The Real Chic Life

Effortless Beauty: How to Master the No-Makeup Makeup Look

I believe there’s something undeniably timeless about the no-makeup makeup look — that effortless, “I woke up like this” radiance that makes you look polished without appearing overdone. Even if you typically prefer a more done up look, the no-makeup makeup look is useful for busy mornings, coffee dates, outdoor activities or those days you just want to feel fresh and put together.

Here’s how to master the look, step-by-step:

1. Start with Skin That Glows

The foundation of any great minimal makeup look is hydrated skin. Begin with a lightweight moisturizer. Then add SPF — it protects and gives that natural, luminous finish.

Chic tip: Mix a drop of liquid highlighter or face oil into your moisturizer for an instant glow.

2. Perfect Your Base (Without Hiding Your Skin)

Swap out full-coverage foundation for something light and breathable:

A tinted moisturizer, skin tint, or BB cream evens tone while letting your skin show through. You can skip the separate SPF step above by using Merit Beauty’s The Uniform Tinted Sunscreen or Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40. Both products offer sun protection (which is still important in fall/winter) and light coverage.

For a little more coverage try Merit’s The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick that merges a lightweight foundation and a concealer into one handy stick, or a traditional concealer like Ilia’s True Skin Serum Concealer. Use the complexion stick or concealer only where needed — under the eyes, around the nose, or on small blemishes. Blend with your fingers or a damp sponge for the most natural finish.

Chic tip: Choose formulas with a dewy or satin finish like the examples above to mimic real skin rather than matte ones.

3. Add a Hint of Color

Cream products are your best friend for this look. They melt seamlessly into skin and keep everything looking fresh.

Tap a bit of cream blush onto the apples of your cheeks and blend upward for a healthy flush. Choose shades that look natural like soft rose, peach, or nude-pink tones. Try Merit’s Flush Balm or Rhode’s Pocket Blush.

Chic tip: You can even dab your blush onto your lips for a softly coordinated look.

4. Define, Don’t Draw

For brows and lashes, it’s all about subtle enhancement.

Lightly fill in sparse areas with a brow pencil or tinted gel — focus on brushing hairs upward for a feathered effect. Merit’s Brow 1980 pomade looks very natural. I’m also a fan of Thrive Cosmetics Instant Brow Fix Semi-Permanent Brow Gel for sparse eyebrows. Curl your lashes if necessary and apply one coat of mascara, concentrating at the base for a lifted, fluttery look.

Chic tip: Skip eyeliner or use a brown pencil for barely-there definition.

5. Finish with a Natural Lip

The final touch is soft, hydrated lips that complement your skin tone.

Try a tinted balm, lip oil, or nude satin lipstick for that effortless wash of color. Avoid overly matte formulas — the key is a comfortable texture. When I want something quick and hydrating I reach for Rhode’s Peptide Lip Tint.

Chic tip: If you opt for nude lipstick, add a dab of clear gloss or balm to the center of your lips for a plump, healthy sheen.

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The no-makeup makeup look is about celebrating your natural beauty, not covering it up. With just a few thoughtfully chosen products and a light hand, you can look radiant, confident, and effortlessly put together.

Xo, Courtney

P.S.- Tomorrow is the last day to enter our Sézane fall giveaway.