Isn't it cute how men can't tell the difference between a woman with no makeup and a woman with natural makeup? Who can blame them, it even happens to me!
The natural look may sound like something you're born with, but it actually takes a tiny bit of work. Not too much, we promise!
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What Is the 'Natural Look'?
Natural makeup definitely means different things to different people. In fact, you might opt for no makeup at all! No argument here; we're all for #makeupfree days.
To us, applying natural-looking makeup is all about enhancing your features subtly and giving your skin a healthy, glowing appearance.
- Consider your skin tone when choosing makeup shades. For a natural look, go for colors that complement your natural skin tone and don't appear too harsh or unnatural.
- Opt for a natural makeup look by using minimal products and focusing on enhancing your features. Use a tinted moisturizer or BB cream for light coverage, and add subtle color to your lips and cheeks with a tinted lip balm or cream blush.
- The key to natural-looking makeup is moderation. Use products sparingly and blend thoroughly to achieve a flawless yet seemingly makeup-free look.
- Use DIY makeup products with natural colors and a more natural look. This multipurpose cheek + lip stain is made with dried berries!
The Basic Natural Makeup Routine
If you're looking for a simple, but polished routine, here's a simple guide to help you achieve that effortlessly beautiful look:
- Start with Skincare: Begin with a clean, moisturized face. A good skincare routine helps makeup apply smoother and last longer. Consider using a light, non-greasy moisturizer that suits your skin type.
- Apply a Light Foundation or Tinted Moisturizer: Choose a foundation that matches your skin tone perfectly. For a very natural look, apply a light layer of tinted moisturizer or BB cream all over your face to even out your skin tone and create a natural-looking base.
- Concealer Where Needed: If you have any blemishes or dark circles, use a lightweight concealer to touch up these areas. Blend the edges well so there’s no noticeable line between concealer and skin.
- Set with Powder: If you’re prone to oiliness, apply a light dusting of translucent powder in your T-zone to set the foundation and concealer and prevent excess shine. Be careful not to apply too much, as this can create a cakey, unnatural finish.
- Natural Blush: Choose a blush color that resembles your cheeks when naturally flushed. Cream blushes blend into the skin seamlessly for a natural flush. Apply lightly on the apples of your cheeks.
- Subtle Eye Makeup: Use neutral shades for your eyes. A light brown or taupe can be swept over the eyelids, and a slightly darker shade can be used in the crease to add depth. Finish with one or two coats of mascara to enhance your lashes.
- Define Your Brows: Fill in any sparse areas in your eyebrows with a brow pencil or powder that closely matches your natural brow color. Use gentle, feathery strokes and finish with a clear brow gel to keep them in place.
- Lips: Opt for a tinted lip balm or a natural lipstick close to your natural lip color.
- Setting Spray: If you need your makeup to last all day, use a setting spray. Choose a hydrating formula to keep your skin looking fresh.
20 Natural Makeup Tutorials + Routines
Here are a few specific natural makeup tutorials tailored to different needs and preferences, perfect for achieving a polished look without feeling overdone. These routines are especially suitable if you're just stepping into the world of makeup or looking for ways to enhance your natural beauty with minimal products.
1. Flawless Skin Tutorial by Keiko Lynn
Here's how to make your face look absolutely flawless, without looking like you used tons of product on it. Gorgeous Keiko Lynn shares some of her beauty tips.
2. The 5-Minute Morning Routine
This routine is perfect for busy mornings when you want to look put-together in no time:
- Base: Combine foundation with moisturizer for light coverage and hydration. (I do this right on my hand and apply with my fingers.)
- Eyes: Apply a brown eye liner and add a coat of mascara to open up your eyes.
- Cheeks: Use a cream blush for a quick, natural flush that also looks seamless.
- Lips: Finish with a swipe of tinted lip balm or gloss for a hint of color and moisture.
3. Natural Looking Makeup by Style Caster
Skip the eyeliner and up the moisturizer to get the natural look just right. This tutorial shows you how.
4. The Weekend Casual Routine
For weekends or days off, when you want just a hint of makeup use a cream bronzer, a cream blush, and a tinted lip balm to create a natural-looking glow.:
- Base: Skip foundation and use a concealer where needed.
- Eyes: A swipe of waterproof mascara and a touch of clear brow gel.
- Cheeks: Apply the bronzer to the hollows of your cheeks, temples, and jawline, and dab the blush onto the apples of your cheeks.
- Lips: Swipe on lip balm or lip oil for a subtle, natural-looking lip color that won't feel heavy or overdone.
5. Conceal and Correct by Camille Styles
These are the two main actions to get the "I'm not wearing any makeup" look, and this tutorial features many tips on how to apply them correctly.
6. The Natural Glow Routine
Perfect for everyday wear, this routine focuses on achieving a radiant, healthy-looking complexion:
- Base: Start with a hydrating primer, followed by a light layer of dewy foundation or a skin tint.
- Eyes: Use a warm, light brown eyeshadow to subtly define the eyes and a coat of brown mascara for a softer look than black.
- Cheeks: Use a contour powder to define your cheekbones, followed by a vibrant blush and a shimmering highlighter.
- Lips: Finish with a hydrating gloss or a nude lipstick that enhances your natural lip color.
7. Summer Makeup by A Thousand Threads
Using multi-purpose products is cost effective, but it also gives you a nice, homogeneous look. Click through for a summer makeup tutorial that's light as well as easy.
8. The Evening Out Routine
When you have a bit more time to prepare for an evening out, this routine adds a bit of drama:
- Base: Opt for a medium coverage foundation, and conceal any blemishes or under-eye circles.
- Eyes: Use a shimmery eyeshadow on the lids, a darker shade in the crease, and blend well. Try making your own mineral eyeshadow for natural shades that won't be as intense as conventional makeup.
- Cheeks: Highlight the tops of your cheeks with a luminizer and use a berry cheek stain.
- Lips: Keep it subtle with a wine-colored lip gloss for a glossy finish.
9. Dark Circles Under Eyes by Lisa Eldridge
Dark circles might prevent you from trying the natural makeup look. But the first step to hiding dark under-eye circles is to know what causes them. This video speaks about the causes and treatments for those dreaded dark circles.
10. How To Tint Your Eyebrows with Henna by Hello Glow
You don't need much more makeup when your eyebrows take the spotlight! Contoured eyebrows frame the face nicely, but the henna makes sure it still looks natural.
For a natural-looking brow, use a brow pencil or powder that matches your hair color and lightly fill in any sparse areas. Avoid creating harsh lines or overfilling your brows.
11. The Five Minute Face by Once Wed
You don't need more than five minutes and a few makeup products to highlight your natural beauty! This even works for weddings, if you don't want to go over the top.
12. The Summer Sun Routine
Great for hot and humid days, this routine is about staying fresh and melt-proof:
- Base: Start with a water-resistant, lightweight BB cream with SPF. Use a waterproof concealer where needed.
- Eyes: Opt for waterproof mascara and consider a cream eyeshadow that won’t crease.
- Cheeks: A gel or liquid blush will stay put longer and blend nicely into the skin. Apply a highlighter for a sunkissed touch.
- Lips: A tinted lip balm with SPF will keep your lips moisturized and protected from the sun.
13. Five Minutes Sunkissed Skin by Camille Styles
The perfect summer look, for when you don't have a lot of time to spend in front of the mirror. Five minutes is just the amount of time we have to get ready anyway.
14. The Sensitive Skin Routine
For those with sensitive skin, focusing on hypoallergenic or non-comedogenic products is key:
- Base: Use a mineral-based powder foundation to minimize irritation.
- Eyes: Stick to hypoallergenic mascara and avoid eyeliners or shadows with irritants like fragrance.
- Cheeks: A mineral blush free from bismuth oxychloride can add color without causing flare-ups.
- Lips: Opt for a conditioning lip balm followed by a swipe of a natural lip color.
15. Minimal Impact by Elle
This Narciso Rodriguez runway look is based on creamy textures and natural-looking hues on the cheeks, lips and even lashes. Love!
16. Natural Wedding Makeup Tutorial by Bridal Musings
Enhance your natural beauty without giving yourself a harsh makeover with this subtle glow bridal tutorial. Add some false lashes for drama and you're good to go!
17. The Office-Friendly Routine
Ideal for a professional environment, this routine adds a touch of sophistication without going overboard:
- Base: Use a lightweight foundation or a mineral powder for a clean, even look.
- Eyes: Define your eyes with a matte brown or gray eyeshadow and a thin line of eyeliner. Curl your lashes and apply mascara.
- Cheeks: A subtle matte blush in a shade close to your natural flush will enhance your complexion.
- Lips: Choose a long-lasting nude or rose lipstick that complements your skin tone.
18. How To Contour and Highlight by Once Wed
If you do your contouring and highlighting right, you don't even need any other makeup products to look naturally pretty!
19. Everyday Makeup in Less Than 5 Minutes by Megan Miloshis
Obviously, the time it takes to get this look is a big seller. It's perfect for when you need to jump on a Zoom call or get out the door in time for school pick-up.
20. Everyday Natural Makeup Routine by SBK Living
Glowy and clean, this is the makeup routine that you can do over and over and still love the results every single day.
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Bella says
Very beautiful pictures. Personally i've always preferred the natural look - i think this is what suits most people. I think good skincare and haircare are essential for this look.
Mae says
Love it! This is a look I've been aiming to master!
Ellé says
Really helpful post :)