embracing the “no-makeup makeup” aesthetic.

I’m not the only one. The no-makeup makeup trend has become a beauty mainstay. With the rise of minimalism, wellness, and clean girl aesthetics, more people are embracing a fresh-faced, effortlessly radiant look that enhances their natural features rather than covering them up. It’s less about perfection and more about intention—your skin, but better.

Ahead, we break down the ultimate step-by-step, no-makeup makeup routine, including product recommendations to give you a natural-looking glow.

Featured image from our Wake Up Call with Sami Spalter.

How to Get the No-Makeup Makeup Look

The no-makeup makeup look is about embracing your natural beauty. It’s not about looking like someone else; it’s about enhancing your natural features. The goal? A dewy glow, a hint of flush, and just enough coverage to even out the complexion. At its best, the no-makeup makeup look makes you look how you do on your best days, even when you don’t have that lit-from-within glow.

No makeup makeup is exactly what it sounds like: a beauty routine designed to look like you’re not wearing makeup. Think sheer coverage, balmy textures, fluffy brows, and skin that looks healthy, hydrated, and lived-in.

The best part? It’s designed to last all day. Sheer coverage doesn’t run the same risk of falling apart during the day. Light coverage is also easier to top up—throw a blendable concealer in your bag, and you’re brand new. Simple but effective, no-makeup makeup can be a game-changer.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving the No-Makeup Makeup Look

The no-makeup makeup look is about feeling good in your own skin. It’s perfect for workdays, weekend brunches, or whenever you want to look fresh without putting in a ton of effort. You can enhance your natural beauty and feel polished in minutes by focusing on skin prep, creamy textures, and minimal coverage.

A no-makeup makeup routine can take a while to get exactly right. Try it, tweak it, and make it your own—because the best part of no-makeup makeup is that it’s built around you. Read on for a tried-and-true routine that never fails to get me compliments on my skin.

Step 1: Skin Prep

A glowy base begins with hydrated skin. As a skin-forward beauty approach, no-makeup makeup relies on a dewy base. Start by applying a gentle cleanser, followed by a hydrating serum or essence to plump and prep. Lock in moisture with a lightweight, radiant-boosting moisturizer—ingredients like vitamin C and antioxidants are perfect for this. Don’t forget your SPF. While many skin tints include SPF, you want to start with a base coverage to protect and prime in one step.

Step 2: Skin Tint

Skip the heavy foundation and opt for a skin tint or tinted moisturizer with a skin-like finish. There’s a reason the latest trend in beauty is “butter skin,” which advocates for velvety, natural-looking skin rather than full-coverage foundation. Try something that offers sheer coverage to even out tone while letting your skin breathe. Apply with fingers or a damp beauty sponge for the most natural effect.

Step 3: Conceal Lightly

All good things in moderation. This is especially true when it comes to concealer. A little goes a long way. Stick with a few strategic dabs under the eyes, around the nose, and on blemishes. Choose a creamy, blendable formula that builds well. Pro tip: Avoid over-layering to keep the skin’s texture visible.

Step 4: Add a Natural Flush

Blush blindness was the reigning beauty trend of 2024. Dramatic flushes in rich pigments were everywhere. But now that we’ve had our fun, a more naturalistic approach to blush is back. Think cream formulas melt into the skin and mimic a real flush. Tap a berry or peach-toned blush onto the apples of the cheeks and blend upward. For a cohesive glow, dab a little onto the bridge of your nose and temples. My favorite cool-girl tip is using blush color for your eyes, cheeks, lips, and more.

Step 5: Add Some Eye Definition

Emphasizing your eyes doesn’t have to take a ton of effort. I see a massive difference every time I curl my eyelashes. Lightly brush up your eyebrows and eyelashes for definition that still looks effortless. Then, add a little extra definition and texture with a neutral cream shadow.

Step 6: Give Yourself Glow

Overly glazed skin is out, but a natural, bronzed look can give your skin natural-looking depth. If you want to amp up the dew, apply a dab of cream highlighter to the high points of your face: cheekbones, brow bones, and cupid’s bow for a lit-from-within sheen without sparkle.

Step 7: Just A Little Lip

Swap lipstick for a sheer wash of color. A lip-like liner color and a nourishing balm offer hydration and a touch of tint that pulls the whole look together.